Toyama🇯🇵 Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-style Village

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