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Shirakawago, Japan, Asia, Apr 2004
he Shirakawa is a village surrounded by mountains and lies in the northwestern part of Gifu Prefecture.
The steeply inclined thatched roof of Gassho-zukuri is the unique feature of Shirakawago. ?°Gassho?± literally means the prayer and the word derived from the shape of the roof which resembles the palms joined when one prays. People here are devout and fervent followers of Jodoshinshu sect of Buddhism which supported their harsh lives in this snowbound region.