🗺️ Gokayama Ainokura and Suganuma Gassho Village五箇山 相倉・菅沼合掌造り集落

Gokayama is located in the southwestern part of Toyama Prefecture and consists of 40 small villages spread across five valleys. The area is surrounded by tall, rugged mountains, with an average snowfall of up to 2 meters in winter. To this day, it retains the unique Gassho-zukuri houses characterized by steep thatched roofs and gabled roofs, which are typical of heavy snowfall regions. Among them, the villages of Ainokura and Suganuma have been registered as World Cultural Heritage sites. In the Ainokura settlement, there are 20 houses built from the 17th century to the first half of the 20th century, featuring various architectural styles. Among these are Gassho-zukuri houses, where visitors can engage with the local people and traditional culture. On the other side of the river, the Suganuma settlement has nine houses, as well as buildings like storehouses (土蔵) and waterwheel houses. In the past, there were no bridges, and one had to use "bamboo baskets" to cross to the other side, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a hidden paradise. In both settlements, in addition to museums and experience centers that convey the lifestyle and history of Gokayama, there are many folk craft shops and restaurants where visitors can taste local cuisine. In the Kamiyama settlement, there are facilities to enjoy the local folk song "Chikuzomai." Furthermore, in the World Heritage sites of Ainokura and Suganuma, lantern lighting events are held on specific days throughout the year, filling the area with a dreamlike atmosphere, allowing visitors to appreciate a completely different scenery from the daytime.

Traveling from the central area of Toyama Prefecture is very convenient by taking the "World Heritage Bus." You can make a round trip in one day from the central area of Toyama Prefecture. Accommodation is available at gassho-zukuri inns in the village (reservation required).