Gokayama in Toyama Japan is an historic village. On December 9, 1995, the village was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Shirakawa Go in Gifu.
Get to Know Gokayama
Gokayama’s farmhouses are known for their unique architecture style, gassho. Named after the steep, snow-repelling roofs. The large area in the attic was once used for silkworms.
Although the kanji for the name currently used means “Five Mountains”, the name originally was “Between Five Valleys”, and is also pronounced in the same way.
Some of these traditional homes are still inhabited by people, despite the fact that this destination is relatively popular. Remember this as you travel.
Gokayama offers numerous ryokan based Japanese inns for overnight stays. These inns offer breakfast and dinner as part of the price. You will most likely sleep on futons on tatami on the tatami-mat. The dinner is usually traditional Japanese food consisting of mountain vegetables and river fish.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in Shirakawa Go due to the fact that most of its buildings are made from highly flammable materials. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas within the village. These are marked by benches, signs and large 3 foot high ashtrays. Smoking is not permitted unless you are in an area designated for smoking. Shirakawa has an emergency fire suppression system. However, activating it with a cigarette would ruin a holiday.