A vintage omiyage folk craft captures the charm of Shirakawa-go (白川郷), a UNESCO World Heritage village in the Hida Takayama region, famed for its iconic Gasshō-zukuri houses with steeply pitched thatched roofs. Lovingly handcrafted, this set features a wooden miniature of a gasshō-style farmhouse complete with traditional shoji window detailing.
The village is best known for its gasshō-zukuri farmhouses. The name means “constructed like hands in prayer” because of the steep, thatched roofs that resemble hands pressed together in prayer. This design is not only aesthetically striking but also functional—it helps shed the region’s heavy snowfall in winter. Some of these homes are over 250 years old and are still inhabited or used as guesthouses, museums, or cultural centers.
Nestled beside the house is a charming hand-painted kokeshi doll, adding warmth and personality to the scene. The base integrates a mini thermometer, a pen or paper holder, making it a quaint and practical desk accessory.
Perfect for lovers of traditional Japanese architecture and countryside nostalgia, this piece celebrates the harmony between folk craft and everyday function. A charming keepsake for those who’ve visited Shirakawa-go—or dream of going.
