What to know
More than a dozen gassho-zukuri farmhouses in and around Ogimachi now operate as minshuku, family-run Japanese-style lodgings. Spending a night in one of these farmhouses is a highly recommended experience, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese family home and gain a deeper appreciation for gassho-zukuri architecture.
In the traditional style, guest rooms feature tatami mat floors and a low table. At night, futon are laid out for sleeping. Bathrooms and toilets are typically modern but shared. Guests should expect a simple stay without the amenities of Western-style hotels.
While equipped for a convenient, modern lifestyle, the old wooden farmhouses still exude a very rustic atmosphere. For example, an open hearth known as an irori is found in the common dining room, used for heating and sometimes cooking.
An overnight stay at one of these farmhouses costs around 8,000 to 20,000 yen per person and includes dinner and breakfast featuring local dishes. Farmhouse stays in Shirakawa-go have become very popular, making reservations difficult. Booking attempts can be made through the local tourist association.
See how to get to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Book a room in Shirakawa
- Original name
- Overnight at a gassho-zukuri house
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.