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Winter Scenery · Chubu & Hokuriku

Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village

Gokayama, ToyamaSnowy village❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb✦ Illumination
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Overview

Overview

Ainokura in Nanto, Toyama, is one of Gokayama’s gassho-zukuri (thatched farmhouse) villages, inscribed as a World Heritage Site together with Shirakawa-go. The village keeps 20 gassho-zukuri houses, and in winter their thatched roofs stand in a pure white snowy landscape.

Address
Ainokura, Nanto, Toyama
Official website
https://gokayama-info.jp/
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonUsually January to February (snow season December to March)
December
January
February

Snowfall varies greatly with each year’s weather. Check the official website for the latest snow and road information

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

January brings fresh snow, and in February the snow reaches about 100–200 cm deep, so you can see gassho-zukuri houses that look almost buried in snow. The village is smaller than Shirakawa-go, and its charm is the quiet atmosphere of a mountain hamlet. On selected days in winter, the village is also illuminated.

📷 Best views
Inside Ainokura village

Walk among snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses and see them up close

Illumination

Illumination & winter lights

Period
Usually on designated days in winter

In 2026, held February 21 and 22 from dusk until 20:00. On illumination days, you walk about 400 m from the parking lot to the village

Admission

Admission & fares

Ainokura parking lotRegular and light cars ¥1,000

Medium bus ¥3,000, large bus ¥5,000, motorcycle ¥300

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Roads are slippery with packed snow and ice, so walk in shoes with good grip
  • ✓If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, the World Heritage Bus or a tour is the safer choice
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Ainokura-guchi (World Heritage Bus)About 5 min on foot
From major stations & airports
  • Johana Station: World Heritage Bus (About 25 min)
  • Takaoka Station: World Heritage Bus (About 1 hr 15 min)
Driving & winter roads
The village parking lot is paid (regular car ¥1,000). In January and February, driving is difficult without a 4WD vehicle with studless winter tires
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for the Shirakawa (Gifu) observation station: high 2.8°C, low -4.4°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Gokayama tourism information gives -5 to 5°C as a guide for January temperatures
What to wear & bring
Full winter gear such as a knit sweater, scarf, hat and gloves. Wear rubber boots or snow boots
☁ Chubu & Hokuriku weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Rules & safety

  • !People live in this village, so do not enter houses or private property without permission
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri VillagePR

PRSee more places to stay near Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Shirakawa-go

January–February

Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Shirakawa-go

Usually a few days in January–February (fully reservation-only)

2027 (41st): 4 days, Jan 11 (Mon, holiday), Jan 17 (Sun), Jan 24 (Sun) & Jan 31 (Sun)

See all events →
Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Chubu & Hokuriku

Mountain & highland

Amaharashi Coast

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takaoka, Toyama

❄ Best season: Early Nov – Late Mar

Mountain & highland

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Okuhida, Gifu

❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Apr

Old town

Narai-juku

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Kiso Valley (Tsumago & Magome)

❄ Best season: Early Feb

✦ Illumination
Frozen waterfall & icicles

Hirayu Great Falls

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Okuhida, Gifu

❄ Best season: Mid Feb – Late Feb

✦ Illumination
See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookShirakawa-go & Gokayama / Hida-Takayama Bus Tour from KanazawaDeparts from Kanazawa Station. A day bus tour with a selectable course visiting the gassho-zukuri villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (check the product page for which Gokayama village is visited)View