Gokayama Means 5 Mountains

Day 11 ~ 12,250 Miles

Gokayama roughly translates to 5 mountains, is made up of 40 small villages tucked into valleys and crevasses of the area mountains, and can become totally isolated in winter under a heavy blanket of snow.

We visited the Village of Ainokura and while it is only an hour drive from Kanazawa it is a world away. Ainokura village is set deep in the valley and is comprised of around 20 thatched roof homes. No outside vehicles allowed and I think this is the only place in Japan with a no smoking policy. The structures are constructed of Japanese oak without the use of nails and topped with 20” thick thatched roofs.

We followed up with a stops at Higashinake, Kaminasi, and Nishiakaomachi. We made Washi paper, sampled freshly made Mochi, and were treated to an organic lunch. We even learned to play the Sasara musical instrument. Czytaj więcej