Gokayama Gassho Villages World Heritage Model Course

This course tours the World Heritage gassho villages nestled in the mountains of Nanto City, Toyama. In Suganuma and Ainokura you meet the original scenery of rural Japan.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Suganuma gassho village Begin at a small village where nine gassho farmhouses huddle together.

10:00 Overlook the village from the plaza Gaze at the rows of thatched roofs from the hilltop and soak in the mountain quiet.

11:00 Visit the Ensho no Yakata Learn the history of making gunpowder ingredients and discover local wisdom.

12:30 Lunch with Gokayama soba Enjoy the rustic taste of local buckwheat noodles and wild vegetable dishes.

14:00 Move to Ainokura gassho village Head north by car to visit Ainokura, where more than twenty houses remain.

15:00 Photos from the Ainokura viewpoint Capture the scenery woven from fields and gassho roofs.

Highlights

The steeply pitched thatched roofs, farmhouses with sunken hearths, and the terraced fields that change with the seasons all linger in the heart.

Access and Tips

It is a few minutes by car from the Gokayama interchange on the Tokai Hokuriku Expressway. Buses or cars are convenient between the villages.

A Quick Tip

The villages are living places. Be considerate of residents and walk quietly and slowly.