Rice-planting festival against the backdrop of traditional houses with steep thatched roofs

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go in central Japan has held a rice-planting festival against the backdrop of traditional houses with steep thatched roofs. The 40th annual event was organized by the tourist association of Shirakawa Village in Gifu Prefecture.  On Thursday, about 20 women wearing traditional clothes stood in line in a rice paddy and planted rice seedlings, as elderly villagers sang a traditional tune.

A visitor from the United States said it was a good experience to learn about different traditions. The head of the organizing committee also said he is happy to learn that the first-timers enjoyed the experience. He said he hopes the event will be held for many more years to come.