Discover Gokayama, the other UNESCO gassho village region — and the one most travellers miss.

What Is Gokayama?

Gokayama lies in the mountains of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, long isolated from the outside world. That isolation preserved its traditional mountain village life intact. Together with Shirakawa-go in Gifu, its villages were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Toyama Gassho Village is officially called “Gokayama,” and mainly consists of the Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village and the Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village, and is as famous as Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture. Limited illumination events at Toyama Gassho Village will be held on January 13, 2027; January 27; February 20; and February 21, 2027. During the days of the lighting, the departure time is 11 o'clock, please take note.
The region's signature gassho-zukuri farmhouses are named for their steep thatched roofs, which resemble hands pressed together in prayer. The design sheds heavy winter snow, while the wide attics once housed silkworm farming—a testament to snow-country adaptation. Compared with busier Shirakawa-go, Gokayama is smaller and far quieter. Walking among old farmhouses, rice paddies, and surrounding mountains, you can enjoy Japan's traditional satoyama scenery at an unhurried pace.

Ainokura Village

Ainokura is the larger of Gokayama's two main settlements, with around 20 gassho-zukuri houses still standing. You will have free time to walk the village lanes, look inside the traditional buildings, and experience local guesthouse life.

Suganuma Village

Suganuma is compact and set along a quiet river. Head first to the village lookout point, where the late-afternoon light falling across the thatched roofs makes for the day's most memorable view. Afterwards, explore the village at your own pace.
Takayama Old Town
Before Gokayama, stop in Hida Takayama, the “Little Kyoto of Hida.” Its Edo-period streets are lined with wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and craft shops. Enjoy free time for lunch—try Hida beef, Takayama ramen, or local sake.
Local Food to Try
Gokayama tofu: Firmer than ordinary tofu—locals say it can be tied with rope. Good grilled, stewed, or as dengaku.
Salt-grilled iwana: Whole river fish skewered and slowly grilled with salt. Crisp skin, tender flesh.
Gokayama soba: Made with mountain spring water, clean and light. Pairs well with wild-vegetable tempura.
Sansai dishes: Ferns, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms prepared as tempura, simmered dishes, or salads, depending on season.

• Red turnip pickles: Made from local red turnips — sweet, sour, and crisp. Also a popular souvenir.
• Tochi mochi and tochi crackers: Made from horse chestnut, with a mild nutty aroma.

  Why Choose This Tour

  Most Nagoya day tours head to Shirakawa-go and Takayama. This tour goes deeper into the mountains to Gokayama's two villages, which see far fewer visitors. If you want the same World Heritage architecture without the crowds, this is the route.