Ainokura Gasshō-zukuri Village

　The Ainokura Gasshō-zukuri Village is listed as a World Heritage Site alongside the Suganuma Village. Although it lies further inland than Suganuma, it is a more popular tourist destination as it comprises 20 Gasshō-zukuri houses—a larger number—and has parking facilities for tourist coaches.

　At this time of year, the ‘kyororo…’ call of the Ruddy kingfisher can often be heard from the woods behind the village, where the viewing platform is situated.

　The highlight of this village is the ‘primitive gassho-zukuri’—said to have been built in the late Edo period—which is considered the prototype of the gassho-zukuri style. The roof is so low that it almost touches the ground, making it look just like a tent. Whilst such structures were once common in various regions, only two remain today (the other being in Shirakawa-go).