Historic village in the Japanese Alps with gasshō-zukuri houses — steep thatched roofs designed to shed heavy snow. UNESCO World Heritage.
💡 Getting there: Bus from Kanazawa (~75 min, ¥2,000) or Takayama (~50 min, ¥2,600). Book ahead, especially in winter. 🕐 Village open 24/7. House museums 8:40–17:00. 💴 Village free (museum houses ~¥300–400). ❄️ Winter light-up: only a few nights in Jan/Feb (book MONTHS ahead). 🏠 Gasshō-zukuri ("praying hands") houses with 60° roofs to withstand snow. UNESCO World Heritage. Shiroyama viewpoint gives the classic shot.