Risshisha

Hello, long time no see.
This is Ishibashi from Risshisha.

It is not Kyoto or Tokyo.
I'd like to introduce Greenery Place, Toyama.

I went to ​Ainokura Village in Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture.

As one of the "Gassho-style Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama,"
along with Ogimachi Village in Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture,and Suganuma Village in Gokayama,
Ainokura Village, located in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture,
was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 (Heisei 7).

It is one of the few "populated World Heritage Sites"
in the world where people continue to stay.

On a long, narrow terrace about 400 meters above sea level,
twenty gassho-style houses are still standing today.
The oldest is believed to have been created in the 17th century.

Furthermore, the buildings, the rice fields, the stone walls, and the safety structures
have all contributed to the preservation of the mountain village's lovely, natural scenery.

You can learn about Gokayama's history and culture by visiting its folk museum,
traditional industry museum, and washi paper-making experience center,
which are all housed in a Gassho-style house.

The location was lovely, the air was clear, and the temperature was comfortable.
There were lots of foreign visitors, as was to be expected.
It was the ideal location for learning about Japanese culture and history.

【Access by Car】
Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway:
Approximately 20 minutes from Gokayama IC via National Route 156.

Parking:
There is a designated parking lot near the entrance to the village.
The fee is 1,000 yen for standard and light vehicles.

【Access by Bus】
You can get there by train and bus.
Access from main stations in Toyama Prefecture and nearby areas is as follows.

・JR Johana Line, Johana Station
World Heritage Bus, approximately 25 minutes, "Ainokuraguchi"
After getting off at the bus stop, it's about a 5-minute walk to the village.

・JR Takaoka Station
World Heritage Bus, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
After getting off at the "Ainokuraguchi" bus stop, it's about a 5-minute walk to the village.

The Ainokura and Suganuma villages in Gokayama and Shirakawa-go
(Gifu Prefecture) are connected by the World Heritage Bus.
We recommend going over the schedule ahead of time due to the limited number of buses.

The recommended time to enter the village is usually between 8:30 and 17:00.
If you are going by bus, please check the timetable
and schedule your trip
so that you can make it on time for the bus.

You can forget the quick passing of time there....

Make sure to visit Toyama Prefecture if you have the chance.
It's one of those locations where the scenery changes with the seasons.

See you later.