We have curated a list of ryokans in Ainokura where you can get an authentic Japanese-style ryokan experience. Check it out!
Visiting the beautiful sceneries and tourist destinations in Japan wouldn’t be complete without going to traditional inns like Ryokans instead of the conventional hotel setup.
Ainokura is a good place to start exploring the magic of Japan and going to a Ryokan would surely create a much better experience for you since you’re immersing yourself more in the snowy climate.
In this article, we’ll discuss amazing Ryokans near Ainokura, a mountain range in the Western Toyama Prefecture. Fun fact, Ainokura is actually one of Japan’s World Heritage Sites!
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
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Amazing Ryokans In Ainokura
Overview Of Ryokans In Ainokura Area
To save you from the confusion, Ainokura actually has similar-looking Ryokans in the area and they are called “Gassho-Zukuri” which means “hands in prayer”. The houses or inns look similar to a farmhouse in the summer, with the only difference being that it’s fully covered in thick layers of snow.
In the mountainous village of Ainokura, there are about 20 of these beautiful houses which are all available to stay in. These houses are a part of Japan’s rich history as it was built during the Edo period, which means it was built around the 17th century. In fact, it is part of the UNESCO world heritage site.
These houses helped push Japan’s effort into further exports of silk as Ainokura was one of the places where silk was largely made.
There are four (4) types of Ryokans in Ainokura and they’re called Choyomon, Nakaya, Yomoshiro, and Goyomon.
These inns are actually all similar but they differ in sizes, number of rooms, location within the snowy area, and hosts. We’ll discuss it further in the article.
Since the different Ryokans are in the same village in Ainokura, we’ll discuss how to get there as a whole. Ainokura could be easily traveled as a day-trip if you’re in Toyama or Takaoka; all you have to do is take the Ainokura bus at the Shintakaoka station. The travel time is usually one hour.
There are no nearby restaurants or shops in the village of Ainokura as well since it’s in the mountains. The closest cafe is estimated to be 13km away but the ski lifts up the mountains are only walking distance from the Ryokans.
Choyomon Ryokan
As a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, we have to mention Choyomon first before anything else. Choyomon houses can fit up to 10 guests with the four spacious rooms that it has.
The common rooms outside the sleeping quarters will surely make you feel like you’re in a traditional Japanese home with the wooden finish, traditional mats, and delicious home cooked meals that changes from season to season.
The farmhouse design of the Ryokan is very prominent with huge windows upstairs that will give you an unobstructed view of the snowy mountains of Ainokura. There are also fields nearby that you can take a walk in during the mornings and it’s also a source of the ingredients for the food served.
You can eat alongside other guests in the common area or in the traditional Japanese fireplace called “irori”
Since the Ryokan is in the mountainous region, there are no Onsen or hot spring baths available. Common bathrooms are used inside the house, but there is a family bath that can be reserved ahead of time.
The host family is responsible for both breakfast and dinner meals inside the Ryokan and they are very considerate about the food being served. You can make special requests like eating completely vegan or vegetarian. However, there are no Western-style meals.
The meals are expected to be eaten in the common areas so there is no room service for food.
There is no Wi-Fi in the Ryokan and the basis of payment is in cash only. Single guests are allowed but going as a family could be done as well with guests under 12 years old allowed.
- Check-in time is 2:00-6:00 PM
- Check-out time is at 10:00 AM
- Price per person ranges around 9,000-10,000 Yen or 68$-75$ USD.
Nakaya Ryokan
Also a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Nakaya’s magnificent architecture is a sight to see in Ainokura as well. With three rooms to accommodate gets, you will be the first one to get an opportunity to take wonderful photos around the area before tourists start flocking the area.
There are also common areas that you can share among other guests and socialize in. Wood is the main accent of the house because almost everything is made out of wood including the furniture and even the stairs.
The farmhouse design is also prominent here with the dual pitched roof which gives a good vantage point and view in the second floor of the house. You can overlook the local mountains and the nearby river from there.
The cuisine differs on what season it currently is but the ingredients are actually locally sourced from the nearby field and river. This ensures the freshness and authenticity of the food served in the Ainokura Ryokans.
As mentioned earlier, since Ainokura is in the snowy mountains, Onsen baths or hot spring baths aren’t an option. Common bathrooms and privately reserved family baths are available instead for guest use.
The host family is also responsible for the food being served for both breakfast and dinner inside Nakaya Ryokan. Guests usually eat together in the common areas because room service arrangements aren’t available in this Ryokan.
Sadly, if you want to make meal arrangements, this isn’t an option here in Nakaya Ryokan. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or allergic to certain ingredients, you might have to consider other Ryokans in the neighboring village.
Unlike the Choyomon Ryokan, there is Wi-Fi available here but the payment still stands as cash-only payments. Single guests are allowed, but you can opt to bring your family if you want since children under age 12 are allowed as well.
- Check-in time is 2:00-6:00 PM
- Check-out time is at 10:00 AM
- Price per person ranges around 9,000-10,000 Yen or 68$-75$ USD.
Yomoshiro Ryokan
As a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, Yomoshiro is also a great and viable option to choose to stay in at Ainokura. There are four (4) rooms that you can stay in and the inn will surely give you a complete traditional Japanese experience.
The rooms are very traditional with wooden accents seen all over the house and traditional Japanese mats on the floor. Just like the other Ryokans mentioned above, the house is almost completely made out of wood.
The design of the house itself is still farmhouse themed which gives you an amazing view of the surrounding trees and mountains on the second floor because there are huge windows upstairs.
Cuisine still differs from season to season but the host family offers a dinner like no other because the ingredients featured in the dinner plans solely came from the surrounding areas of the Ryokan like vegetables.
Just like the other Ryokans, there is no Onsen or hot spring bath available due to the geographical position of the Ryokans in the mountains. As an alternative, common baths and family baths that are up for reservation are available instead.
Traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner is served in the Ryokan, but you can’t make special meal arrangements here like excluding specific ingredients from the meal plan. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you can try staying in the Choyomon Ryokan instead.
There is Wi-Fi available in this Ryokan but the payment still stands as cash only. Single guests and by group are allowed; children below 12 years old are allowed as well so it’s okay to bring your family here.
- Check-in time is 2:00-6:00 PM
- Check-out time is at 10:00 AM
- Price per person ranges around 11,000-12,000 Yen or 83$-90$ USD.
Goyomon Ryokan
The farmhouse design is still evident in Goyoman Ryokan and just like the other inns mentioned above, Goyoman can also give you the full Japanese traditional experience to accompany you in your stay in the snowy mountains of Ainokura.
There are three rooms that you can stay in alongside common areas that are up for use by everyone staying in the lodging. Wood accent is still very evident in the house as almost everything is made up of wood including the floorings.
The Ryokan is still designed with a dual pitched roof which is complemented by big windows upstairs. This gives you a good view of the surrounding views and mountains of the village.
Unfortunately, just like the other Ryokans, Onsen and hot spring baths aren’t available here due to the location. However, there are common baths for both genders and private family baths up for reservation.
Breakfast and dinner is served here as well under the care of the host family. Special meal arrangements for vegetarians, vegans, or allergic guests can be requested in advance here too. Guests are expected to eat in the common areas since room service isn’t an option.
Wi-Fi is available here but the payment is still cash only. Goyoman is the only Ryokan in the area to have a curfew of 10pm so make sure to be back on time before the door closes for the night. Single guests and children under 12 years old are allowed here too.
- Check-in time is 2:00-6:00 PM
- Check-out time is at 10:00 AM
- Price per person ranges around 9,000-10,000 Yen or 68$-75$ USD.
Gokayama Onsen Gokasansou
Gokayama Onsen Gokasansou is a traditional Japanese inn located in the picturesque village of Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. The inn is surrounded by mountains and forests, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Gokasansou is a popular destination for people seeking a relaxing and peaceful getaway. The inn offers a variety of amenities, including traditional Japanese-style rooms, a hot spring bath, a sauna, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
Gokayama is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known for its traditional gassho-style farmhouses. These farmhouses are built with steeply sloping roofs that are designed to withstand heavy snowfall.
Gokasansou is located in the heart of Gokayama, and is a great place to experience the traditional culture of the region.
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM
- Check-out time: 10:00 AM.
- Price per person per night: ¥12,00 - ¥18,000
合掌民宿 なかや (Gassho Guest House Nakaya)
合掌民宿 なかや is a ryokan located in Ainokura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gokayama region of Japan. The ryokan is a 350-year-old thatched-roof farmhouse that has been converted into a guesthouse.
The ryokan has a total of 8 rooms, each of which is decorated in traditional Japanese style. The ryokan also has a common room where guests can relax and enjoy a cup of tea or a glass of sake.
The ryokan is located in the heart of Ainokura, a picturesque village with a number of other thatched-roof farmhouses. The village is surrounded by mountains and forests, and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
The ryokan serves a traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner. The breakfast includes rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and fish. The dinner includes a variety of local dishes, such as chicken, fish, and vegetables.
The ryokan is a great place to experience the traditional Japanese culture and way of life. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the ryokan is a great place to relax and unwind.
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM
- Check-out time: 10:00 AM.
- Price per person per night: ¥10,000
What is the average price per night per person at a ryokan in Ainokura?
The average price per night per person at a ryokan in Ainokura is ¥10,000. However, prices can vary depending on the ryokan, the time of year, and the type of room you choose.
Enjoy your stay at Ryokans In Ainokura
If you want to experience sledding and playing in the snow while immersing yourself with the rich Japanese culture, Ainokura is the perfect place to go and there’s no better way to visit than by staying in a Ryokan.
You can travel solo, with your friends, or even with your family with the variety of rooms available.
We hope that this article has been helpful in figuring out the amazing Ryokans that you can stay at in Ainokura.
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