8-Hour Gokayama Heritage Tour with Iwana Lunch and Washi Making

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Ainokura Village and its preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses
• 02 Enjoy a farm-to-table-style lunch featuring mountain river char at Iwana
• 03 Learn traditional washi paper making and craft personal souvenirs
• 04 Discover rural Japan with scenic travel through the Japanese Alps

Explore rural Japan on this 8-hour cultural journey from Toyama to Gokayama. Wander through Ainokura Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses and mountain viewpoints. Enjoy a local lunch at Iwana featuring river char specialties, then learn traditional washi paper making at Gokayama Washi no Sato and create your own souvenir. Travel comfortably through alpine scenery with focused time for culture, cuisine, hands-on heritage, guided exploration, photography, and a relaxed pace throughout.

Wander through Ainokura Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses and mountain viewpoints.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

City Toyama

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Gokayama Heritage, Iwana Lunch, and Washi Paper Making

• Meet your guide at JR Toyama Station at 09:00 AM.
• Travel by private vehicle through the scenic Japanese Alps towards Gokayama.
• Arrive at Ainokura Village and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Walk among traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses built to withstand heavy snowfall.
• Visit elevated viewpoints overlooking the valley for photography.
• Enjoy lunch at Iwana restaurant, known for its mountain river char specialties.
• Taste the recommended iwana sushi and fried river fish dishes.
• Continue to Gokayama Washi no Sato for a cultural workshop.
• Participate in a hands-on washi paper making experience.
• Create postcards or bookmarks as personal souvenirs.
• Return to JR Toyama Station by 04:00 PM.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Guide fee
• Vehicle
• Gasoline
• Toll

What's Not Included

• Parking (Ainokura Village): 1,000 JPY per vehicle
• Ainokura Museum admission: 150 JPY (child) / 300 JPY (adult)
• Lunch: Approximately 1,500 - 2,500 JPY per person
• Washi paper making experience: 800 JPY per person (available daily)
• Special optional add-on:
• Kokiriko Bushi dance performance: Experience Japan's oldest folk dance after lunch.
• Fee: 15,000 JPY per group (plus individual admission fees)
• Booking: Requires a reservation at least one week in advance
• Schedule note: Choosing this option will extend the itinerary by one hour, with a return to JR Toyama Station at 6:00 PM
• General information
• Guide expenses: Please note that guests are responsible for covering the guide's lunch and any entrance fees during the tour.
• Gratuities: In accordance with industry custom, gratuities are not required but are greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the service.

What to bring

• Cash: Please bring Japanese yen (JPY) for local expenses, including admission fees, lunch, and the paper-making experience.
• Sunglasses: The sun can be quite strong in the mountains of Ainokura, so we recommend bringing sunglasses for your comfort.
• Rain gear: If the weather forecast predicts rain, please bring an umbrella or a rain jacket for the walking portions.

Know before you go

• Inform us in advance of any food preferences or dietary restrictions, including allergies, so arrangements can be made at the restaurant.
• Private vehicle arrangements can be organized based on group size upon request.
• Tour price and transportation costs will be adjusted if a private vehicle is requested.
• All passengers are required to sign a consent form before boarding the tour vehicle to meet safety and insurance guidelines.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Toyama Station or your hotel in Toyama city

Tour start

日本、〒939-1979 富山県南砺市漆谷 五箇山

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.