Shirakawago (Shirakawa Village, Gifu Pref.) and Gokayama (Nanto City, Toyama Pref.)

Villages of gassho-style houses in Shirakawago and Gokayama were collectively designated as a World Heritage Site in 1995.

Visitors can revel in such seasonal sights as those of cherry blossoms in spring and illuminated scenes in winter. Lodgings can be taken up at any one of approximately forty inns in the surrounding areas.

Gassho-style private houses in a deserted village were relocated and are maintained in order to provide a glimpse into the sorts of lives that were led in the mountain village of Shirakawago. In addition, visitors can try their hand at traditional vegetation dyeing and other such activities.

The production of Japanese-style paper has traditionally supported local industry in the Gokayama area. Visitors to areas around the aforementioned villages of gassho-style houses can attempt to make their own Japanese-style paper as well as engage in other hands-on experiences as a means of learning more about the traditional industries of Gokayama.