Gokayama

Gokayama (五箇山) is a region located in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture of Japan. It is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri style houses, particularly the Ainokura and Suganuma villages, which are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is located in a mountainous area and is known for its natural beauty, with lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The gassho-zukuri houses are unique in their steep, thatched roofs that resemble open books, a design that allows them to withstand heavy snowfall during the winter months. The shape also provided ample space for raising silkworms, an important industry in the past. Visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of the region by staying in one of the many minshuku (traditional Japanese guesthouses) or gassho-zukuri style accommodations located throughout the area.

In addition to the traditional houses, there are also several museums and cultural sites that provide insight into the history and culture of the region, such as the Ainokura Folklore Museum and the Suganuma Folklore Museum.

Getting there

By Train and Bus

1. Take the World Heritage Bus from JR Takaoka Station or Shin-Takaoka Station
2. Arrive in Gokayama in about 1 hour

From Kanazawa

• Take the Hokuriku Railroad Bus bound for Gokayama from Kanazawa Station
• Travel time: About 1 hour
• Fare: Adults 1,540 yen, Children 770 yen

By Car

• Exit at Gokayama IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
• About 2 minutes to Suganuma Village, about 15 minutes to Ainokura Village

Important Notes

• Be cautious of road conditions during winter
• Taxis are by reservation only and Japanese-speaking only (Phone: +81-763-66-2046)

Gokayama has two World Heritage villages, Ainokura and Suganuma, where you can see traditional gassho-zukuri houses. Ainokura has 23 gassho-zukuri houses, while Suganuma has 9.