Title: Visit Ainokura: 2026 Travel Guide for Ainokura, Nanto | Expedia.com [Hotels in Ainokura](https://expedia.com/Ainokura-Hotels.d553248635389799400.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Ainokura](https://expedia.com/Ainokura-Vacation-Rentals.d553248635389799400.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Car Rentals in Ainokura](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Ainokura.d553248635389799400.Car-Rental-Guide)[Ainokura Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Ainokura.d553248635389799400.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Ainokura ## Travel Guide ![Ainokura which includes a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635389799400/b2c84bc4-12c8-4f37-b698-b4e6373d9614.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ainokura which includes a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635389799400/b2c84bc4-12c8-4f37-b698-b4e6373d9614.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ainokura which includes a small town or village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635389799400/53869eae-f085-420c-b432-0dabc9e93ed2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ainokura featuring landscape views and a small town or village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635389799400/49e8d2ad-6e1c-471b-bae3-da160e1b7416.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ainokura showing a small town or village and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635389799400/c45649fa-6f57-4685-a467-d4925d1c555c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Ainokura Things to do An hour outside the bustling city of Toyama, this farmhouse village seems centuries removed, with traditional thatched-roof homes and handmade washi paper. Nestled along the Sho River between mountains covered by beech forest, the village of Ainokura provides fascinating views of the past. The area has been settled since the 11th century. Farmers raise rice and other produce for their own subsistence, along with mulberry trees, whose fruit feeds silkworms. See the unusual buildings that have been the traditional architecture in the region for 200 to 400 years. Somewhat isolated from the rest of the world, the village is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Ainokura Gassho-zukuriVillage of about 20 intriguing farmhouses built in the Gassho-zukuristyle. Wooden beams support a steep roof in an A-frame shape that resembles hands in prayer. Roofs are made of thick thatching that can withstand the region’s heavy snowfall. Walk through the village to discreetly admire these private homes. Several buildings operate as restaurants or provide overnight accommodations. Look for the Folk Museum at the village’s southern end, occupying one of the traditional buildings. Step inside to see farming tools used by residents since the Edo period and learn about the construction of the Gassho-zukuri buildings. Another regional highlight is the making of washi paper by hand processing the bark of native vegetation. Stop at the Washi Paper Workshop to see a demonstration and try the activity yourself. For additional exercise, follow a narrow walking path for about 15 minutes to reach the tree known as Zelkova couples. Local stories say that this unusually shaped tree and its roots have prevented avalanches from destroying the village. The bus from Shirokawa to Ainokura takes 1 hour. Alternatively, drive here in just over 1 hour from Toyama. Parking is available for a fee in the lot at the village’s north end. Take iconic photos of the village from a raised Ainokura Observatory deck nearby. A monument marks the entrance to the village, documenting its 1995 World Heritage registration. See the additional traditional villages of Ogimachi and Suganuma that are part of the UNESCO-listed site. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_553248635389799400) - Ainokura Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Ainokura ![SOKI KANAZAWA](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/84000000/83820000/83815500/83815447/w2868h1620x11y0-d9a865e5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### SOKI KANAZAWA 2-1 Fukuromachi Kanazawa Ishikawa Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay $82 nightly $90 total Mar 5 - Mar 6 Book a stay at this spa hotel in Kanazawa. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,046 reviews) Great room, super clean and very nicely designed Reviewed on Feb 18, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F5%2F2026&endDate=3%2F6%2F2026&selected=83815447&PinnedHotelID=83815447&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635389799400) ![Hotel Forza Kanazawa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38410000/38401000/38400998/b98170ec_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Forza Kanazawa 2-10 Yasuecho Kanazawa Ishikawa $36 nightly $39 total Mar 1 - Mar 2 Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Kanazawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (837 reviews) Hotel Forza was an amazing stay. At check in we received a complimentary chose of drink. The room was spotless and comfortable. The location of the hotel was within walking distance of everything we wanted to do and see. We will stay at again if we ever get the opportunity to visit again! Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F1%2F2026&endDate=3%2F2%2F2026&selected=38400998&PinnedHotelID=38400998&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635389799400) ![Tokyu Stay Kanazawa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38780000/38778300/38778247/909a50f1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Tokyu Stay Kanazawa 4-50 Minamicho Kanazawa Ishikawa $55 nightly $61 total Feb 26 - Feb 27 Stay at this hotel in Kanazawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (700 reviews) Staff fantastic, beautiful, spacious room, close to castle and gardens, lots of great restaurants in the area. Nearly 2km from Kanazawa station. Reviewed on Feb 18, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F26%2F2026&endDate=2%2F27%2F2026&selected=38778247&PinnedHotelID=38778247&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635389799400) [See all 327 properties in Ainokura](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=2%2F25%2F2026&endDate=2%2F26%2F2026®ionId=553248635389799400) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![W&M House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33360000/33350500/33350423/8a3ca403_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### W&M House Masuizumi 1 Chome 2-18-1 Kanazawa Ishikawa-ken Stay at this apartment in Kanazawa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ... [](https://expedia.com/Kanazawa-Hotels-WM-House.h33350423.Hotel-Information) ![Kagabi Machiya House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/58000000/57580000/57574100/57574005/0bf6dc44_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Kagabi Machiya House 1-29-5-1 Moriyama Kanazawa Ishikawa Stay at this vacation home in Kanazawa. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Omicho Market and Kenrokuen Garden ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews) Good place Reviewed on Jan 8, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Kanazawa-Hotels-KAGABI-Machiya-House-Yuzen.h57574005.Hotel-Information) ![Utaimachi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38450000/38440600/38440599/742b4a29_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Utaimachi 1-16-6-1 Higashiyama Kanazawa Ishikawa Stay at this vacation home in Kanazawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Omicho Market and Kenrokuen Garden are ... [](https://expedia.com/Kanazawa-Hotels-UTAIMACHI.h38440599.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Ainokura](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=553248635389799400&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Ainokura hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635389799400&startDate=2026-02-24&endDate=2026-02-25)[Feb 24 - Feb 25](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635389799400&startDate=2026-02-24&endDate=2026-02-25) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635389799400&startDate=2026-02-25&endDate=2026-02-26)[Feb 25 - Feb 26](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635389799400&startDate=2026-02-25&endDate=2026-02-26) [This weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635389799400&startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F1%2F2026)[Feb 27 - Mar 1](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635389799400&startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F1%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635389799400&startDate=3%2F6%2F2026&endDate=3%2F8%2F2026)[Mar 6 - Mar 8](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635389799400&startDate=3%2F6%2F2026&endDate=3%2F8%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Cottage at Gassho-zukuri Village/Shirakawago](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532773113/d8cf2f14-eb09-4bd5-9554-f2b39cfdf2b0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village Learn about the local history of Ainokura when you take a trip to Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village. Discover the area's hot springs and spas. [](https://expedia.com/Ainokura-Gassho-Zukuri-Village-Nanto.d553248621532773113.Vacation-Attraction) ![Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532773109/66a652a1-e263-42de-a90d-4570f596870c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village You can learn about the history of Gokayama with a visit to Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village. Discover the area's hot springs and waterfalls. [](https://expedia.com/Suganuma-Gassho-Zukuri-Village-Nanto.d553248621532773109.Vacation-Attraction) ![Gokayama Folklore Museum showing interior views and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621580782455/049032bc-d987-4e4d-9c4d-be48eb69ebb3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Gokayama Folklore Museum You can spend time studying the exhibits at Gokayama Folklore Museum during your trip to Gokayama. Wander the forest or discover the area's hot springs. [](https://expedia.com/Gokayama-Folklore-Museum-Nanto.d553248621580782455.Vacation-Attraction) ![Ainokura Folklore Museum showing heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526921091/97a35940-fb40-48f7-be0a-06a41b3464a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ainokura Folklore Museum You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Ainokura Folklore Museum during your travels in Ainokura. Discover the area's hot springs and spas. [](https://expedia.com/Ainokura-Folklore-Museum-Nanto.d553248621526921091.Vacation-Attraction) ![Kotokuji Temple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621580782445/d79ab7b6-3a40-4ee7-91e3-b42540655185.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Kotokuji Temple Be introduced to a special school of Buddhist teaching in this temple that was built more than 500 years ago. [](https://expedia.com/Kotokuji-Temple-Nanto.d553248621580782445.Vacation-Attraction) ![Nanto which includes a small town or village and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621580782454/c03e77dd-49c7-4e4b-8669-7b292bf7f9a7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Murakami Family Residence You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Murakami Family Residence in Kaminashi. Amble around the area's forest or visit its spas. [](https://expedia.com/Murakami-Family-Residence-Nanto.d553248621580782454.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![Kanazawa:Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47840140/c4dc1a8a-acfb-4680-8d9f-4cba95e09dae.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Kanazawa:Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO $31 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/kanazawafamily-friendly-kimono-yukata-experience-at-wargo.a47840140.activity-details) ![Making the only original chopsticks in the world](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49249324/dd350c1c-75e8-4db4-b859-e069fcba75c0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Japanese Chopsticks Making in Toyama with Guide $14 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/japanese-chopsticks-making-in-toyama-with-guide.a49249324.activity-details) ![Shirakawago & Kanazawa from Tokyo](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/51073157/7bfce780-bd63-4e35-8791-ade4d7ddf2b0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Shirakawago and Kanazawa from Tokyo $89 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/shirakawago-and-kanazawa-from-tokyo.a51073157.activity-details) ![Try Mindful Calligraphy Near Kanazawa's Ninja Temple](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47806130/f935275b-38a4-4838-b042-7347bdd5dafa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Try Mindful Calligraphy Near Kanazawa's Ninja Temple $50 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/try-mindful-calligraphy-near-kanazawas-ninja-temple.a47806130.activity-details) ![Kanazawa: Selfie Photo Experience with Rental Kimono - Moon](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47902054/2ee28d1f-6838-443f-838e-1ca64da87640.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Kanazawa: Selfie Photo Experience with Rental Kimono - Moon $22 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/kanazawa-selfie-photo-experience-with-rental-kimono-moon.a47902054.activity-details) ![Kanazawa Tour: Gold Leaf, Japanese Sweets & Ninja Stars](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47708638/bc6c6f0f-b539-4c24-a6b7-7f6fa59b92c7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Kanazawa Tour: Gold Leaf, Japanese Sweets & Ninja Stars $158 per adult [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/kanazawa-tour-gold-leaf.a47708638.activity-details) [See all activities in Ainokura](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Ainokura.d553248635389799400.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Ainokura ![Ainokura showing a small town or village and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635389799400/c45649fa-6f57-4685-a467-d4925d1c555c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Nanto ![Gokayama which includes a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6347145/0eadc9ea-0da5-4836-aa7e-ee0f8ed69c52.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Gokayama ![Murakami Family Residence](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621580782454/6d5767ac-2268-40a1-950e-34c3b8109e97.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Kaminashi - Cities near Ainokura - Places of interest [Nanto](https://expedia.com/Nanto.dx6345561)[Gokayama](https://expedia.com/Gokayama.dx6347145)[Kaminashi](https://expedia.com/Kaminashi.dx6347196) - [Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village ](https://expedia.com/Ainokura-Gassho-Zukuri-Village-Nanto.d553248621532773113.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ainokura Folklore Museum ](https://expedia.com/Ainokura-Folklore-Museum-Nanto.d553248621526921091.Vacation-Attraction) - [Shirakawago Historic Village ](https://expedia.com/Shirakawago-Historic-Village-Shirakawa.d3000756824.Vacation-Attraction) - [Omicho Market ](https://expedia.com/Omicho-Market-Downtown-Kanazawa.d553248621526921389.Vacation-Attraction) - [Kenrokuen Garden ](https://expedia.com/Kenrokuen-Garden-Downtown-Kanazawa.d6102732.Vacation-Attraction) - [Kanazawa Castle ](https://expedia.com/Kanazawa-Castle-Downtown-Kanazawa.d6102730.Vacation-Attraction) - [Honda Koen Park ](https://expedia.com/Honda-Koen-Park-Kanazawa.d6102724.Vacation-Attraction) - [Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum ](https://expedia.com/Kanazawa-Yasue-Gold-Leaf-Museum-Higashiyama.d553248621532775636.Vacation-Attraction) - [Shirakawago Hirase Onsen ](https://expedia.com/Shirakawago-Hirase-Onsen-Shirakawa.d3000757079.Vacation-Attraction) - [Oyama Shrine ](https://expedia.com/Oyama-Shrine-Downtown-Kanazawa.d6102736.Vacation-Attraction) - [Hakusan National Park ](https://expedia.com/Hakusan-National-Park-Japan.d6102550.Vacation-Attraction) - [Shirayama Hime Shrine ](https://expedia.com/Shirayama-Hime-Shrine-Hakusan.d553248621571049639.Vacation-Attraction) - [Hakusan Seymour Ski Resort ](https://expedia.com/Hakusan-Seymour-Ski-Resort-Hakusan.d553248621532772973.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ushidake Onsen Ski Resort ](https://expedia.com/Ushidake-Onsen-Ski-Resort-Toyama.d553248621532775649.Vacation-Attraction) - [Shirakawago Gasshozukuri Homurajin Museum ](https://expedia.com/Shirakawago-Gasshozukuri-Homurajin-Museum-Shirakawa.d553248621532773104.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ichirino Ski Resort ](https://expedia.com/Ichirino-Ski-Resort-Hakusan.d553248621571049641.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ishikawa Prefecture Noh Theater ](https://expedia.com/Ishikawa-Prefecture-Noh-Theater-Downtown-Kanazawa.d553248621532773094.Vacation-Attraction) - [Cross Land Oyabe ](https://expedia.com/Cross-Land-Oyabe-Oyabe.d553248621532775647.Vacation-Attraction) - [Kazuemachi Chaya District ](https://expedia.com/Kazuemachi-Chaya-District-Downtown-Kanazawa.d553248635933026523.Vacation-Attraction) - [Nishi Chaya District ](https://expedia.com/Nishi-Chaya-District-Kanazawa.d553248635975635261.Vacation-Attraction) - [Yatsuo Owara Museum ](https://expedia.com/Yatsuo-Owara-Museum-Toyama.d553248621579693624.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum ](https://expedia.com/Ashigaru-Shiryokan-Museum-Nagamachi-Samurai-District.d553248621532775624.Vacation-Attraction) - [Tonami Tulip Park ](https://expedia.com/Tonami-Tulip-Park-Tonami.d553248621562275383.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ishikawa Prefectural Museum ](https://expedia.com/Ishikawa-Prefectural-Museum-Kanazawa.d6102728.Vacation-Attraction) - [Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village ](https://expedia.com/Suganuma-Gassho-Zukuri-Village-Nanto.d553248621532773109.Vacation-Attraction) - [Kanda house ](https://expedia.com/Kanda-House-Shirakawa.d553248621532773103.Vacation-Attraction) - [Inotani Sekisyokan ](https://expedia.com/Inotani-Sekisyokan-Toyama.d553248621532772885.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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