A Minka in Chokai-machi:
Yuri County, Akita Pref.
Even in the snow country, the heat of summer can be very severe and houses
that can be opened up are needed. But if a house is left open, that can
be fatal when winter comes, so in winter, the house is protected
with grass and wooden boards. This is called "yuki gakoi." When
the house has a thatched roof, the grass
used to protect the house in winter is later used for the roof so that there
is no waste.