2025 Nanto Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

This is a hidden gassho-style village, a World Heritage Site, located about 20 minutes by car from the nearby Suganuma gassho-style village. Parking fee is 500 yen. The village has a peaceful rural landscape where you can spend your time leisurely. There are ordinary houses, guesthouses using gassho-style houses, experience centers for papermaking, and izakayas. In addition, there are several observation points in the village from which you can see the entire gassho-style village. This place is not as crowded with tourists as Shirakawa-go, so it is a good place for those who want to avoid the crowds and see the gassho-style houses. The old traditional houses are worth seeing and you can get a glimpse of life at that time. It has different charms depending on the season, so you will want to visit it again and again. Address: 939-1915 Ainokura, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture Open: 8:30 to 17:00 #Gokayama #Gassho-style #World Heritage Site #Instagrammable

#japan #Ainokura This is Ainokura village, the most remote town in gokayama region. It is also the largest of the villages with nearly 20 gassho-zukuri farmhouses. It is around half an hours bus ride away from shirakawa-go. If you think that shirakawago is a tad too crowded, ainokura is the best next option! You can take photos with the farm houses without much photo bombers. 🤣

Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village is located in the Gokayama region of Toyama Prefecture in Japan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional farmhouses which feature steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls. This is not just a museum though, as people still live in these houses, some 300 years old, and visitors can actually stay in those overnight! It's a unique place to explore on foot, taking in the stunning natural scenery surrounding the village. Now at the beginning of April you can still catch snow in parts of the village. You should also have a go at making your very own washi paper (you will get help!) to take home with you for 700JPY, a hard roll can also be purchased for 50JPY to keep your paper safe during travels.

Visiting Gassho Village is not just about Shirakawa-go😉 Recommend a settlement with fewer tourists "Aikura Gassho-style settlement" 👍🏻 It is one of the Gassho settlements in Gokayama, located in Toyama Prefecture🌇 Gokayama is made up of the five valleys of Akao Valley, Kami-Nari Valley, Shimonoseki Valley, Odani, and Toga Valley, and the Gokadani Zone. Like Shirakawa-go, it is a world heritage site, but it is more simple and peaceful. #Aikura Gassho-style settlement #Gokayama

#Overseas Travel#Japan Travel ➡️Gokayama is located in the southwestern edge of Toyama Prefecture and is an area rich in nature. The thatched houses with a high slope are called "Gassho-zukuri". Such precious folk houses can only be seen in the mountains and snowy areas around here in Japan. ➡️In 1995, Gokayama Gassho Village and Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture were registered as World Cultural Heritage. ➡️ Gokayama is the collective name for 40 small villages

A Gassho-style village in Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture A stroll through the village in the beautiful, rustic snowy scenery, surrounded by the great nature of Toyama 🚶‍♂️ Until recently, there was no adequate transportation route, and due to the rugged terrain and heavy snowfall in winter, it was once called a hidden area 🏔 The Gassho-style houses were apparently residences and factories built for silkworm farming and for producing saltpeter, a raw material for gunpowder 🧐 Even today, the village is working together to re-thatch the thatched roofs, and the spirit of "Yui" (bonds) of people helping each other is firmly rooted, giving a sense of the old traditions and history. I did 😌 Gokayama, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of each season 👍 I'd like to visit again in a different season 🙆‍♂️ ------------------------------------------- ▶︎Access🚗🚌 Go straight at the Gokayama IC intersection for about 2 minutes🚗 Get off at the World Heritage Bus "Gassho no Sato" bus stop or Hokuriku Railroad Expressway Bus "Gokayama Suganuma" bus stop and walk for 1 minute🚌 ------------------------------------------- #Amazing view #Toyama #Toyama Prefecture #Shirakawa-go #Gokayama #Gassho-style building #Village #World Heritage #Japanese tradition #Snowy landscape #Winter #Amazing winter view #Camera trip #canoneoskissx9i #I love traveling #I love nature #I love history #Travel record #Travel in Japan #japan #japantravel

The mountains were really colorful and Gokayama was very beautiful✨ Shirakawa-go is famous for its Gassho-style houses, but this village is also a World Heritage Site😊 I was able to take my time strolling around and checking out the shops☺️ It's beautiful no matter when you visit because you can see the beautiful scenery of the four seasons, but if I go again next time, I'd like to see the winter scenery✨ *Gokayama (Suganuma Village) 939-1973 Suganuma, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture ■41 minutes by bus or 1 minute on foot from Johana Station ■5 minutes by car from Gokayama IC #Autumn leaves #Toyama autumn leaves #Gokayama #World Heritage Site #Gassho-style houses #Amazing scenery

#Toyama #Inami #Zuisenji Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. In the past, this town, known as Inami Town in Toyama Prefecture, was famous for wood carvings, and it was a very quiet and tranquil town. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but it seems that most of the wood carvings in houses in Toyama (like the one in the first photo) were made here in Inami. I was not allowed to take photos of the craftsmen, so I didn't take any, but I couldn't help but respect the craftsmen who create such works from a single piece of wood. Also, Zuisenji Temple in Inami was built in the Muromachi period, and it was apparently the base of the Ikko Ikki uprising during the Sengoku period. It is said that this temple currently houses a painting that is believed to be of Prince Shotoku. The only way to access the temple is by car, and there are some mountain roads along the way, but there are some spectacular views in places, so why not visit while you're out for a drive? #SummerShortTrip

Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture Gokayama is relatively close to Shirakawa-go, so we visited both. Shirakawa-go is more famous, but Gokayama is also registered as a World Heritage Site together with Shirakawa-go. Like Shirakawa-go, Gokayama is a village with gassho-style houses, and there are fewer souvenir shops than Shirakawa-go, and it feels smaller, but there are fewer tourists and you can relax, so I recommend it. #summertrip#greatview

Ainokura Village, a World Heritage Site, is an ancient village registered as a World Heritage Site in 1995. It is the most remote village in the Gokayama area. During winter, the snow here is very thick, and visitors can hike up the hill within the village to reach a viewpoint overlooking the village. Some of the houses are open for visitors to explore (admission fees apply). 🏖️ Environment/Facilities: Unlike Shirakawa-go, Ainokura Village is much less crowded. The village viewpoint offers a stunning walk through the snow, making it perfect for sightseeing and photography. Inside the village, there are restaurants available, and a bus route passes right in front of the village. Transportation: You can take a bus from Shirakawa-go directly to Ainokura Village. For details on where to catch the bus, inquire at the information center.

If you want to see Gassho-style houses but think there are too many people, you should definitely visit Gokayama! You can feel the tranquility of the countryside and the beautiful nature! The soy milk soft serve is delicious and there are fewer tourists than in Shirakawa-go, so you can listen to the detailed stories of the people who live in Gassho-style houses and spend a relaxing time inside, which is a great pleasure. I went by car, but you can also get there by bus from Takaoka Station or Johana Station! There are Chinese restaurants, a small convenience store, and hot springs, so you can spend the whole day there! #Shirakawa-goGokayamaGassho-style Villages #Gokayama #Toyama

This time, I revisited Johana in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, which is introduced on Japan's Little Kyoto website. About seven years ago, I took the World Heritage Bus to visit the Gokayama Gassho-style World Cultural Heritage site, only passing by Johana briefly. This time, I boarded the same bus at the same location and got off at Johana. Although I had a JR Pass, the train schedule didn’t align well after having breakfast in Kanazawa, so I opted for the bus. When exploring Little Kyotos, they generally fall into two categories. The first type includes castle towns (Jokamachi) with large castles or areas like Bukeyashiki-dori (Samurai Residences Street). The second type features clusters of temples and commercial facilities, and Johana belongs to the latter. The town is dotted with temples, pagodas, and preserved shopping streets. Located in a terrain similar to Kyoto, Johana is surrounded by mountains and rivers. Being far from the sea, it lacks the coastal scenery or seafood culture. The town isn’t very large, so you can see most of the notable spots within about an hour and a half. It’s part of the World Heritage area adjacent to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, which I visited previously. Since the visit progressed faster than expected, I was lucky to add a trip to Tonami, the tulip city located between Takaoka and Johana. Tonami seemed like an interesting place for flower enthusiasts, especially during tulip season. As a suburban town, it’s equipped with facilities like Aeon Mall, Don Quijote, and roadside stations along the JR line. On the day of my visit, the early morning rain cleared up, and the weather turned sunny. Although it was quite hot, the mountain town’s sunlight wasn’t too harsh, and the gentle breeze made it pleasant to explore. I managed to take some great photos as well. Thank you!

Coming to Japan in winter, you will experience white snow and be eager to go skiing😍

Ainokura Village is located in a quiet valley in Toyama Prefecture. It is one of the old villages in Gokayama District that has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its unique “Gassho-zukuri” thatched roof houses that are thatched with thick straw and tilted like praying hands, it has become a popular destination for those who want to experience the charm of traditional Japan. You can start your trip to Ainokura from Toyama City or Takayama City by taking the Kaetsuno Bus, which passes through the beautiful green route. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. When you arrive at the village, you will find a peaceful atmosphere. There are more than 20 old wooden houses that are still in use. Some are open as museums or homestays for tourists to stay and experience the locals’ lives. Ainokura has different charms throughout the year. In spring, the village is decorated with cherry blossoms. In summer, it is lush and cool. In autumn, the leaves change color beautifully. In winter, the straw roofs are covered with thick snow, reflecting the light at night in a romantic way. Ainokura Village is not only a beautiful place to take pictures, but also an area where we can learn about traditional culture up close, such as weaving and folk crafts. And simple living amidst nature For those looking for peace and cultural travel experiences, Ainokura is an option not to be missed. #Get a discount without relying on luck #Travel to Japan

Discover traditional beauty in Etchu's Little Kyoto✨ Johana Hikiyama Festival and a stroll through the streets of Johana Johana in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, is known as the "Little Kyoto of Etchu" for its charming townscape. The Johana Hikiyama Festival, held every year on May 4th and 5th, is a festival with 300 years of tradition that has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage🎐 When you actually visit, you will see gorgeous floats and Iori floats parading through the town, and the "Iori songs" sung to the sound of flutes and shamisen will touch your heart. In the evening, lanterns are lit up, and the town of Johana is enveloped in a fantastic atmosphere, making it a truly extraordinary world✨ Access is about a 10-minute walk from JR Johana Station. By car, it is about 9 minutes from "Johana SIC" on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway and about 3 minutes from "Fukumitsu IC"🚗. Free parking is also available during the festival period. Enjoy a romantic evening with your partner, or immerse yourself in history and sounds on your own. There are many areas you can enjoy for free, making it perfect for an absolutely free trip🎉 Next, head to Johana, where tradition and beauty live on. Unforgettable experiences await you😊 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #DomesticTrip #CoupleTrip #SoloTrip #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #ToyamaTrip #JohanaHikiyamaFestival #Etchu'sLittleKyoto #IoriUta #WalkingThroughTheTown

A world heritage site where silence and tradition live 🌿 Enjoy a relaxing time at Suganuma Gassho-style Village The "Suganuma Gassho-style Village" in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture is a world heritage site that has a particularly quiet and rustic atmosphere among Gokayama. The scenery of steeply sloping thatched roofs makes you feel like you've entered a fairy tale ✨ When you actually visit, your mind seems to be unravelled by the silence that surrounds the village and the sounds of nature. At the "Salt Petroleum House" and the "Gokayama Folk Museum", you can learn about the life and industry of the past, making it a must-see spot for history lovers 📜 Access is about 1 hour and 15 minutes by World Heritage Bus from JR Takaoka Station 🚌. If you are driving, it is about 2 minutes from the "Gokayama IC" on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway 🚗. There is also a parking lot (preservation contribution: 500 yen for ordinary cars). Take a leisurely stroll with your partner or immerse yourself in history alone. There are many areas that can be enjoyed for free, making it perfect for an absolutely free trip 🎉 For your next trip, head to Suganuma, where you can experience tranquil excitement. Unforgettable scenery is sure to await you 😊 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

The original scenery of a world heritage site 🌿 Spend time relaxing in Ainokura Gassho-style Village "Ainokura Gassho-style Village" in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, is a representative village of Gokayama that was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1995. The landscape of steeply sloping thatched roofs is so beautiful that it feels like you've wandered into the world of fairy tales ✨ When you actually visit, the birds' voices echoing in the quiet mountain village, the sounds of the fields swaying in the wind... it's a place that feels nostalgic and warms your heart. The view from the observation deck is spectacular, and you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons 🍁❄️🌸🌞 Access is about 25 minutes by bus from JR Johana Station. If you're driving, it's about 20 minutes from Gokayama IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway 🚗. Parking available (preservation contribution: 1,000 yen for a regular car) *Revised from August 2025 [1] Take a leisurely stroll with your partner or immerse yourself in history alone. There are many areas that can be enjoyed for free, making it perfect for an absolutely free trip 🎉 For your next trip, head to Ainokura, where you can experience timeless emotions. You're sure to see unforgettable scenery 😊 #Domestic trip #Couple trip #Solo trip #Absolutely free trip #Toyama trip #Ainokura Gassho-style village #World Heritage Site #Gokayama #Original Japanese landscape #Absolutely free trip

Often overshadowed by its neighbors like Kanazawa or Takayama, Toyama is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets — a city where art, nature, seafood, and design meet in surprising ways. If you are only planning a quick pass-through, here is why you should reconsider and give Toyama at least two full days. 🏔️ Gateway to the Japanese Alps Toyama is the starting point for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a breathtaking mountain crossing with snow walls in spring, colorful hikes in autumn, and dramatic vistas year-round. It is a full-day adventure — and you will want time to rest before or after. 🎨 A City That Loves Art and Design Toyama Glass Art Museum A stunning museum housed in a Kengo Kuma-designed building — part architecture gem, part creative wonderland. Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art & Design Overlooking the water, this museum blends art, design, and panoramic views of the Tateyama mountain range. 🐟 Seafood Lovers, Rejoice Thanks to its location on Toyama Bay, the city offers some of Japan’s freshest and most underrated seafood: Try masu-zushi (pressed trout sushi) Taste the bioluminescent firefly squid (seasonal, springtime) Dine at local markets like the Toyama Kitokito Ichiba 🚃 Slow Travel at Its Best Toyama invites you to slow down: Stroll along canal-lined streets in Iwase Ride the cute retro trams through the city Enjoy mountain views from almost everywhere 🏯 Bonus: Nearby Hidden Gems Use Toyama as a base for: Gokayama (UNESCO-listed thatched-roof village, quieter than Shirakawago) Takaoka (Great Buddha and historic metalworking town) Uozu (mysterious mirages and burbling undersea spring spots!) Toyama may not be loud, but it is rich in experience. If you love culture, design, fresh air, and authentic Japan, this is one city that will quietly steal your heart — and absolutely deserves more than a day.

Why is everything so pretty in Japan? 🇯🇵 Last week was a little hectic but amazing. After a quick visit to #nara , its beautiful dears and the impressive temples, it was time to hike the #kumanokodo pilgrimage route in the #wakayama prefecture. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t helping much so could only complete part of the trail 😅 (a good excuse to come back again, I guess). The scenery was still amazing and some of the temples and pagodas are breathtaking (especially the #seigantojipagoda with the #nachifalls at the back). #nagoya was fun. The #ghiblipark in Nagoya was everything I hoped for. Finally the rural Japan towards the end of the week, visiting the #gifu prefecture, the #unescoworldheritage #ainokuravillage and #shirakawa -go. The snow was still in the area and the hosts were so sweet and friendly. And to conclude the prefect trip…. the #sakura finally appeared in Nagoya. Japanese people gathered around at the park and celebrate the festival (it’s called #hanami ) and it’s such a nice experience. Yeah, everything is sooo pretty in Japan. 🥰

#cityplaybook In the Aikura village, there are 20 houses with various constructions from the 17th century to the first half of the 20th century. There is also a Gassho-zukuri inn, where you can get in touch with traditional culture with the people who live there. On the other hand, in addition to 9 houses, buildings are scattered in the Suganuma village, which is separated by the river, as well as buildings such as earthen warehouses and water mills. In the past, there was no bridge, and it was not possible to cross to the other side of the river without using "basket crossing", so there is an unexplored atmosphere. In addition to folk centres and experience centres that convey the life and history of Gokayama, folk art shops and restaurants where you can taste local cuisine are scattered in each village. In the Kaminashi village, there is a facility where you can enjoy the folk song "Kokiriko" handed down here. In addition, in the Aikura and Suganuma villages, which are World Heritage Sites, lights up are carried out from around sunset on a limited basis throughout the four seasons, and the entire settlement area is fantastic. You can enjoy a scene that is different from the day.

A serendipitous detour from my planned trip to Shirakawa-go led me to this charming place—Ainokura Gassho-Zukuri Village in Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture. For those seeking privacy, picturesque photo opportunities, and delicious local cuisine (both savory and sweet), this village is a hidden gem. I visited during Songkran and was delighted to find snow-covered landscapes perfect for photography. If you visit between December and February, you can experience the magical light-up events, which I imagine are absolutely stunning. If you're looking to escape the crowds of Shirakawa-go, this is the perfect alternative.

#Toyama 1. Location & Geography • Capital: Toyama City • Bordered by Ishikawa, Gifu, Nagano, and Niigata prefectures. • Features a dramatic mix of coastal areas and mountains, especially the Northern Japan Alps (part of the Hida Mountains). 2. Economy • Strong in manufacturing (especially machinery and pharmaceuticals). • Also known for hydroelectric power and aluminum production due to its abundant water resources. • Agriculture and fishing (especially yellowtail and firefly squid) are also significant. 3. Tourism Highlights • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: A famous mountain sightseeing route with snow corridors. • Kurobe Gorge: Known for its scenic railway and autumn foliage. • Gokayama Village: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. • Toyama Bay: Offers beautiful ocean views and fresh seafood. 4. Culture & Traditions • Known for traditional crafts like Etchū Washi (Japanese paper) and Inami wood carving. • Hosts several local festivals, like the Owara Kaze no Bon, a graceful folk dance festival held in September.Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

Gokayama, like Shirakawa-go, is a village with traditional gassho-zukuri houses. However, it is less crowded with tourists, offering a quieter and more serene atmosphere. Gokayama has two main villages, Ainokura and Suganuma, both of which are registered as World Heritage sites. Ainokura Village features over 30 gassho-zukuri houses, surrounded by idyllic rural landscapes. Visitors can stay in traditional inns and experience the old-fashioned Japanese lifestyle. On the other hand, Suganuma Village is a smaller area but is well-preserved, providing a more traditional ambiance. In winter, the village is enveloped in a snowy wonderland, offering enchanting winter scenery. Gokayama is also famous for its traditional crafts like washi paper making and local cuisine such as Gokayama tofu and salt-grilled iwana (char). Besides sightseeing, visitors can enjoy cultural experiences. Access is convenient by bus, similar to Shirakawa-go, but visiting by car is also recommended.

This trip to Japan is full of traditional customs and a leisurely atmosphere! Admiring the unique thatched houses in Gassho Village is like walking into a Japanese landscape painting from the past. Surrounded by mountains and with fresh air, it is a relaxing and pleasant experience. We also tasted the local hand-made soba noodles, which had a pure flavor and were particularly delicious in the quiet countryside atmosphere. The whole journey is full of Japanese nostalgia, and it is a perfect experience to deeply experience Japanese culture!

Have you ever been to Shirakawa-go and found it too crowded to take photos? In fact, there is a quieter and more charming gassho-style village close to Shirakawa-go. That village is Gokayama! ✅ Fewer tourists, so you can take a leisurely stroll ✅ Like Shirakawa-go, it is a hidden gem, despite being a World Heritage Site ✅ The snowy scenery in winter and the autumn leaves are spectacular Moreover, there are many houses in Gokayama where local people live, so you can enjoy the "real Japanese landscape" that is not overly touristy. If you are thinking "I want to quietly enjoy the gassho-style scenery" or "I don't like the crowds in Shirakawa-go...", Gokayama is a great choice. ⸻ More information about Gokayama 📍 Location: Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture (Two villages, Ainokura and Suganuma, are registered as World Heritage sites) 🚗 Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Shirakawa-go, approximately 1 hour by car from Takaoka Station 🚌 Public transport: Approximately 1.5 hours by "World Heritage Bus" from JR Takaoka Station or Shin-Takaoka Station You can also visit after visiting Shirakawa-go! Why not enjoy the original Japanese landscape in this quiet village of gassho-style houses? #0yentravelFebruary2025 #Gokayama #Toyamatrip

Remote villages make up picturesque Gokayama in the Shogawa River Valley, 2 of which — Ainokura and Suganuma — are World Heritage sites characterized by centuries-old gassho-style houses, some converted into minshuku (Japanese B&Bs) and folk museums. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples sit close to the winding Shō River. Visitors can learn to make washi paper from local artisans, and ski on nearby slopes in winter. Ainokura 📍Address: A roundtrip bus from takaoka station #japan

Ainokura Village is a historic village in the Toyama Mountains of Japan. It's known for its Gassho-style houses, washi papermaking, and traditional lifestyle. 📍Address: Take a round trip bus from Takaoka station. Last stop ay Shirakawago Village Unesco. Check the last trip from Shirakawago bus terminal to takaoka station bus terminal. 💰Average Price per Person: 3900 yen 💞Reasons to Recommend: Beautiful scenery #japan #tripmoments

Ainokura is the largest traditional thatched farmhouse village in Gokayama, with about 20 farmhouses. Ainokura is a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Suganuma in Gokayama and Ogimachi in Shirakawa-go. They are so-called “Gassho-zukuri” villages with distinctive thatched farmhouses, and are scattered along the Sho River, which stretches from Gifu Prefecture to Toyama Prefecture. To get to Ainokura, take a bus from Shin-Takaoka Station in Toyama Prefecture or Shirakawa-go in Gifu. The Ainokura farmhouses range in age from 100 to 350 years old and are filled with the nostalgic atmosphere of Japan's past. Although most farmhouses remain private residences, some have been converted into cafes, museums, and even hotels. The village scenery is beautiful and pleasant all year round, especially in winter, when the houses are covered with thick white snow, presenting a dreamy pure white scene. The best way to fully enjoy this stunning scenery is to stay overnight and take part in seasonal illumination events at night. #2024TravelReview