Discover UNESCO heritage at Gokayama
Kanazawa, Japan • 
Popular
PopularKanazawa, Japan
Popular
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, May
-7°C – 2°C, january in gokayama is characterized by very low temperatures and heavy snowfall, with daytime highs around 2°c and nighttime lows dipping to approximately -7°c, high crowds, peak season
-7°C – 2°C, january in gokayama is characterized by very low temperatures and heavy snowfall, with daytime highs around 2°c and nighttime lows dipping to approximately -7°c, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair accessible; walking and stairs involved.
Not wheelchair accessible; walking and stairs involved.
Value for money
Medium
Fees and limited access slightly offset the experience.
Fees and limited access slightly offset the experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the serene atmosphere and stunning gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Hidden Gem
Visitors felt Gokayama was a tranquil, less crowded alternative to Shirakawa-go.
Breathtaking Views
Couples raved about the panoramic views and the beautiful natural scenery.
Limited Access
Some houses closed on certain days, limiting access for couples.
Poor Accessibility
The unpaved paths and inclines presented challenges for some couples.
Overpriced Parking
Couples felt the parking fees were a bit expensive for the experience.
Hours of operation
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join a traveler on a captivating journey through Gokayama.
Embark on a captivating walking tour of Gokayama.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
HIGH
-6-3°C
February continues the cold trend in Gokayama, with daytime highs around 3°C and nighttime lows near -6°C. The region experiences substantial precipitation, averaging around 199 mm for the month, with snow or rain expected on approximately 18 days.
February continues the cold trend in Gokayama, with daytime highs around 3°C and nighttime lows near -6°C. The region experiences substantial precipitation, averaging around 199 mm for the month, with snow or rain expected on approximately 18 days.
Open
High tourist influx during this period may lead to limited accommodation availability. Early reservations are recommended.
High tourist influx during this period may lead to limited accommodation availability. Early reservations are recommended.
Recommended
February offers continued opportunities to experience Gokayama's winter charm, with snow-covered landscapes and illuminated gassho-zukuri houses. Visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snowfall, ensuring they have suitable winter attire.
February offers continued opportunities to experience Gokayama's winter charm, with snow-covered landscapes and illuminated gassho-zukuri houses. Visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snowfall, ensuring they have suitable winter attire.
March
MEDIUM
-2-10°C
March marks the transition from winter to spring in Gokayama, with daytime highs reaching around 10°C and nighttime lows near -2°C. The area receives moderate precipitation, averaging around 158 mm for the month, with rain or snow expected on approximately 18 days.
March marks the transition from winter to spring in Gokayama, with daytime highs reaching around 10°C and nighttime lows near -2°C. The area receives moderate precipitation, averaging around 158 mm for the month, with rain or snow expected on approximately 18 days.
Open
With the end of the peak winter season, accommodations become more readily available, though it's still advisable to book in advance.
With the end of the peak winter season, accommodations become more readily available, though it's still advisable to book in advance.
Recommended
March offers a blend of winter and early spring experiences in Gokayama. While snow may still be present, milder temperatures make exploration more comfortable. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of the village with fewer crowds compared to the peak winter months.
March offers a blend of winter and early spring experiences in Gokayama. While snow may still be present, milder temperatures make exploration more comfortable. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of the village with fewer crowds compared to the peak winter months.
April
LOW
3-13°C
April brings milder temperatures to Gokayama, with daytime highs around 13°C and nighttime lows near 3°C. The region experiences moderate rainfall, averaging around 199 mm for the month, with rain expected on approximately 18 days.
April brings milder temperatures to Gokayama, with daytime highs around 13°C and nighttime lows near 3°C. The region experiences moderate rainfall, averaging around 199 mm for the month, with rain expected on approximately 18 days.
Open
Accommodations are generally more available in April, providing visitors with more options and flexibility.
Accommodations are generally more available in April, providing visitors with more options and flexibility.
Recommended
April is an ideal time to visit Gokayama for those seeking a peaceful experience. The milder temperatures and reduced crowds allow for leisurely exploration of the village and its surroundings. Visitors should be prepared for occasional rainfall and pack accordingly.
April is an ideal time to visit Gokayama for those seeking a peaceful experience. The milder temperatures and reduced crowds allow for leisurely exploration of the village and its surroundings. Visitors should be prepared for occasional rainfall and pack accordingly.
May
MEDIUM
13-22°C
May in Kanazawa features mild temperatures with average highs around 21.6°C and lows near 13.1°C. The month experiences moderate rainfall, averaging 155 mm over approximately 12 days, and relative humidity around 75%.
May in Kanazawa features mild temperatures with average highs around 21.6°C and lows near 13.1°C. The month experiences moderate rainfall, averaging 155 mm over approximately 12 days, and relative humidity around 75%.
Open
During Golden Week, accommodations and attractions may be fully booked; it's advisable to make reservations well in advance.
During Golden Week, accommodations and attractions may be fully booked; it's advisable to make reservations well in advance.
Recommended
May offers pleasant weather suitable for outdoor activities and exploring Kanazawa's cultural sites. Visitors should plan around Golden Week to avoid peak crowds and higher prices.
May offers pleasant weather suitable for outdoor activities and exploring Kanazawa's cultural sites. Visitors should plan around Golden Week to avoid peak crowds and higher prices.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Car
Taxi
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
