Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village — Attraction in Nanto

Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village is a peaceful, hidden gem tucked away in the mountains—a quiet alternative to the more well-known and tourist-heavy Shirakawa-go. Much smaller in scale, Ainokura offers a more intimate and authentic glimpse into traditional rural life in Japan.

The village is home to a handful of beautifully preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are still inhabited. In winter, the snow-covered roofs are postcard-perfect, though deep snow can make it nearly impossible to reach the scenic viewpoint above the village—so plan accordingly if you’re hoping for that iconic overhead photo.

There is only one souvenir shop in the village, so shopping is limited, but that’s part of the charm. You come to Ainokura for the atmosphere, not the amenities. It’s quiet, peaceful, and offers a chance to slow down and truly take in the surroundings without the crowds.

If you’re looking for a more serene and less commercial experience compared to Shirakawa-go, Ainokura is absolutely worth the visit. Just be aware that services are minimal, and the roads can be tricky in winter—so come prepared. But for those seeking beauty, history, and a breath of calm, this little village...

A World Heritage Site that still is actively lived in by real people, this village is a must see regardless of which season you're visiting (unless there is a torrential downpour during spring or winter). Beautiful scenery regardless of season, a few houses open for tours, and a washi papermaking experience for a reasonable price available. We were lucky enough to visit during a period where they were replacing one of the thatched roofs, so we got to see some of that in action. Also, excellent viewpoints of the surrounding, breath-taking, scenery. A nice mix of stereotypically Japanese culture and a culture unique to the area itself. You will get to walk by an ancient housing building that happens to have an air conditioning filter sticking out of it. If you really want to, you can even stay at one of the houses that have been set up as a hotel. Overall, there is a parking lot available for a price, but parking further away available for free (depending on the season). The site is less crowded than similar sites so your tour can be at your own pace. The site is smaller, however, so do keep that in mind. The whole tour can take 1-2 hours at most, assuming you do not stop to...

Ainokura 相倉 is a small village with about 20+ houses made in the gassho style. It's one of the 3 villages (others: Shirakawa, Suganuma) that are registered together as UNESCO World Heritage sites. It's the second-largest of the three villages.

One of the houses hosts an exhibition on life in the gassho village. Other houses contain guests houses or restaurants/cafes.

More importantly, many houses are just personal residences. All the villagers live there for real, so it's important to respect their space and privacy.

There is at least one temple and 2 shrines in the village. You can't visit inside though. Near the bigger shrine there is a monument commemorating the visit by a member of the royal family, where there is a rock engraved with a poem that was written by the visitor.

There are several viewpoints around the village where you can get a good view from an...