gassho-zukuri; steep thatched-roof style
A traditional Japanese architectural style characterized by steeply pitched thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer (合掌). Most famously seen in the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.
Many gassho-zukuri houses remain in Shirakawa-go.
合掌造りの屋根は雪が滑り落ちやすいように急勾配になっている。
The roofs of gassho-zukuri are steeply pitched so that snow slides off easily.