About 25 minutes later, thatched roofs came into view. We had arrived. The island's workers welcomed us with fresh watermelon juice and a shot of cherry-soaked rum. With watermelon juice in hand ...

SHIRAKAWA, Gifu Prefecture--Villagers in this renowned UNESCO World Heritage site came together to re-thatch the roof of a multitiered house here for the first time in five years on May 13.

For the best experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. The ‘makuti’ thatch continues to be a symbol of prestige and cultural attraction in ...