Conservation Design for Traditional Agricultural Villages: A Case Study of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Japan

Traditional agricultural villages, such as Japan's Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, face rapid decline, threatening their cultural heritage. Conservation efforts must balance tangible preservation with intangible traditions while maintaining ecological integrity. This study highlights the critical role of resident engagement and re-establishing links between landscape elements—like gassho-style houses—and daily activities (e.g., agriculture) to sustain these villages. It emphasizes that regulations alone are insufficient; self-motivated residents and innovative design are essential for long-term viability. The research combines case study analysis with conservation design principles, offering a model for safeguarding similar heritage sites globally.

Kuroda, N. (2019). Conservation Design for Traditional Agricultural Villages: A Case Study of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Japan. Built Heritage, 3(2), 7–23. https://doi.org/10.1186/bf03545724