Your Travel Experience with Bamba
Begin your journey by visiting the Ainokura Gassho Community in Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll explore the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses, which have steeply pitched thatched roofs to withstand heavy snowfall. The village consists of 20 houses, and what makes it unique is that locals still live in these homes. Stroll through this preserved community and get a glimpse of how life in these architectural wonders continues today.
Here’s the segmented activity description for each stop on the Gokayama-Ainokura & Shirakawa-go Sightseeing Bus Tour: Stop 1: Ainokura Gassho Community (50 minutes) Begin your journey by visiting the Ainokura Gassho Community in Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll explore the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses, which have steeply pitched thatched roofs to withstand heavy snowfall. The village consists of 20 houses, and what makes it unique is that locals still live in these homes. Stroll through this preserved community and get a glimpse of how life in these architectural wonders continues today. Admission Ticket: Free Stop 2: The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go (2 hours) Next, arrive at the Shirakawa-go village, another UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its 114 Gassho-zukuri houses. These thatched-roof houses are specially designed for snowy winters, with their steep triangular roofs resembling hands in prayer, which gives the name "gassho." Wander through this beautiful village at your own pace, taking in the nostalgic charm of old Japan. Optional: You can visit the "Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Minkaen" for an additional experience.
During your time in Shirakawa-go, visit the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, an open-air museum that offers a closer look at the traditional gassho-style homes. Step inside and experience how people lived centuries ago in these historical houses. Note: The park is closed on Thursdays from December to March. If closed, you will receive an original tour mascot as a gift.
End your tour with a stop at the Tenshukaku Observatory, located on a hill northwest of Shirakawa-go. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the gassho-style village and the picturesque landscape. This is the iconic view often seen on posters, showcasing the seasonal beauty of Shirakawa-go. It’s a perfect spot for photographs and to marvel at the fairytale-like scenery.