Fulfill your fairytale dream in a Gassho Village: Grill fish for dinner in a UNESCO World Heritage site

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Toyama, Japan

One after another, the small houses feature roofs shaped like hands pressed together in prayer, forming towering peaks. This is Gassho Village in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, which has a history of several hundred years. The unique architectural style also earned it recognition, as both Gassho Village and nearby Shirakawa-go were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. In the snowy winter, it is even praised as a “fairytale village.”

▲ The hearth in the living room brings warmth and a homely feel to the entire house.

The Gassho-style houses are built using natural materials such as wood and thatch. Aside from the main beams, the thatched roofs need to be replaced manually every 15–20 years. Thanks to generations of preservation and inheritance, the most authentic appearance of the Gassho houses has been maintained.

▲ The curved main beam is one of the distinctive features of Gassho-style architecture.

Since around 30 years ago, five households in Gassho Village began converting their traditional houses into guesthouses, offering accommodations and allowing visitors to experience local life. After many years of development, there are now about 30 households in Gassho Village, with a population of approximately 45 residents. Among them, there are a total of five guesthouses, each able to accommodate only about 10–15 people. The extremely limited availability makes staying in Gassho Village a truly dreamlike experience.

▲ The owners of Nakatani Guesthouse — Mr. and Mrs. Nobuharu Nakatani.

Taking the reporter’s actual stay at the Nakatani family home as an example, the house is 250 years old. The interior follows a traditional Japanese layout, divided into three rooms, accommodating up to 15 people in total. Passing through the genkan (entrance area), you enter the tatami-floored living room. In the center of the room is an irori (sunken hearth) with a charcoal fire burning, which not only warms guests but also roasts stream fish for dinner.

▲ The bedroom usually has a kotatsu for relaxing during the day, and beds are prepared for guests at night.

Unlike hotel-style partitions, each accommodation space in the Gassho house retains the design of a traditional Japanese room, with tatami flooring and simple paper sliding doors for separation. Usually, there are tea tables and cushions for guests to rest on. When it’s time for dinner, the hosts quietly prepare the beds so guests can sleep.

▲ Grilled fish over an irori hearth in a UNESCO World Heritage site — the fish even tastes better.

Most Gassho Village guesthouses offer an inclusive “one-night, two-meals” plan, providing traditional Japanese set meals for dinner and breakfast. While the dishes may not be lavish, each one reflects the care and personal touch of the host couple. Chatting with fellow guests by the hearth adds a special charm to the experience.

▲ Staying in a Gassho house includes meals, with dinner full of authentic Japanese flavors.

Beyond the unique feeling of “living in a UNESCO World Heritage site,” staying in a Gassho house allows you to truly experience its distinctiveness. In the living room, there are many documents and books related to Gassho architecture, as well as photos and certificates on the walls that record the lives of the host family. Guests can also try playing local wooden musical instruments or take a leisurely stroll through the village to enjoy the scenery, making Gassho Village not just a photo spot but a place to deeply connect with its charm.

▲ Taking an evening walk in Gassho Village lets you feel the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

Each Gassho guesthouse varies slightly in size and design. Though ancient, they all have complete living facilities. For example, the Nakatani house has bathroom facilities inside (depending on the household), and also offers free Wi-Fi in keeping with modern times, adding a new vitality to this 250-year-old World Heritage site.

Gassho Village Thatched Houses
Address: 231 Sanga, Nanto City
Phone: (0763) 66-2457
Rates: One-night, two-meal plan — Adults 8,800 JPY, elementary school students 7,300 JPY, additional heating fee in winter