The defining characteristic of the Obuse region’s landscape is its wonderful farm settlements. In particular it is the beautiful harmony of the row houses, barns, earthen storehouses, farm houses and gardens. A perfect balance was maintained between the scale of the houses and yards. Furthermore the selection of materials for the walls and roofs was outstanding. The beautiful forms of the silkworm huts that can be sometimes seen are breathtaking.
Now that most roofs are covered in galvanized iron it is worth noting that in Obuse there remain 130 buildings with thatched roofs. By the way, Shirakawa-go in Gifu which is known as a World Heritage Site and Gokayama in Toyama put together have about 200 houses with Gassho (joined palms) style roofs. I wonder how many Obuse put together with neighboring Takayama and Suzaka would have.
The contribution to the landscape made by building comfortable interiors and exteriors with all natural materials is immeasurable. This is the stage for Shukei Jigyo.