Ainokura Village
Set far back in the valley, Ainokura (相倉) is the most remote village in the Gokayama region. It is also the largest of the villages with nearly 20 gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Many of them remain private residences, although a few have been converted into restaurants, museums, and minshuku, which allow for an overnight stay at a farmhouse.
Ainokura, along with Suganuma and Ogimachi, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Because it is less developed and harder to get to than Ogimachi, Ainokura is quieter and sees less tourist traffic, but offers similar attractions.
Being so remote, Ainokura, along with the rest of Gokayama, has been able to maintain a lot of its traditional culture. This can be seen in folk dances and music, which use a number of unique, traditional instruments. For example, the sasara, an instrument made of over a hundred wooden clappers strung together, is symbolic of the region and a popular souvenir.
The region around Ainokura is well known for its washi paper. Legend has it that the technique of paper making was brought here from Kyoto at the end of the Heian Period when survivors of the Taira Clan escaped to this region after their defeat by the Minamoto Clan. There are several washi shops and workshops in Ainokura and surroundings, where you can observe local artisans making washi paper as well as try your hand at making some yourself.
Attractions outside of the village center
Getting there and around
Daytime visitors are asked to vist Ainokura only between 8:30 and 17:00 and refrain from visiting the villages in the early mornings and in the evenings.
By bus
Ainokura is a stop along the bus route between Shirakawago and Takaoka (see timetable). The one way bus ride from Shirakawago to Ainokura ("Ainokura-guchi" bus stop) takes 45 minutes and costs 1300 yen. From Shin-Takaoka Station, it takes about one hour and costs 1000 yen.
By car
From Ogimachi, Ainokura can be reached in about 45 minutes along National Route 156. You can cut travel time by a few minutes by taking the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway between Shirakawago and Gokayama IC (580 yen expressway tolls). From Gokayama IC, Ainokura is reached in about 15 minutes. Parking costs 500 yen.
How to get to and around Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Shirakawago & Gokayama
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ShiroyamakanSet in Shirakawa in the Gifu region, with Shirakawago nearby, Shiroyamakan features accommodation with access to a hot tub. The 4-star ryokan features river views and is 47 km from Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village. The ryokan offers rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. The units are equipped with heating facilities. The area is popular for cycling, and free use of bicycles is available at the ryokan. Guests can also relax in the garden. Takayama Station is 48 km from Shiroyamakan, while Fuji Folk Museum is 49 km away. Toyama Airport is 83 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Onyado YuinoshoOnyado Yuinosho provides a sauna and free private parking, and is within 45 km of Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village and 46 km of Takayama Station. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a lift, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can use the hot spring bath and the public bath, or enjoy mountain views. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At the ryokan, all units are soundproof. At the ryokan, every unit includes bed linen and towels. An Asian breakfast is available at the ryokan. There is a snack bar, bar and lounge. Shirakawago is less than 1 km from Onyado Yuinosho, while Fuji Folk Museum is 47 km away. Toyama Airport is 81 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Shirakawago Guest House Kei600 metres from Shirakawago, Shirakawago Guest House Kei is set in Shirakawa and offers rooms with free WiFi. All rooms feature a kitchen and a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. All guest rooms in the guest house are fitted with a coffee machine. The units will provide guests with a microwave. The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 46 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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CURIO ShirakawagoSituated within 47 km of Takayama Station and a few steps of Shirakawago, CURIO Shirakawago provides rooms in Shirakawa. The 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 46 km from Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Fuji Folk Museum is 48 km from the hotel, while Yoshijima Heritage House is 48 km away. Toyama Airport is 82 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Minsyuku KoshiyamaOffering mountain views, Minsyuku Koshiyama is an accommodation situated in Shirakawa, 47 km from Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village and 48 km from Takayama Station. With a shared lounge, the 2-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Free private parking is available and the guest house also features bike hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. All units in the guest house are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At the guest house, every unit is equipped with bed linen and towels. Shirakawago is less than 1 km from the guest house, while Fuji Folk Museum is 49 km from the property. Toyama Airport is 83 km away.View on Booking.com
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