An aspiring nurse, Alyssa Kotomi Luhrs is pursuing an associate degree in science with an emphasis on anatomy and microbiology at Collin College in Texas. Away from her studies, Alyssa Kotomi Luhrs enjoys traveling and has taken numerous trips to Japan.
Japan has no shortage of popular tourist attractions, from Mount Fuji to the Odaiba waterfront. That said, the country is home to just as many overlooked treasures, including Shirakawa Village.
Situated at the foot of Mount Hakusan in the northwest of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa Village--also known as Shirakawa-go--is known for its dreamlike atmosphere and uniquely designed cottages, constructed after Gassho-zukuri architecture. “Gassho-zukuri” translates to “prayer hands construction,” and the cottages are known the world over for their distinctly thatched and slanted roofs, which are both picturesque and practical in regard to protection during the long, snowy Japanese winters. The village has been named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Additional lesser-known sites in Japan range from Kurashiki, sometimes known as the Venice of Japan, and Matsue, home to many of the country’s ancient myths and legends.
