Ainokura Village

Set far back in the valley, Ainokura (���q) 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