"Gassho" refers to the way Japanese people put their hands together during prayer. The large roofs resemble the praying hands, thus, the architectural style is called Gassho-zukuri. They were first built 300 years ago. But with modernization came the rapid demolition of such houses, and several hamlets have disappeared in Shirakawa-go. It was the people of Ogimachi village who stood up to preserve the Gassho-zukuri houses and attract tourism. They talked and came up with 3 rules for Gassho-zukuri: "don't sell, don't lease, don't destroy."

The Doburoku Festival for Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is held on 14 and 15 of October. Over 200 people – one-third of the village population – go around town accompanying the gods. The procession visits houses that have invited the gods, and the lion dance is performed. Inviting the gods to your house is a way to give thanks for something good that happened during the year, such as the birth of a child. The re-thatching of a roof is another such event.

Since long ago, all the villagers of Shirakawa have come together to re-thatch the roofs. Even in other activities, they work to help one another. In this region, the word "yui" is used. It's a word describing the bonds between the villagers. "Yui" is their duty, and also what has protected the village. Men and women, young and old. Working, having fun, enlivening the village.