2025 Nanto Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

#japan #Ainokura This is Ainokura village, the most remote town in gokayama region. It is also the largest of the villages with nearly 20 gassho-zukuri farmhouses. It is around half an hours bus ride away from shirakawa-go. If you think that shirakawago is a tad too crowded, ainokura is the best next option! You can take photos with the farm houses without much photo bombers. 🤣

Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village is located in the Gokayama region of Toyama Prefecture in Japan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional farmhouses which feature steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls. This is not just a museum though, as people still live in these houses, some 300 years old, and visitors can actually stay in those overnight! It's a unique place to explore on foot, taking in the stunning natural scenery surrounding the village. Now at the beginning of April you can still catch snow in parts of the village. You should also have a go at making your very own washi paper (you will get help!) to take home with you for 700JPY, a hard roll can also be purchased for 50JPY to keep your paper safe during travels.

Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture Gokayama is relatively close to Shirakawa-go, so we visited both. Shirakawa-go is more famous, but Gokayama is also registered as a World Heritage Site together with Shirakawa-go. Like Shirakawa-go, Gokayama is a village with gassho-style houses, and there are fewer souvenir shops than Shirakawa-go, and it feels smaller, but there are fewer tourists and you can relax, so I recommend it. #summertrip#greatview

Remote villages make up picturesque Gokayama in the Shogawa River Valley, 2 of which — Ainokura and Suganuma — are World Heritage sites characterized by centuries-old gassho-style houses, some converted into minshuku (Japanese B&Bs) and folk museums. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples sit close to the winding Shō River. Visitors can learn to make washi paper from local artisans, and ski on nearby slopes in winter. Ainokura 📍Address: A roundtrip bus from takaoka station #japan

Ainokura Village is a historic village in the Toyama Mountains of Japan. It's known for its Gassho-style houses, washi papermaking, and traditional lifestyle. 📍Address: Take a round trip bus from Takaoka station. Last stop ay Shirakawago Village Unesco. Check the last trip from Shirakawago bus terminal to takaoka station bus terminal. 💰Average Price per Person: 3900 yen 💞Reasons to Recommend: Beautiful scenery #japan #tripmoments

"Dotoku" is a word that describes the climate and spirituality of the southwestern Ecchu region (present-day Toyama Prefecture). This term was proposed by Yanagi Muneyoshi (1889-1961), known as the founder of the Mingei movement, and although it cannot be interpreted in a general way, it can be summarized as "the harsh yet pure climate and the warm life and spirit of the people of Ecchu, rooted in the religious culture inherited from ancient times, and living with gratitude to this day." In 1948, Muneyoshi stayed at the Shinshu temple Zentoku-ji in what is now Nanto City for over 60 days, where he recognized the essence of folk art in the scenery of the Pure Land faith that has been passed down by the Shinshu sect, and wrote "The Law of Beauty," and the Nanto region was a place that he had a special connection with throughout his life. Another place where he is believed to have discovered "earth virtue" is Fukumitsu, also located in Nanto City. Fukumitsu is located at the gateway where the Oyabe River, which originates from Mt. Daimon, first flows into the plains, and the name is said to have come from the fact that the area is filled with pure water. Industries that make use of forest resources have long developed here, and the area is also known for its woodcraft techniques and products, such as bats, which are still one of Japan's leading producers of these today. One artist who was attracted to this material was the world-renowned printmaker Munakata Shiko (1903-1975). In May 1945, at the end of the Pacific War, Shiko evacuated with his family, relying on his old acquaintance, Kosaka Kansho (1905-1992), the head priest of Kotoku-ji Temple, and lived in Fukumitsu for the next six years. When Shiko evacuated to Fukumitsu, all he could do was take the necessities with him, and he managed to carry only a few precious woodblocks, disguised as a chair splint. Eventually, most of the woodblocks were lost in an air raid on Tokyo, which dealt a major blow to Shiko both materially and emotionally, but it was the people of Fukumitsu who warmly supported his lifestyle and creative activities. Kotoku-ji is a Shinshu temple founded in the Muromachi period, and its chief priest, Kansho, had long sympathized with the folk art movement advocated by Muneyoshi in the magazine Shirakaba, and had formed relationships with those involved in the movement. As a result, he showed a deep understanding of Shiko's art, which was linked to folk art, and not only did he provide him with a second home, but he also allowed Shiko to do as he pleased, even if he painted freely throughout the temple. This former home, "Riu-gasai" (photos 1-4), has been relocated to the center of the city and preserved, and together with the adjacent "Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum Aizenen" (photos 5-6), it conveys Shiko's artistic works and his spirit to the present day. When you thoroughly examine the house, you can see that Shiko's sketches remain even on the pillars in the hallways and the toilet, which makes it clear that his creative desire was soaring. On the other hand, the lives of Shiko's children, who spent their childhood in this house, are also introduced in detail, and it is clear that Fukumitsu was undoubtedly their "hometown" and that they were raised in the virtuous environment. During the six years Shiko lived in Fukumitsu, he was very active in his creative endeavors, and at Kotoku-ji Temple (photos 7-10), which was the catalyst for this, some of his most outstanding works remain. If you visit Kotokuji Temple today, you will see the clear intention to embody the Mingei movement, with numerous vases arranged on the white sand of the temple grounds and folk implements hung at various heights inside the hall. Furthermore, on the sliding doors and hanging scrolls, you can see Shiko's calligraphy and paintings in his signature bold brushstrokes, and you will be struck by the power of his works, which seem to freely dominate the entire space. At the back of the main hall, a group of Shiko's works, including the masterpiece "Kegon Pine," are on display, and you can clearly feel Shiko's ingenuity and proud spirit that are packed into the crowded space. Shiko left Fukumitsu for Tokyo in 1951, but since then he has won a series of international art awards, making him known as "the world's Munakata." However, even in later years, Shiko would look back on his time at Fukumitsu and yearn for the unique environment in which he was able to focus wholeheartedly on his creation, the many supporters such as Kansho who created it, and above all, the spiritual richness, backed by the local culture and faith, that naturally endowed the people who lived in Fukumitsu. It was at the time when Shiko was reaching the height of his physical and mental fulfillment in Fukumitsu that Muneyoshi wrote The Law of Beauty, and to describe how the unique relationship between local culture and talent was opening up a new era of "beauty," he used the two characters "Toku" (soil virtue) to imprint the charm of the era and the land. Recommended for solo travelers: ★★★★ (There are people, but not many. You can enjoy sightseeing in peace!) Visit date: Around 2pm on the second Sunday of April Access: About 15 minutes by car from Fukumitsu IC (to Kotoku-ji Temple) #Kotoku-ji Temple #Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum #Fukumitsu #Toyama Trip #Toyama Tourism #Nanto City #Hokuriku Trip #Hokuriku Tourism #toyama_next #Toyama Tourism Navigator #Toyama's Seriousness #Domestic Travel Lover #Connect with Domestic Travel Lovers #Temple Tour #Temple Lover #Temples and Shrines #Temple and Shrine Tour #Shrine and Temple Tour #Jodo Shinshu #Printmaking

1. Recommended Attractions 1. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route • Enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and canyons. Take various forms of transportation to traverse different terrains, such as cable cars and buses. • The best time to visit is from spring to autumn, especially during the snow wall spectacle (usually from mid-April to June). 2. Toyama Castle • One of Japan's ancient castles, it has a long history and unique architectural style. You can visit the exhibition inside the castle to learn about the history and culture of Toyama. • There are beautiful parks and moats around the castle, which are suitable for walking and taking photos. 3. Gokayama Gassho Village • A World Cultural Heritage site, it is famous for its traditional Gassho-style buildings. These ancient houses are like scenes from fairy tales, full of tranquility and simplicity. • You can experience traditional handicrafts, such as washi and woodworking. 4. Uozu Coast • It has a beautiful coastline and spectacular views of the Tateyama mountain range. On clear days, you can see the distant snow-capped mountains reflected in the sea, which is very beautiful. • It is an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset. 2. Recommended Food 1. Toyama Bay Sushi • Sushi made with fresh seafood from Toyama Bay is delicious. It is recommended to try special varieties such as white shrimp sushi and firefly squid sushi. 2. Black Ramen • Toyama's special ramen, characterized by its black soup and chewy noodles. The soup is made from soy sauce, miso, and other seasonings, and it has a rich flavor. 3. Trout Sushi • Sushi made with Toyama's special trout, the meat is tender and the taste is sweet. You can taste it in local restaurants or markets. 3. Transportation Guide 1. Airplane • You can take a flight from major domestic cities to Toyama Airport, and then take a bus or taxi to the city. 2. Train • Toyama has Shinkansen and ordinary trains connecting all parts of Japan. You can take a train from cities such as Tokyo and Osaka to Toyama. 3. Bus • There are bus routes in Toyama city, which can easily reach various attractions. You can also take a long-distance bus to nearby cities and attractions. 4. Accommodation Suggestions 1. Toyama City • There are various hotels and homestays to choose from, with convenient transportation, suitable for shopping and tasting food. 2. Near Tateyama Kurobe • You can choose to stay in a hot spring hotel and enjoy the hot springs and beautiful natural scenery. But the price is relatively high, and you need to book in advance. 3. Gokayama Gassho Village • There are some traditional homestays where you can experience the local lifestyle, but the accommodation conditions are relatively simple. You need to book in advance and pay attention to the inconvenience of transportation. 5. Precautions 1. Changeable Climate • The climate in Toyama is changeable, especially in mountainous and coastal areas. It is recommended to bring clothes and shoes suitable for different weather. 2. Transportation Planning • There is relatively little public transportation in Toyama, especially in mountainous and remote areas. It is recommended to plan the transportation route in advance to avoid delaying the itinerary. 3. Respect Local Culture • Japan has a unique culture and etiquette. During the trip, you should respect local customs and abide by local regulations.

Gokayama is located in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, and consists of two villages: Suganuma Gassho Village and Ainokura Gassho Village. The steeply thatched houses are called 'Gassho-zukuri,' and such precious traditional houses can only be found in this mountainous and snowy region of Japan. In 1995, the Gokayama Gassho Villages and Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture were simultaneously registered as World Cultural Heritage sites. There are 9 Gassho-zukuri houses in Suganuma, and 23 in Ainokura, which is a 15-minute drive away. The unique feature of the Gokayama Gassho-zukuri houses is that their roofs are steeper than those in Shirakawa-go. Both areas experience heavy snowfall, but the snow in Shirakawa-go is lighter than in Gokayama because the snow in Gokayama has a higher moisture content. The steep roofs are designed to allow the snow to slide off easily.

On this trip to Japan, we chose to explore the natural beauty of Ainokura Village, nestled in the mountains. Fortunately, it rained heavily the night before our journey, so we were greeted with mist throughout the morning drive. As we entered the village, it felt like we were surrounded by fog. The villagers were planting rice, and the green fields were stunning. Ainokura is a traditional farming village, and the houses have distinctive triangular roofs known as Gassho-Style, resembling hands in prayer. This village, like Shirakawago nearby, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The unique characteristics and the age of the houses, ranging from 100 to 350 years old, evoke a sense of old Japan. We traveled from Takayama to this village, and there are tours available that include Shirakawago, making it quite convenient.

The cherry blossom, with its delicate petals, evokes a sense of ephemeral beauty, accentuated by the backdrop of a majestic snow-capped mountain. 🏔️ Its stunning display of white and pink hues creates a mesmerizing spectacle, unlike anything witnessed before. 🥰 As the blossoms sway gently in the breeze, one can't help but be captivated by their ethereal charm. ✨ Each bloom tells a story of renewal and fleeting moments, reminding us to cherish the present. 💕 Against the backdrop of the snow mountain, the cherry blossoms create a harmonious scene, blending nature's contrasting elements into a breathtaking panorama of tranquility and wonder. 🌸 #cherryblossom2024 #Japan #localguides #sakura #cherryblossoms

World Heritage Site. A spot where you can see Gassho-style houses in a heavy snow area This was my first time seeing Gassho-style houses, but since it was snowing, I was impressed by the snowy scenery and how much more beautiful it was than I expected. The views from several photo spots were wonderful. It is possible to slip during the snowy season, so I recommend that you take a snow-safe vehicle There are private houses, but it seems that there are also inns where you can stay, so I would like to stay there next time. Access: 1 hour 10 minutes by car from the east exit of "Toyama" station Bus: 25 minutes by bus from "Johana" station Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 💰Parking fee: 500 yen Recommended points ・Shirakawa-go is 40 minutes away by car ・It's fun to stroll around the old-fashioned streets of Johana City ・There is Johana craft beer called Johana Bakushu ・The Johana Hikiyama Festival is famous

#thingstodo I liked the style of the house, the feeling is good when you live or vacation in that kind of house, you can breathe cool and fresh air in the environment, especially now it's summer, we need fresh air and this place also is camp ground and barbecue place.Very nice place for camping. I visited just for watching Nanto and its surroundings from a lookout tower. It is easy to go there by car, however at the time of writing this review, the road is under reconstruction. One should be aware of possible bear appearence

Ainokura Village is known for its Gassho-style houses, and collectively comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Ogimachi Village in Shirakawa-go, for their preserved historic landscapes. People still live in this historical village. Many of the exceptional museums, souvenir shops, restaurants, and inns in the area are built in the Gassho-zukuri style. Relax your body and mind in the tranquil mountain scenery. In 2024, I want to explore to the other village near this place. #2024wish

Getting There - Take the bus again from JR Takayama Station. Arrive in about 50 minutes. Attractions - Shirakawa-go Gassho Village is known as the historical landscape of Japan for its beautiful natural scenery and incomparable cultural landscape In 1976 it was selected as an important traditional architectural reserve. In 1995, along with Gokayama (Toyama Prefecture), Shirakawa-go and Gokayama conjoined settlements together registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Cultural Heritage). In the summer surrounded by green trees, Shirakawa is fresh The green shoots and lush mountains form a beautiful picture. You can feel impossible in the city The freshness and comfort felt. Food & Restaurants - There are soba noodles, must try the local unique get five tablets. From different surname houses, you can pay to visit to learn about the culture and history of Shirakawa-go.

We stayed in a Snowpeak’s Trailer Box in Toga Kokusai Camping Ground 利賀国際キャンプ場 located in the mountains of Nanto, Toyama. The box accommodation, Snowpeak x Kuma Kengo's Trailer house "Sumibako" is a luxurious experience surrounded by the sky full of stars and nature. It comes with a double bed with bedding, table, 2 low chairs, air conditioner, and power supply. It was definitely an unforgettable experience.

I had to wait for a long time in the phase warehouse. I thought I didn't have time to go to the village of Sugauma. I didn't expect to be lucky enough to pass by. The observation platform of the Monguma is along the road. If there is no time, you can enjoy a small Swiss wind with a little stop. Transportation: Take the No. 7 platform of Takaoka Station and take the World Heritage bus. Get off at Miyaumaguchi Station (about 1 hour and 33 minutes) Parking: Free parking Visit: 2 hour

Originally planned to go north to Japan to see the sea in the far north, the mountain high road is far away, so I leisurely went to the focus of Wuyishan Hezhang Village. One heart went to Shirakawago, and the other two passed through the other two not very famous Hezhang Village. After checking it, I found out that it was the same as Shirakawa. The Mt. Wushan is composed of 40 colonies, large and small. The three colonies of Shirakawa-go () in Tokugawa and Mount Fuji (Abu Cang-Kuma) in Toyama are registered as world heritage sites. The road that we passed along the Fushan Mountain is the Wusong Mountain and the Xiangcun Settlement. The position of the warehouse is not big. We went to the observatory along the road sign. In fact, it did not go for a long time, but there was a feeling of openness and hungry. There are not many people coming to the Xiangcun and the colony, but I think the scenery is comparable to that of Shirakawa Township. The scale is slightly smaller than that of Shirakawa Township, but it is much quieter than the people of Baichuan Township Observatory. Transportation: Take the No. 7 platform of Takaoka Station and take the World Heritage bus. Get off at the Nakagawaguchi Station (about 1 hour and 18 minutes) Parking: There is free parking Visiting time: 2 hours

Wuyi Mountain is an ancient village in the south of Libo City in Fushan County. Like the Baichuan Township in Jixian County, it is one of the best snow areas. Because the winter scenery is like a fairy tale situation, it is called a fairy tale village in winter. I took a few aerial photographs at the entrance of the B&B. I saw the building from the ground and I liked it very much. After the aerial photography, I found out that we were in the middle of the mountain. The fog on the mountain condensed into clouds and floated in the air. I wore it. Looking down through the clouds, its just too beautiful. In addition to the unique accommodations in the homestay, the cuisine here is also very special. Although the location is remote, the ingredients are not bad at all. Sichuan fish and mountain vegetables are the characteristics of this place. In fact, many of the side dishes are what we can eat in our daily life, such as cucumbers and pumpkins, but the taste is very different. The sauce here makes these vegetables better. . The palms must be replaced every three or forty years. It takes a lot of manpower to change the thatch, so every time someone has a roof that needs to be renovated, the whole village will work together.