Picturesque Villages with thatched-roofed houses and untouched nature!!

If you love photography or Instagram, these three spots are highly recommended for you!! There are many photogenic things such as cute desserts and colorful spots in Tokyo, and taking “Instagrammable” pictures is one of trendy things to do during trips in Japan.

However, it’s difficult to find such a picturesque and serene scenery like Shirakawago in the metropolis.

Shirakawago (白川郷) and Gokayama (五箇山) are famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide, and one and only place with untouched nature and traditional old houses with thatched and steep roof called Gassho-Zukuri.

Let’s make your special memory in an album or Instagram with these 3 villages in Shirakawago and Gokayama!!

1. Tenshukaku Observatory in Shirakawago

Tenshukaku Observatory (天守閣展望台) offers a great chance to overlook Ogimachi village (荻町), which is the largest village where Gassho-zukuri houses are well-preserved. You can see the largest Gassho-zukuri house Wada House in the village. How interesting that people still live an ordinary life there.

You can reach the observatory by foot, car or the bus which depart from the front of Wada House.

2. Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village in Gokayama

Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village (相倉合掌造り集落) is located in Gokayama area, a little north of Ogimachi, Shirakawago. The village consists of 23 Gassho-zukuri houses and terraced rice fields. Compared to Shirakawago, Ainokura Village has more untouched and less touristic environment. It takes 5 mins to walk to the best point to overlook the village.

3. Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village in Gokayama

Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village (菅沼合掌造り集落) is another Gassho-zukuri village in Gokayama area. There are only 9 Gassho-zukuri houses in the village. It’s recommended to take a pictures up close with the houses and brilliantly green rice fields or seasonal flowers and leaves.

Shirakawago and Gokayaka have different attractions in four seasons. You can enjoy the area whenever you visit there. You might also like these articles below!

Ultimate Travel Guide for Shirakawago and Gokayama VillagesThis is an introduction of visit-worthy villages in Shirakawago.jw-webmagazine.com

1 Week Itinerary in Japan: CENTRAL JAPANNow many international flights are available to Centrair Airport which is located in Aichi prefecture, less than 1 hour…jw-webmagazine.com

Hida Takayama: 10 Best Things to Do Hida Takayama Travel Guide from Shirakawago to Sanmachi Street jw-webmagazine.com

▽Related Articles▽

10 Best Central Japan Tours and ActivitiesTop 10 Things to Do in Chubu Region (Central Japan)jw-webmagazine.com

Seki : The City of Samurai Knives in Gifu, Japan Seki Knives: Samurai’s Swordsmith Art Inherited through 780 years jw-webmagazine.com

My First and Best Airbnb in Japan: ReviewJapanese traditional house surrounded by rich nature, located in Toyama Prefecturejw-webmagazine.com

▼Editor’s Picks▼

Shirakawago : Best Time to VisitBest View of Shirakawago Village by Seasonjw-webmagazine.com

5 Instagram-Worthy Ramens in Tokyo!Ramenstagram… Have you heard of it??jw-webmagazine.com

5 Swimwear-allowed Onsen Spots near TokyoFor shy travellers but who would still like to enjoy Japan’s Onsen culture. Visit those 5 Onsen spots near Tokyo where…jw-webmagazine.com

Written by

Yusuke-s

I'm writing by my motto: helping travelers spend their limited time experiencing something priceless in Japan. My articles won't let you down! Living in Tokyo and traveling many popular and hidden sites all over Japan, I deliver well-selected and latest tourist information to you from the perspective of “100% Japanese local”. My specific interests are island hopping, eating countless bowls of ramen, watching anime and reading manga. Enjoy Japan Web Magazine for recommended food spots, hidden gems Japanese Otaku (geek) culture, and everything about Japan :)