Beyond Shirakawa-go: Discover Gokayama’s Quiet Charm | Toyama, Japan Travel

Beyond Shirakawa-go: Discover Gokayama’s Quiet Charm | Toyama, Japan Travel

Gokayama is a tranquil mountain village with picturesque scenery. Surrounded by steep mountains,
the people of this region have long used their wisdom to coexist with the harsh natural environment. Gokayama consists of 40 small villages,
two of which—Ainokura and Suganuma—are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this video, we will introduce the charm of Ainokura and Suganuma,
as well as the history, culture, and local cuisine of Gokayama. Please enjoy the video until the end. Feel Japan offers travel ideas in Japan. Follow us and be inspired to discover the unknown wonders of Japan. If you like this video, give us a thumbs up. Your comments are also welcome. Ainokura is the largest village in Gokayama. It is home to 20 gassho-style houses, offering breathtaking views that change with the seasons. Many of these houses were built between 100 and 200 years ago and are still used as residences today. Some of these historic buildings have been repurposed as museums,
souvenir shops, restaurants, and inns, allowing visitors to experience the unique culture of the area. These houses feature a distinctive architectural style known as “Gassho-zukuri”, characterized by steeply pitched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Similar gassho-style houses can also be found in Shirakawa-go, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, while Shirakawa-go is widely known, Gokayama remains relatively undiscovered. As a result, there are fewer tourists,
allowing visitors to fully appreciate the serene and authentic atmosphere of the countryside. Suganuma Village is a very small settlement with only nine gassho-style houses. Until recent years, this area was inaccessible due to a lack of proper roads,
earning it a reputation as a “hidden village.” However, the existence of such a well-preserved settlement in these remote mountains
is tied to an important historical background. In the past, Gokayama was secretly engaged in the production of saltpeter,
a key ingredient in gunpowder. The dry climate, pure spring water, and secluded mountain environment
made it an ideal location for saltpeter production. At the time, saltpeter was a valuable military resource,
and Gokayama played a crucial role as a production center. These houses were not only designed to withstand heavy snowfall
but were also well-suited for saltpeter production. In the attic spaces, people raised silkworms, whose waste was used to extract potassium nitrate, which was then refined into saltpeter. This secret industry was one of the key factors
that led to the development of the thriving villages of Gokayama. Gokayama is also known for its rich culinary culture, nurtured by its natural surroundings. Among the local specialties, “Iwana” (Japanese char) and “Gokayama Tofu”
are particularly famous. Iwana is a freshwater fish that grows in clear mountain streams,
offering a light and delicate flavor. It is commonly enjoyed grilled with salt or served as sashimi. Gokayama Tofu, on the other hand,
has a firmer texture than regular tofu due to its lower water content. These local dishes reflect the wisdom and traditions of the people of Gokayama. When you visit, be sure to try these unique flavors. Thank you for watching the video until the end. Please subscribe to this channel, give us a thumbs up, and leave a comment. Various links are listed in the overview. We welcome your recommendations and requests in the comments and on the social media.

Often overshadowed by Shirakawa-go, Gokayama offers a quieter, equally stunning glimpse into Japan’s rural heritage.
Find out why this hidden gem deserves a visit.

Gokayama
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ManSKPhywAW7hZe9

The most famous unexplored region of Japan, Shirakawa-go

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00:00 Opening
02:57 Aikura village
07:52 Suganuma village
12:04 Local cuisine
13:52 Ending

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