白川郷を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、白川郷に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報は以下の通りです。
- 白川郷の概要:
- 岐阜県にある伝統的な村、合掌造りの家屋が特徴
- 合掌造り：
- 豪雪地帯に適応した伝統的な建築様式で、急勾配の茅葺き屋根が特徴
- ユネスコ世界遺産:
- 1995年にユネスコの世界遺産に登録
- 五箇山と共に独特な建築様式が評価されている
- 季節ごとの魅力:
- 白川郷は四季折々に異なる美しさを持つ
- 春は桜、夏は緑、秋は紅葉、冬は雪景色
- 冬のライトアップイベント:
- 冬季には村全体がライトアップされ、幻想的な雰囲気を楽しめ、観光客に人気
- アクセス方法:
- 名古屋や金沢からのバスでのアクセスが一般的
- 合掌造りの家屋に宿泊、伝統的な生活を体験できる
2人が白川郷について話しています。
白川郷の合掌造りの家屋、ユネスコ世界遺産としての重要性、季節ごとの魅力、冬のライトアップイベント、宿泊体験、どぶろく祭りなど、白川郷の見どころや訪問する価値などを話題にしています。また、交通手段や宿泊についても触れています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been thinking about visiting Shirakawa-go. Have you heard of it?
Yes, I have! It’s that village with the Gassho-zukuri houses, right?
Exactly. The houses have these steep thatched roofs, designed to handle heavy snow. They’re called “Gassho-zukuri” because they look like hands in prayer.
That sounds fascinating. I heard it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Do you know why?
Yes, it was designated in 1995 along with Gokayama. The village is recognized for its unique architecture and historical value. The way they built the houses without nails and the use of ancient techniques is pretty impressive.
I’ve seen pictures, and the village looks stunning, especially in winter. The snow-covered houses are beautiful.
Definitely. They even have a winter light-up event where they illuminate the houses. It creates this magical, fairytale-like atmosphere. I’m really interested in seeing that.
That sounds amazing. But is Shirakawa-go worth visiting in other seasons too?
Absolutely. In spring, there are cherry blossoms, and in summer, the greenery is lush and vibrant. Autumn brings beautiful fall colors. Each season offers something unique.
How do you plan to get there?
There are several options. You can drive, but I’ll probably take a bus. From Nagoya, it’s about a 3-hour bus ride, and from Kanazawa, it’s about 1.5 hours.
That’s convenient. Are you planning to stay overnight?
Yes, I want to stay in one of the Gassho-zukuri houses. It’s like a living museum because people still live there, keeping old customs alive. It would be an incredible cultural experience.
I agree. And there’s the Doburoku Festival, right? It sounds fun to try the local sake.
Yes, that’s in autumn. They serve a special cloudy sake called “doburoku.” It would be great to experience local traditions.
It sounds like Shirakawa-go has a lot to offer. From the history and architecture to the beautiful scenery and festivals.
Exactly. I think it’s a must-visit place for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.
Definitely. Let me know how it goes when you visit. Maybe I’ll plan a trip there too!
Sure thing! I’ll share all the details. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience.
関連情報 / related information
「白川郷」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
白川郷
Overview
Shirakawa-go is a traditional village in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its Gassho-zukuri houses, which have steep thatched roofs. These roofs are designed to handle heavy snow. The houses look like hands in prayer, which is why they are called “Gassho-zukuri.”
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Shirakawa-go, along with Gokayama, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. This status highlights the village’s unique architecture and historical importance. The houses are built using ancient techniques without nails, making them culturally significant.
Seasonal Beauty
The village is beautiful in all seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, creating a picturesque scene. Summer is full of lush greenery, while autumn brings vibrant fall colors. In winter, the snow-covered village looks like a fairytale.
Winter Light-Up Event
One of the most popular events in Shirakawa-go is the winter light-up. During this event, the Gassho-zukuri houses are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. It attracts many tourists every year.
Access and Local Culture
Shirakawa-go can be reached by bus from Nagoya or Kanazawa, taking about 3 hours and 1.5 hours, respectively. Visitors can stay in traditional houses and experience the local lifestyle. The village also hosts the Doburoku Festival in autumn, where visitors can try a local cloudy sake called “doburoku.”
10の質問 / 10 questions
「白川郷」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Shirakawa-go?
Shirakawa-go is a traditional village in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, known for its unique Gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2: What are Gassho-zukuri houses?
Gassho-zukuri houses are traditional Japanese homes with steep, thatched roofs that resemble hands in prayer. These roofs are built to handle the heavy snowfalls in the region.
3: When did Shirakawa-go become a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Shirakawa-go was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, along with the nearby village of Gokayama, for its cultural and historical significance.
4: Why are the roofs of Gassho-zukuri houses so steep?
The steep roofs are designed to prevent snow from accumulating and collapsing the structure during heavy snowfall, which is common in Shirakawa-go during winter.
5: What is the Shirakawa-go winter light-up event?
The winter light-up event is a popular annual event where the Gassho-zukuri houses are illuminated, creating a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere. It usually takes place on specific weekends in January and February.
6: How can you access Shirakawa-go?
Shirakawa-go can be accessed by bus from major cities like Nagoya (about 3 hours) and Kanazawa (about 1.5 hours). Visitors can also drive to the village.
7: What can you experience in Shirakawa-go during other seasons?
Shirakawa-go is beautiful year-round. In spring, visitors can see cherry blossoms; in summer, the village is surrounded by lush greenery; and in autumn, the area is known for its vibrant fall colors.
8: Can you stay overnight in Shirakawa-go?
Yes, visitors can stay in traditional Gassho-zukuri houses that have been converted into inns. Staying overnight allows you to experience the local lifestyle and culture.
9: What is the Doburoku Festival?
The Doburoku Festival is a traditional event held in Shirakawa-go during autumn. During the festival, visitors can enjoy a local cloudy sake called doburoku, which is made in the village.
10: What makes Shirakawa-go a special place to visit?
Shirakawa-go offers a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its well-preserved traditional houses, scenic landscapes, and seasonal events make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese culture and heritage.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been thinking about visiting Shirakawa-go. Have you heard of it?
キー、白川郷に行こうかと思ってるんだけど、知ってる？
Yes, I have! It’s that village with the Gassho-zukuri houses, right?
うん、知ってるよ！合掌造りの家がある村だよね？
Exactly. The houses have these steep thatched roofs, designed to handle heavy snow. They’re called “Gassho-zukuri” because they look like hands in prayer.
そうそう。その家は急な茅葺き屋根で、大雪に耐えられるように作られてるんだ。「合掌造り」って言うんだけど、祈る手の形に似てるからそう呼ばれてるんだ。
That sounds fascinating. I heard it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Do you know why?
面白そうだね。ユネスコの世界遺産になってるって聞いたけど、なんでか知ってる？
Yes, it was designated in 1995 along with Gokayama. The village is recognized for its unique architecture and historical value. The way they built the houses without nails and the use of ancient techniques is pretty impressive.
うん、1995年に五箇山と一緒に登録されたんだ。独特の建築様式と歴史的な価値が評価されたんだよ。釘を使わずに建てられた家とか、古い技術の使い方がすごいんだ。
I’ve seen pictures, and the village looks stunning, especially in winter. The snow-covered houses are beautiful.
写真を見たことがあるけど、特に冬の景色が素晴らしいね。雪に覆われた家がとても綺麗だよね。
Definitely. They even have a winter light-up event where they illuminate the houses. It creates this magical, fairytale-like atmosphere. I’m really interested in seeing that.
そうなんだ。冬にはライトアップイベントもあるんだって。家が照らされて、まるでおとぎ話のような雰囲気になるんだ。見に行きたいな。
That sounds amazing. But is Shirakawa-go worth visiting in other seasons too?
それは素敵だね。他の季節に行っても楽しめるのかな？
Absolutely. In spring, there are cherry blossoms, and in summer, the greenery is lush and vibrant. Autumn brings beautiful fall colors. Each season offers something unique.
もちろんだよ。春には桜が咲いて、夏には緑が豊かで鮮やかになるんだ。秋には紅葉が美しいし、どの季節も違った魅力があるんだよ。
How do you plan to get there?
どうやって行く予定なの？
There are several options. You can drive, but I’ll probably take a bus. From Nagoya, it’s about a 3-hour bus ride, and from Kanazawa, it’s about 1.5 hours.
方法はいくつかあるよ。車で行くこともできるけど、バスで行こうと思ってる。名古屋からだとバスで約3時間、金沢からだと約1.5時間くらいかな。
That’s convenient. Are you planning to stay overnight?
便利だね。泊まる予定なの？
Yes, I want to stay in one of the Gassho-zukuri houses. It’s like a living museum because people still live there, keeping old customs alive. It would be an incredible cultural experience.
うん、合掌造りの家に泊まりたいと思ってる。住民が今でも住んでいて、昔の風習を守ってるから、まるで生きた博物館みたいなんだ。すごい文化体験になりそうだよ。
I agree. And there’s the Doburoku Festival, right? It sounds fun to try the local sake.
同感だよ。それに、どぶろく祭りもあるんだよね？地元の酒を試すのも楽しそう。
Yes, that’s in autumn. They serve a special cloudy sake called “doburoku.” It would be great to experience local traditions.
うん、秋に開催されるんだ。「どぶろく」っていう濁り酒を出してくれるんだ。地元の伝統を体験するのはいいよね。
It sounds like Shirakawa-go has a lot to offer. From the history and architecture to the beautiful scenery and festivals.
白川郷にはたくさんの見どころがあるんだね。歴史や建築、美しい景色や祭りまで。
Exactly. I think it’s a must-visit place for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.
そうなんだ。日本の文化や歴史に興味がある人には絶対に訪れるべき場所だと思うよ。
Definitely. Let me know how it goes when you visit. Maybe I’ll plan a trip there too!
絶対だね。行ったらどうだったか教えてよ。僕も行く計画を立てるかもしれない！
Sure thing! I’ll share all the details. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience.
もちろん！全部教えるよ。きっと忘れられない経験になるよ。
関連情報 / related information
白川郷
Overview
Shirakawa-go is a traditional village in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its Gassho-zukuri houses, which have steep thatched roofs. These roofs are designed to handle heavy snow. The houses look like hands in prayer, which is why they are called “Gassho-zukuri.”
白川郷は日本の岐阜県にある伝統的な村です。合掌造りの家屋で有名で、急勾配の茅葺き屋根が特徴です。これらの屋根は大雪に耐えるように設計されており、祈りの手に似ているため「合掌造り」と呼ばれています。
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Shirakawa-go, along with Gokayama, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. This status highlights the village’s unique architecture and historical importance. The houses are built using ancient techniques without nails, making them culturally significant.
白川郷は五箇山とともに1995年にユネスコの世界遺産に登録されました。この認定は、村の独特な建築様式と歴史的重要性を強調しています。これらの家屋は釘を使わずに古代の技術を用いて建てられており、文化的に重要とされています。
Seasonal Beauty
The village is beautiful in all seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, creating a picturesque scene. Summer is full of lush greenery, while autumn brings vibrant fall colors. In winter, the snow-covered village looks like a fairytale.
村は四季折々の美しさがあります。春には桜が咲き、美しい景色が広がります。夏には緑が豊かで、秋には鮮やかな紅葉が楽しめます。冬には雪に覆われた村がまるでおとぎ話のような風景を作り出します。
Winter Light-Up Event
One of the most popular events in Shirakawa-go is the winter light-up. During this event, the Gassho-zukuri houses are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. It attracts many tourists every year.
白川郷で最も人気のあるイベントの一つが冬のライトアップです。このイベントでは、合掌造りの家屋が照らされ、幻想的な雰囲気が生まれます。毎年多くの観光客を魅了します。
Access and Local Culture
Shirakawa-go can be reached by bus from Nagoya or Kanazawa, taking about 3 hours and 1.5 hours, respectively. Visitors can stay in traditional houses and experience the local lifestyle. The village also hosts the Doburoku Festival in autumn, where visitors can try a local cloudy sake called “doburoku.”
白川郷には、名古屋または金沢からバスで行くことができ、それぞれ約3時間と1.5時間かかります。訪問者は伝統的な家屋に宿泊し、地元の生活を体験することができます。また、秋にはどぶろく祭りが開催され、地元の濁り酒「どぶろく」を楽しむことができます。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Shirakawa-go?
白川郷とは何ですか？
Shirakawa-go is a traditional village in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, known for its unique Gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
白川郷は、岐阜県にある伝統的な村で、雪に耐えるために設計された急勾配の茅葺き屋根を持つ合掌造りの家屋で知られています。ユネスコ世界遺産に登録されています。
2: What are Gassho-zukuri houses?
合掌造りの家とは何ですか？
Gassho-zukuri houses are traditional Japanese homes with steep, thatched roofs that resemble hands in prayer. These roofs are built to handle the heavy snowfalls in the region.
合掌造りの家は、祈る手に似た急勾配の茅葺き屋根を持つ日本の伝統的な家です。この屋根は、その地域の大雪に対応するように作られています。
3: When did Shirakawa-go become a UNESCO World Heritage site?
白川郷はいつユネスコ世界遺産になりましたか？
Shirakawa-go was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, along with the nearby village of Gokayama, for its cultural and historical significance.
白川郷は、その文化的および歴史的な重要性から、1995年に近隣の五箇山と共にユネスコ世界遺産に登録されました。
4: Why are the roofs of Gassho-zukuri houses so steep?
合掌造りの家の屋根はなぜそんなに急勾配ですか？
The steep roofs are designed to prevent snow from accumulating and collapsing the structure during heavy snowfall, which is common in Shirakawa-go during winter.
急勾配の屋根は、雪が積もって構造が崩れるのを防ぐために設計されています。冬の白川郷では大雪がよくあるからです。
5: What is the Shirakawa-go winter light-up event?
白川郷の冬のライトアップイベントとは何ですか？
The winter light-up event is a popular annual event where the Gassho-zukuri houses are illuminated, creating a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere. It usually takes place on specific weekends in January and February.
冬のライトアップイベントは、合掌造りの家が照らされ、おとぎ話のような幻想的な雰囲気を作り出す人気の年次イベントです。通常、1月と2月の特定の週末に開催されます。
6: How can you access Shirakawa-go?
白川郷にはどうやって行けますか？
Shirakawa-go can be accessed by bus from major cities like Nagoya (about 3 hours) and Kanazawa (about 1.5 hours). Visitors can also drive to the village.
白川郷には、名古屋（約3時間）や金沢（約1.5時間）などの主要都市からバスでアクセスできます。車でのアクセスも可能です。
7: What can you experience in Shirakawa-go during other seasons?
他の季節に白川郷では何を体験できますか？
Shirakawa-go is beautiful year-round. In spring, visitors can see cherry blossoms; in summer, the village is surrounded by lush greenery; and in autumn, the area is known for its vibrant fall colors.
白川郷は一年を通じて美しい場所です。春には桜が咲き、夏には緑豊かな景色が広がり、秋には鮮やかな紅葉が見られます。
8: Can you stay overnight in Shirakawa-go?
白川郷に泊まることはできますか？
Yes, visitors can stay in traditional Gassho-zukuri houses that have been converted into inns. Staying overnight allows you to experience the local lifestyle and culture.
はい、合掌造りの家を改造した宿に泊まることができます。泊まることで、地元の生活や文化を体験できます。
9: What is the Doburoku Festival?
どぶろく祭りとは何ですか？
The Doburoku Festival is a traditional event held in Shirakawa-go during autumn. During the festival, visitors can enjoy a local cloudy sake called doburoku, which is made in the village.
どぶろく祭りは、白川郷で秋に開催される伝統的なイベントです。この祭りでは、村で作られた地元の濁り酒「どぶろく」を楽しむことができます。
10: What makes Shirakawa-go a special place to visit?
白川郷を訪れる価値がある特別な場所にしているのは何ですか？
Shirakawa-go offers a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its well-preserved traditional houses, scenic landscapes, and seasonal events make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese culture and heritage.
白川郷は、歴史、文化、そして自然の美しさが融合した独特の場所です。保存状態の良い伝統的な家屋や美しい景色、季節ごとのイベントが、日本文化や遺産に興味のある人には必見の場所としています。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
thatched : 形容詞
意味: 茅葺きの。Covered with straw or reeds, typically referring to roofs.
（白川郷の合掌造りの家の茅葺き屋根を指す）
例文：
- The cottage had a thatched roof, giving it a rustic charm.
「そのコテージには茅葺きの屋根があり、素朴な魅力がありました。」 - Many traditional houses in England are thatched.
「イギリスには茅葺きの伝統的な家が多いです。」 - The thatched roof needed repairs after the storm.
「嵐の後、その茅葺き屋根は修理が必要でした。」
Sure thing : 句
意味: もちろん、確実なこと。Used to express agreement or confirmation.
（友人との会話で、情報を共有する約束の際に使用）
例文：
- “Can you help me with this?” “Sure thing!”
「これ手伝ってくれる？」「もちろん！」 - “Are you coming to the party?” “Sure thing.”
「パーティーに来る？」「もちろん。」 - “Is it okay if I call you later?” “Sure thing.”
「後で電話してもいい？」「もちろん。」
picturesque : 形容詞
意味: 絵のように美しい。Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
（白川郷の春の桜や冬の雪景色の美しさを表現するために使用）
例文：
- The village is picturesque, surrounded by mountains and rivers.
「その村は山や川に囲まれていて絵のように美しいです。」 - We stayed in a picturesque little town by the sea.
「海沿いの絵のように美しい小さな町に滞在しました。」 - The picturesque landscape is perfect for photography.
「その絵のように美しい風景は写真撮影に最適です。」
handle : 動詞
意味: 扱う、処理する。To manage, control, or deal with something.
(白川郷の家屋が大雪に耐えられるように設計されていることを示す）
例文：
- She knows how to handle difficult situations.
「彼女は困難な状況を処理する方法を知っています。」 - This car can handle rough terrain easily.
「この車は荒れた地形も簡単に走れます。」 - The roof is built to handle heavy snowfall.
「その屋根は大雪に耐えられるように作られています。」
fairytale : 名詞・形容詞
意味: おとぎ話のような、幻想的な。A story or atmosphere that is magical, idealized, or enchanting.
（白川郷の冬の雪景色やライトアップの幻想的な雰囲気を表現するために使用）
例文：
- The snow-covered village was a fairytale scene.
「雪に覆われた村はまるでおとぎ話のような光景でした。」 - The castle looked like something out of a fairytale.
「その城はおとぎ話の中から出てきたように見えました。」 - They had a fairytale wedding in the countryside.
「彼らは田舎でおとぎ話のような結婚式を挙げました。」