Wada House

Overview

Wada House is a particularly striking Gassho-style house in Shirakawa-go, designated as an Important Cultural Property. Built in the late Edo period, it was home to the Wada family, who used the name "Yaemon" for generations. Once home to a large family of over 20 people, it exemplifies the typical Gassho-style farmhouse of Shirakawa-go. The Wada House complex consists of three buildings: the main house, a storehouse, and an outhouse, each showcasing the unique features of Gassho-style architecture. The three-story main house housed silkworms on the upper floors. The irori (traditional sunken hearth) in the first floor provided warmth, while gaps in the floorboards above improved ventilation. The heat and smoke from the irori also served as a natural insect and moisture repellent. The main house faces south-north, a design element to optimize ventilation. The two-story storehouse features a gable roof with wooden shingles. The thatched-roof outhouse is located to the right of the main house. The high preservation of not only these buildings but also the entire compound, including ancillary structures, waterways, and stone walls, is highly valued in its designation as a cultural property. While still lived in, the interior is open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once called it home. It's a must-see destination when visiting Shirakawa-go.