Discover UNESCO heritage at Gokayama
Kanazawa, Japan • 
Popular
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.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
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
December
LOW
5-12°C
Cold temperatures with potential snowfall; winter conditions set in.
Cold temperatures with potential snowfall; winter conditions set in.
Open
Some attractions may have reduced hours; check in advance.
Some attractions may have reduced hours; check in advance.
Recommended
December transforms Gokayama into a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes. It's an ideal time for those who enjoy winter scenery and a tranquil atmosphere. Ensure to check the operating hours of attractions and dress warmly.
December transforms Gokayama into a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes. It's an ideal time for those who enjoy winter scenery and a tranquil atmosphere. Ensure to check the operating hours of attractions and dress warmly.
January
HIGH
-7-2°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. The area experiences significant precipitation, averaging around 216 mm for the month, with snow or rain expected on approximately 28 days.
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. The area experiences significant precipitation, averaging around 216 mm for the month, with snow or rain expected on approximately 28 days.
Open
Due to high demand during the winter light-up events, accommodations may be limited. It's advisable to book well in advance.
Due to high demand during the winter light-up events, accommodations may be limited. It's advisable to book well in advance.
Recommended
January offers a picturesque winter landscape in Gokayama, with heavy snowfall transforming the village into a serene, snow-covered scene. The winter light-up events, where traditional thatched-roof houses are illuminated, provide a unique and enchanting experience. However, visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and ensure they have appropriate winter clothing.
January offers a picturesque winter landscape in Gokayama, with heavy snowfall transforming the village into a serene, snow-covered scene. The winter light-up events, where traditional thatched-roof houses are illuminated, provide a unique and enchanting experience. However, visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and ensure they have appropriate winter clothing.
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.
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