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Ainokura Village is a small historic mountain village in Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture, renowned for its traditional gasshō-zukuri farmhouses, with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snowfall. Nestled in a secluded valley, the village has around 20 surviving traditional houses, some of which are several centuries old. A number remain inhabited, while others serve as museums, guesthouses or restaurants. Together with nearby Suganuma and the better-known Shirakawa-gō, Ainokura forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its distinctive architecture and traditional rural way of life. A short uphill walk to the village viewpoint offers excellent views over the rooftops and surrounding mountains.
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菅沼集落
Suganuma Village is a small, picturesque historic settlement in Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture, known for its traditional *gasshō-zukuri* farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. The village has nine surviving traditional houses, set among fields and wooded hills beside the Shō River. Some buildings contain small museums illustrating local life and the region's traditional paper-making and gunpowder industries. Together with nearby Ainokura and Shirakawa-gō, Suganuma forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its distinctive architecture and traditional mountain culture. A short walk from the parking area or nearby bus stop brings you into the compact village, which can be explored in around 30–60 minutes.