The traditional farmhouses in Suganuma and Ainokura, like
those in Gifu's 'Shirakawa-go', have stood for almost 400
years and were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in
1995. Constructed in an architectural style known as
'gassho-zukuri', the houses are characterized by a steeply
slanted thatch roof reminiscent of two hands joined in prayer.
In order to withstand the region's abundant snowfall, each home is large and sturdy - standing three or four stories tall
with an exceptionally strong frame and thatching. Nestled in the picturesque Shogawa River Valley, there are 9 homes
in Suganuma and about 20 in Ainokura.
In Ainokura, the surrounding fields, forests
and roads have also been designated a special retention zone to ensure the rural
landscape is preserved for future generations. Several times a year the village is
illuminated, creating a fairy-tale ambience. Visitors keen for a memorable experience
can stay overnight in one of the 'gassho-zukuri' houses. Other noteworthy sites include
the Gokayama Folklore Museum, Murakami and Iwase 'Gassho-zukuri' houses, as
well as the 'Gokayama Washi-no-sato' where beautiful paper crafts are on display and
available for purchase.
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, linking
Toyama and Nagano Prefectures, is a premier scenic
roadway offering spectacular views of the Tateyama
Range. Along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Hakusan, Mt. Tateyama is regarded as one
of Japan's three most beloved mountains. During winter, the snow is so heavy
that the route must be closed until spring. It re-opens in mid-April after snow
plows blast through, creating 'Yuki-no Otani'
(snow canyon), a 20 meter high snow corridor
that lasts until the end of May. Between June
26 and October 15, visitors have the
opportunity to see the drainage of Kurobe
Dam, Japan's highest at 186 meters. The
3,000 meter high mountain range can be
traveled via bus, cable cars and ropeway
offering more sightseeing options. From snow
capped peaks in winter to splendid summer
flora, the views are beautiful in any season.
The steep cliffs of Kurobe Gorge
beckons nature lovers to enjoy its
breathtaking scenery. This once
isolated region now offers a variety
of thrilling sights for adventure
seekers. An exciting 80 minute
train ride between Unazuki Hot
Spring and Keyakidaira pierces 41
tunnels and spans 21 bridges.
Atobikibashi Bridge with an
awesome 60 meter drop, is also worth visiting. The gorge
is noted for its unexplored hot springs, but Unazuki
Onsen, at the start of the train trip, offers the finest
thermal waters in Toyama Prefecture.
In the heart of Japan, Toyama Prefecture overflows with history and beauty
The traditional farmhouses in Suganuma and Ainokura, like
those in Gifu's 'Shirakawa-go', have stood for almost 400
years and were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in
1995. Constructed in an architectural style known as
'gassho-zukuri', the houses are characterized by a steeply
slanted thatch roof reminiscent of two hands joined in prayer.
In order to withstand the region's abundant snowfall, each home is large and sturdy - standing three or four stories tall
with an exceptionally strong frame and thatching. Nestled in the picturesque Shogawa River Valley, there are 9 homes
in Suganuma and about 20 in Ainokura.
In Ainokura, the surrounding fields, forests
and roads have also been designated a special retention zone to ensure the rural
landscape is preserved for future generations. Several times a year the village is
illuminated, creating a fairy-tale ambience. Visitors keen for a memorable experience
can stay overnight in one of the 'gassho-zukuri' houses. Other noteworthy sites include
the Gokayama Folklore Museum, Murakami and Iwase 'Gassho-zukuri' houses, as
well as the 'Gokayama Washi-no-sato' where beautiful paper crafts are on display and
available for purchase.
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, linking
Toyama and Nagano Prefectures, is a premier scenic
roadway offering spectacular views of the Tateyama
Range. Along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Hakusan, Mt. Tateyama is regarded as one
of Japan's three most beloved mountains. During winter, the snow is so heavy
that the route must be closed until spring. It re-opens in mid-April after snow
plows blast through, creating 'Yuki-no Otani'
(snow canyon), a 20 meter high snow corridor
that lasts until the end of May. Between June
26 and October 15, visitors have the
opportunity to see the drainage of Kurobe
Dam, Japan's highest at 186 meters. The
3,000 meter high mountain range can be
traveled via bus, cable cars and ropeway
offering more sightseeing options. From snow
capped peaks in winter to splendid summer
flora, the views are beautiful in any season. 
The steep cliffs of Kurobe Gorge
beckons nature lovers to enjoy its
breathtaking scenery. This once
isolated region now offers a variety
of thrilling sights for adventure
seekers. An exciting 80 minute
train ride between Unazuki Hot
Spring and Keyakidaira pierces 41
tunnels and spans 21 bridges.
Atobikibashi Bridge with an
awesome 60 meter drop, is also worth visiting. The gorge
is noted for its unexplored hot springs, but Unazuki
Onsen, at the start of the train trip, offers the finest
thermal waters in Toyama Prefecture.
