[2025 Nanto Attraction] Travel Guide for Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village (Updated Aug)

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 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.

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

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

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. 🥰

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.

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

On this trip to Japan, we chose to explore the natural beauty of Ainokura Village, nestled in the mountains. Fortunately, it rained heavily the night before our journey, so we were greeted with mist throughout the morning drive. As we entered the village, it felt like we were surrounded by fog. The villagers were planting rice, and the green fields were stunning. Ainokura is a traditional farming village, and the houses have distinctive triangular roofs known as Gassho-Style, resembling hands in prayer. This village, like Shirakawago nearby, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The unique characteristics and the age of the houses, ranging from 100 to 350 years old, evoke a sense of old Japan. We traveled from Takayama to this village, and there are tours available that include Shirakawago, making it quite convenient.

The cherry blossom, with its delicate petals, evokes a sense of ephemeral beauty, accentuated by the backdrop of a majestic snow-capped mountain. 🏔️ Its stunning display of white and pink hues creates a mesmerizing spectacle, unlike anything witnessed before. 🥰 As the blossoms sway gently in the breeze, one can't help but be captivated by their ethereal charm. ✨ Each bloom tells a story of renewal and fleeting moments, reminding us to cherish the present. 💕 Against the backdrop of the snow mountain, the cherry blossoms create a harmonious scene, blending nature's contrasting elements into a breathtaking panorama of tranquility and wonder. 🌸 #cherryblossom2024 #Japan #localguides #sakura #cherryblossoms

World Heritage Site. A spot where you can see Gassho-style houses in a heavy snow area This was my first time seeing Gassho-style houses, but since it was snowing, I was impressed by the snowy scenery and how much more beautiful it was than I expected. The views from several photo spots were wonderful. It is possible to slip during the snowy season, so I recommend that you take a snow-safe vehicle There are private houses, but it seems that there are also inns where you can stay, so I would like to stay there next time. Access: 1 hour 10 minutes by car from the east exit of "Toyama" station Bus: 25 minutes by bus from "Johana" station Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 💰Parking fee: 500 yen Recommended points ・Shirakawa-go is 40 minutes away by car ・It's fun to stroll around the old-fashioned streets of Johana City ・There is Johana craft beer called Johana Bakushu ・The Johana Hikiyama Festival is famous

When you think of Shirakawa-go villages, you may first think of Shirakawa-go, but in fact, in addition to Shirakawa-go, there is also a nearby Gassho-ya village that is also included in the World Cultural Heritage and is not as commercialized as Shirakawa-go. Aikura is located deep in Gokayama, long-term away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, about an hour or so from Shirakawa-go, there are fewer tourists here, and not as many snack shops as Shirakawa-go, but there is more of a sense of tranquility, you can enjoy strolling through the village Like Shirakawa-go, Aigawa has an observation deck overlooking the entire village, just like being in a fairy tale world

Ainokura Village is known for its Gassho-style houses, and collectively comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Ogimachi Village in Shirakawa-go, for their preserved historic landscapes. People still live in this historical village. Many of the exceptional museums, souvenir shops, restaurants, and inns in the area are built in the Gassho-zukuri style. Relax your body and mind in the tranquil mountain scenery. In 2024, I want to explore to the other village near this place. #2024wish

●Name Ainokura Gassho-style Village ●Access 611 Ainokura, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture 🚗Private parking available ●Points Ainokura Gassho-style Village, a World Heritage Site where you can encounter the original scenery of Japan 20 Gassho-style houses still remain in Ainokura Gassho Village A rare and beautiful village lined with Gassho-style houses The scenery changes depending on the season, so I would like to visit again in the summer Depending on the season, it seems to be lit up You can also experience making washi paper, and there were many inbound tourists visiting #Domestic travel #Toyama #Photogenic #Tourist spot #World heritage site