Gokayama is an area in Toyama Prefecture, comprising of 40 small villages, two of which (Ainokura and Suganuma) are registered as World Heritage Sites along with Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture. While much smaller than Shirakawa-gō, the villages in Gokayama see less tourist footfall and are often thought to provide a more intimate experience. The two areas are only a 30-minute drive from either other and so it is easy to visit both in the same day.

Gokayama is a 60-minute drive from the cities of Kanazawa and Toyama. While renting a car is by far the most convenient way to visit the villages (access is poor and the only other option is to join a bus tour), care needs to be taken during winter when the roads become icy and visibility poor due to frequent snowfall.

You May Also Like

Omotesando

Omotesando (表参道) is a zelkova-lined boulevard was originally designed as an approach to Meiji Shrine, sometimes referred to…

Tokyo Skytree Town

Opened in May 2012, Tokyo Skytree Town is a commercial complex located in Oshiage, the centrepiece of which…

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Tokyo Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located to the west of Tokyo Station and occupies some of the…

Hamamatsucho Area Guide

Hamamatsucho (浜松町) is a central area in Tokyo with a good mix of parks, hotels, and restaurants. By…