Gassho-zukuri and leaves 合掌造りと紅葉 (gifu, japan)

Posted by timothy sullivan (Tokyo, Japan) on 6 December 2008 in Plant & Nature.

"Gifu."
The moment you utter that place-name to most Japanese, they immediately smile and think of the countryside (田舎)--tranquil areas with unmatched beauty; cool, crisp, good-tasting air; and all other manners of refreshment offered to each of the senses. And while it may be a place less-exciting for some people--particular the younger, more city-oriented--to live in, it certainly has many breathtaking areas to visit and relax--to write a letter or haiku, or take photos.
For me, this place--Matsuo Pond--is one such area, and one that I used to frequent when I resided in Gifu City. Tucked away in the hillsides surrounding the city, and at the end of a somewhat long, winding road, the pond with its traditional straw-roofed gassho-zukuri home (transplanted ages ago from the world heritage site in Shirakawago, near Takayama) is (fortunately) relatively unknown to most people and remains one of those placid sanctuaries for quiet thought.

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