Experience Japan's Oldest Folk Song and Stay in a UNESCO Heritage Site

Experience Japan's Oldest Folk Song and UNESCO Heritage Stay

A unique travel opportunity has emerged for those seeking to dive deeper into Japan's rich cultural heritage. The Nanto City Tourism Association has unveiled a special tour that allows guests to
preserve traditional practices while staying in a UNESCO-listed Gokayama Gassho-style house. The tour, known as the "Stay in World Heritage Gokayama Japan's Oldest Folk Song 'Kokiriko' Plan," was launched on December 6, 2024, and invites participants to fully immerse themselves in the enduring legacy of Japan's oldest folk song, Kokiriko, alongside the cultural tapestry of Gokayama's heritage.

Discover Gokayama

Gokayama is a stunning region characterized by its natural beauty, nestled in the southwestern part of Toyama Prefecture. This picturesque area is home to around 40 villages scattered along the Sho River, each reflecting a harmonious balance between nature and rural life. The Ainokura Gassho-style Village is the centerpiece of this exclusive tour, showcasing 20 traditional Gassho-style houses, many dating back to the late Edo period through the Meiji era. Recognized for their historical importance, these houses, along with their agricultural landscapes, achieved UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status in 1995, alongside Ogimachi Village in Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture.

Universal across generations, Kokiriko, also known as Dengaku, is a traditional Japanese performing art that embodies the vibrant spirit of the local culture. Its significance has led to its inclusion in Japanese elementary school textbooks, emphasizing its role as an important aspect of Japan's folk heritage. The instruments used in Kokiriko performances have been meticulously preserved, making this an authentic celebration of ancient traditions.

Your Journey Begins

This tour is designed specifically for international tourists and is made possible through partnerships with JR East View Tourism Sales Co. Ltd and the Ainokura Tourism Association, along with support from the Etchu Gokayama Kokiriko Song Preservation Society. Offering a blend of accommodation and cultural experiences, the tour features four unique plans that revolve around Gassho-style lodging and live Kokiriko performances.

As part of the tour, guests can opt for convenient taxi transfers from Kanazawa Station. Activities include crafting the traditional musical instrument, "sasara," and participating in guided walking tours of Kokiriko Village, deepening the cultural experience.

The Gassho-style accommodation allows visitors a glimpse of traditional Japanese life. Guests can rent a Gassho-style house and enjoy a serene, special experience, complete with hearth-side dinners showcasing Gokayama's local cuisine, such as wild vegetables, trout, and Gokayama tofu. The evenings come alive with live Kokiriko music performed by the folk song preservation society, creating an atmosphere steeped in history and tradition.