Set far back in the valley, Ainokura (‘Š‘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.

Folklore Museum

Hours: 8:30 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 300 yen (500 yen for both museums)

This gassho-zukuri farmhouse has been converted into a small museum displaying daily life in the Gokayama region during the Edo Period.

Traditional Industry Museum

Hours: 8:30 to 17:00
Closed: Infrequent, irregular closures
Admission: 300 yen (500 yen for both museums)

Just a few steps from the Folklore Museum, this former farmhouse 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.

Washi Workshop Hall

Hours: 9:00 to 16:30
Closed: Tuesdays (except national holidays) and from December to April
Admission: from 600 yen (cost for short washi-making activity)

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 and workshop you can watch how washi paper is made and try your hand at making some yourself (no prior reservation required).

Attractions outside of the village center

Murakami-ke House

Hours: 9:00 to 16:00 (entry until 15:40)
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (except national holidays) and from mid December through February
Admission: 400 yen

Four kilometers down the road from Ainokura, this is another well preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouse. The interior can be visited and exhibits some regional instruments, including a sasara.