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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Chubu - Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Ainokura Village	# 2   of 4 most visited sights in Shirakawa-go
access  -  ratings  -  tours  -  links

Set far back in the valley, Ainokura 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. Ainokura, along with Suganuma and Ogimachi, was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. Although it is less developed and harder to get to than Ogimachi, Ainokura is quieter and sees less tourist traffic, and offers similar attractions including the highly recommend overnight at a farmhouse. Sasara and other Gokayama instruments Making washi paper 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 its folk dances and music, which use a number of traditional instruments unique to the area. For example, the sasara, an instrument made of over a hundred wooden clappers strung together, is symbolic of the region and is a popular souvenir. Gokayama, especially the towns around Ainokura, is well known for its washi paper. Legend has it the technique 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 stores in the area where you can observe local artisans making washi paper as well as try your hand at making some yourself. Folk Museum Number 1 Hours: daily 8:30 to 17:00 Closed: No closing days Admission: 200 yen (includes both museums) One of two houses that make up the Ainokura Folk Museum, this gassho-zukuri farmhouse has been converted into a small museum displaying daily life in the Gokayama region during the Edo Period. Folk Museum Number 2 Hours: daily 8:30 to 17:00 Closed: No closing days Admission: 200 yen (includes both museums) This is the second of two buildings that make up the Ainokura Folk Museum. Also a former farmhouse, it has displays on washi paper making and other industries of the region. Viewpoint The viewpoint above Ainokura is a five to ten minute walk up the mountain. The trail begins behind the information building at the parking lot, goes through a few fields and connects with a small road. If you continue up the hill on the road you will be rewarded with nice aerial views of the village. Attractions around Ainokura Gokayama Washi The Gokayama region has been well known for its washi paper since the art was brought here by Taira Clan refugees from Kyoto. At this store/factory you can watch how washi paper is made, or try your hand at making some yourself (advance notice required). Uta no Yakata Hours: 10:00 to 16:00 Closed: December through March Admission: 200 yen Uta no Yakata is a museum dedicated to the unique music of the Gokayama region. Here you can watch videos of the traditional music and dance, and learn to play some of the instruments such as the sasara. Murakami-ke House Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (Dec to Mar 9:00 to 16:00) Closed: Wednesdays (except for national holidays) Admission: 300 yen This farmhouse turned museum is known for its owner who gives tours of the house which end with performances of local folk songs accompanied by regional instruments. Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

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Ratings for Ainokura Village: japan-guide.com Rating:   outstanding   User Rating (by 47 users): 88/100   recommended Popularity of Ainokura Village: Users who have been to Shirakawa-go: 363 Users who have been to Ainokura Village: 90 2nd of 4 most visited sights in Shirakawa-go. 378th of 726 most visited sights nationwide. Have you been to Ainokura Village? No - I have not been there yetYes - no ratingYes - highly recommendedYes - recommendedYes - mildly interestingYes - nothing specialYes - not recommended User Feedback We strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and are always looking for ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

Tours and Packages

2 days in snowy Shirakawago, all-you-can-eat snow crab! Nice price! Two satisfying days packed with fun things to do, for 16,980 to 24,980 yen. Shirakawago, Hida-Takayama, Kanazawa.Toyama Onsen Resort, with open-air hot spring bath. Takayama and Shirakawa-go Tours Various tours and travel packages for Takayama and surroundings.

Japanese Links

Nanto City Tourist Guide Official website. Murakami-ke Official website.