Gero Gassho-mura: The Thatched-Roof Village

2015-05-06 · Updated: 2026-08-11 · Original (Korean)

This article was translated from the original Korean post with AI assistance. Read the original Korean post →

Just wandering around the village felt a bit boring, like I was just killing time with nothing to do. So, I decided to make the thatched-roof village (Gassho-mura) at the northern end of town the destination for my walk.

The most famous Gassho-mura (meaning "thatched-roof village" in Japanese) is the UNESCO World Heritage site in Shirakawa-go. The Gassho-mura here in Gero is more like a folk village, created by relocating 10 houses from Shirakawa-go for tourism. (I'm not sure if it was strictly for tourism, cultural preservation, or some other reason, but it's hard to imagine it being for anything other than sightseeing.) Even though one of the relocated houses is designated as a tangible cultural property, Gero isn't the original home of these Gassho-style houses. After reading this backstory, I figured it wouldn't be anything too spectacular in person. Still, it was a reasonable 1 km walk away and situated on high ground where I could probably see the whole town, so I set it as my destination.

Pedestrian path on a bridge crossing a river and surrounding buildings

Mountains seen over the bridge and hot spring hotel buildings along the river — Most of the densely packed buildings are ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).

Various types of buildings lined up along the river and clear river water — This is the river that runs through Gero, and there's an open-air bath right in it. I looked to see if anyone was enjoying a soak as I passed by, but there wasn't a single person.

Hot spring village street lined with trees and a building with a clock tower — The way there is entirely uphill. Because of that, I slowly started running out of breath.

Brown signpost pointing the way to Gassho Village and Ujo Park — I'm not sure what standard they used to measure the distance, but since it was uphill, it felt like a solid 20-minute walk.

Shallow stream lined with stones and a red arched bridge crossing over it — If I had come in the spring instead of winter, this stream would probably be really beautiful. I came in February to enjoy the hot springs, but this place seems like it would be much prettier in the dead of winter with snow falling, or in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom.

Green sign indicating 150m left to Gero Onsen Gassho Village — Just when you start to doubt if you're on the right path, a sign appears. I can't believe there's still 150 meters left!!!

Closed shops at the Gassho Village morning market, which is closed for the winter

Back of a person standing at the entrance of Gero Gassho Village — Finally arrived!!! But there is absolutely N.O.T.H.I.N.G. here!!

Hill path with sunlight shining through the trees and a traditional house

Two white trucks parked in front of a traditional house — Going a bit further up, Gassho-mura finally comes into view. This is the ticket booth.

After strolling through the neighborhood and walking until I was completely out of breath, Gassho-mura finally appeared. Even though it wasn't early in the day, there wasn't a single tourist around. I thought about buying a ticket to go inside, but with zero tourists, it didn't really seem necessary. You know that feeling when you're looking for a place to eat in an unfamiliar town? If it's crowded, it feels like a good restaurant, but if it's completely empty with flies buzzing around, you feel like you shouldn't go in. My gut told me this was the empty restaurant. Plus, it looked like I could see all the exteriors just by following the path around it, so I skipped buying a ticket.

Traditional house with a thick, moss-covered thatched roof

Traditional wooden house with a steep thatched roof — Well... even without a ticket, seeing this much is basically like seeing it all...

Gassho-style traditional house and garden nestled under a mountain — Former Odo House

This building is the "Former Odo House," which is registered as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. It took 13 years to build, starting in 1833, and is famous for being exceptionally large. Even from a distance, it has a commanding presence compared to the other houses in Gassho-mura. Maybe a famous samurai or a powerful local clan lived here back then? Oh wait, were there still samurai in 1833? Anyway, unlike the other houses, the roof is covered with fresh straw, giving it a very clean and neat appearance.

Top part of a roof woven with thick thatch — It looks a bit like it's wearing a samurai helmet.

Several traditional houses standing against a background of mountains and trees

Exterior of a traditional wooden house with a steep thatched roof and windows covered with white paper. — The difference between the cultural property "Former Odo House" and a regular building.

Surface of a thick thatched roof covered here and there with green moss and white snow. — There's a lot of moss in the shaded areas. Personally, I prefer this kind of natural look. The building feels sturdy, yet cozy like a sanctuary for birds.

It was a short visit, and I only looked from the outside without going in, but I was personally satisfied. I got to see the "Former Odo House," which stands out at a glance even if you didn't know it was a cultural property, so I'd say I got a good free tour. It's worth stopping by for a look if you're in Gero, but if you really want to see a proper Gassho-mura, heading to Shirakawa-go seems like the right move. The "original" is always better, after all.

#IdRatherLiveInAHouseLikeThisThanAnApartment #MossOnMyRoof #AhSoAtmospheric #ButFirstINeedToBuyLand...