Discover the Enchanting Village of Ainokura
Explore Ainokura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Toyama, renowned for its charming gassho-zukuri farmhouses and breathtaking rural landscapes.
Nestled in the lush mountains of Toyama Prefecture, Ainokura is a picturesque village renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Ideal for tourists seeking an authentic Japanese experience, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into rural life, vibrant landscapes, and warm hospitality.
A brief summary to Ainokura
- Nanto, Ainokura, Toyama, JP
Local tips
- Visit during the autumn for stunning foliage or in winter to see the village covered in snow.
- Take a guided tour of the traditional farmhouses to fully appreciate their history and architecture.
- Bring a camera; the scenery is picturesque at every turn!
- Try local delicacies such as soba noodles made from fresh buckwheat during your visit.
- Respect the local customs and ask for permission before taking photos of residents or private properties.
Getting There
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Bus
From Kanazawa Station, take the Noto Railway bus towards Nanto. This bus departs from the bus terminal located just outside the station. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Get off at Ainokura bus stop. From the stop, follow the signs to Ainokura village, which is a short 10-minute walk.
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Train and Bus
Take the JR Hokuriku Line from Kanazawa Station to Takaoka Station (approximately 20 minutes). At Takaoka Station, transfer to the Noto Railway and take the bus towards Nanto. Get off at Ainokura bus stop. From there, follow the signs to Ainokura village, which is about a 10-minute walk.
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Taxi
If you prefer a quicker and more direct route, you can take a taxi from Kanazawa Station directly to Ainokura. The journey will take approximately 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Ensure you show the driver the address 'Nanto, Toyama 939-1915' to avoid any confusion.
Discover more about Ainokura
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Yatsuo Owara Museum
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208 Saburōmaru
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Inotani Checkpoint Hall
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Kenrokuen Garden Kodatsuno Gate
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Ryuseki
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Sekirei-jima (Wagtail Island)
28.3 km
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Kinjo Reitaku Sacred Well
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Kenrokuen Garden Kamisaka Gate
28.4 km
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Gankou-Bashi (Flying Geese Bridge)
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Ishikawa Local Products Center
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Kaiseki Pagoda
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Kahoku-mon Gate
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Gojukken Nagaya - Kanazawa castle
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Northwest Turret Remains
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Unmissable attractions to see
Gokayama
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Gokayama Folklore Museum
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World Heritage Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village
4.4 km
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Hatotani Hachiman Shrine
17.7 km
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Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck
17.9 km
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Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck
17.9 km
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合掌村 Ogimachi
18.0 km
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Water Lily Pond
18.3 km
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Wada House
18.3 km
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Wooden Walkway
18.3 km
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Kanda House
18.5 km
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Shirakawa-go
18.5 km
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Nagase House
18.5 km
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Jin Homura Art Museum
18.6 km
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Myozenji Museum
18.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Masuzono Bunsuke
17.7 km
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Hiiragi
17.7 km
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Tenshukaku
17.9 km
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Arai
18.0 km
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Shirakawago Restaurant Irori
18.2 km
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Hakusuien
18.2 km
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Yukinko
18.3 km
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Keyaki
18.4 km
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Tanaka-ya
18.4 km
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Shiawaseya Kichibei
18.5 km
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Shiraogi
18.6 km
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Zensuke
18.6 km
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Yamamotoya
18.6 km
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Hidaji
18.6 km
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Nomura
18.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
笑顔屋
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白川郷特産品直売所 長助
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高桑商店
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Daily Yamazaki Shirakawamura Shirakawago Store
17.7 km
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てんぼうだいのおみやげやさん
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Coffee Shop Hina
18.0 km
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白川郷あいす工房与ぜ
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Kobikiya
18.3 km
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Memenko
18.3 km
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ZEN
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Okuzaemon
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Mamekichi Honpo Shirakawago
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Kondou Shoten
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Yamakoshi
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Tenkara, Shirakawa
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Koshiyama
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Shiroyamakan
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だんご屋 ゆたか
18.4 km
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Teriha
28.7 km
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Chaya&Bar Gauche
28.7 km
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粋蓮
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漱流
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雀草庵
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Kanazawa Music Bar
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Noboruya
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Bar Ame
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Oriental Brewing
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal
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Hakuraku
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tricky
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Ichie
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Bespa
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Club Harlem
29.1 km
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Club Crystal
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BASE
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Eight Hall
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クラブ 紅 【Kou】
29.1 km
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Main
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Ann'z bar
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俱楽部 上
29.1 km
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Music Bar Minshia
29.1 km
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Apstage (フィリピンパブ)
29.2 km
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