A Journey Designed for You
[Short Stay] Visit the Gassho-Zukuri of Gokayama and Experience Woodcarving with a Master Artisan
Overview
The gassho-zukuri farmhouses in the remote mountain valleys of Gifu and Toyama are among Japan’s most iconic sights, with their sloped thatched roofs said to resemble hands in prayer. In this exclusive Wabunka itinerary, you will tour the famed gassho-zukuri of Gokayama to learn about their fascinating history and construction. To experience the rich heritage of fine woodworking in the region, spend the night in Nanto at a former carpenter’s residence and workshop converted into a stylish Bed and Craft villa. On your second day, join a local master artisan to craft a wooden spoon or pair of lacquered chopsticks.
location_on Toyama | schedule 1 night |
account_balance_wallet from ¥260,000 / group | group 1 - 8 participants |
record_voice_over Available in English | event_available Cancel free up to 25 days prior |
*The indicated price is a reference estimate based on the selection of all listed content. Each component can be arranged individually. The price represents the lowest available rate. Please note that prices are subject to change based on the season and room availability.
*The itinerary and prices depicted are a model plan. Itineraries can be customized at guest request, so please feel free to enquire.
*For groups of three or more, an additional fee applies. Please contact us for more information.
Itinerary Highlights
Bed and Craft | Stay overnight in the small city of Nanto at one of Bed and Craft’s villas, which are designed to provide visitors with ultimate comfort while introducing them to local artisanal traditions. The villas themselves are renovated former residences that retain their original essence. Subject to availability, Wabunka customers stay at TATEGU-YA, which was once the workshop and home of a carpenter. The property accepts only one group per night, so you will have it all to yourself. |
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Tour the gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Gokayama | Take an exclusive private tour of Gokayama to see the area’s thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will travel by private car but will have time to stroll through the villages among the farmhouses. |
Crafting with a master artisan | Engage in a hands-on experience with a master artisan in Nanto to experience the area’s unique woodworking tradition. You can choose to create a wooden spoon or pair of lacquered chopsticks. |
* The itinerary depicted is a model itinerary – transportation arrangements, schedule, and length of stay can all be modified to suit guest needs. Please enquire for itinerary details.
*Additional fees apply for optional features.
Details
Day 1 | 1:00 PM
Travel to the Mountain Villages of Gokayama with their Gassho-Zukuri Farmhouses
For travelers eager to catch a glimpse of what life was like in the mountains of Japan hundreds of years ago, there is simply nowhere more authentic than the mountain villages of Gokayama. Nestled among wooded slopes, these clusters of thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses are almost impossibly picturesque. You may find that the photographs you take here resemble watercolor paintings more than any kind of modern digital reproduction.
Starting out from either Toyama Station or Kanazawa Station, you will take a tour by car to explore Gokayama, stopping off at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ainokura. There, take your time strolling along the narrow paths and roads of the village to see the gassho-zukuri houses up close. Unlike other parts of Japan, where gassho-zukuri are no longer inhabited, most in Gokayama still are, some by families who have lived here for countless generations. If you wish, you can also visit the gassho-zukuri village of Suganuma.
The scenes you witness in Gokayama will be beautiful regardless of the season. Gassho-zukuri were not a ubiquitous form of rural Japanese architecture, but were instead developed with their steep A-frame roofs to withstand the weight of heavy snowfall in certain regions. In the colder months, they are covered in thick layers of snow that make them resemble life-sized gingerbread houses amidst a world of winter white.
Day 1 | 4:30 PM
Relax at a Stylish Villa with a Fascinating History as a Craftsman’s Workshop
The neighborhood of Inami in the nearby city of Nanto is known for its long history of woodcarving, which dates back to the initial construction of the Inami Betsuin Zuisenji Temple in 1390. While there are still many artisans active in Inami, some of their former residences and workshops have been preserved by Bed and Craft, which has converted them into stylish villas that retain their original structure and atmosphere. You will be staying at TATEGU-YA,* which formerly belonged to a family of local carpenters.
*Subject to availability. Other villas in Inami are also available.
*Please complete the check-in procedure at BnC Lounge before proceeding to your villa.
The interior of TATEGU-YA speaks to the local area’s deep connection with the surrounding forests. From lattice doors to floorboard, beams, and roofing, the villa is imbued with the gentle hues and varied grains of carefully-shaped natural wood. The overall effect is a pleasing blend of traditional wooden construction and stylish modern decor. On the first floor, you can relax together in the lounge area or spacious dining room next to the kitchen.
The villa only accepts one group per night, but can sleep up to 9 people. There are five cozy bedrooms — one downstairs and four upstairs — all of which are characterized by warm authenticity, as if you are guests being welcomed into a private home. A further personal touch is added by the presence of the beautiful hand-carved works of craftsman Komei Tanaka throughout the bedrooms and rest of the building.
You can enjoy views of the garden from the main bathroom on the ground floor. There is also a shower booth on the second floor.
Day 1 | 7:00 PM
Savor a Dinner of Delicious Italian Cuisine Featuring Local Seasonal Ingredients
Your evening meal will be held at the local restaurant nomi, housed in an attractive brick and wood building just a 15-minute walk from your accommodation. Set within an intimate space with the lights turned low at night, the dining area offers the perfect ambience for a leisurely, sophisticated dinner. Sit back and relax over multiple courses of fine Italian cuisine prepared using delicious seasonal ingredients sourced from the local area.
Day 2 | 8:00 AM
Rise with a Leisurely Breakfast Served in the Comfort of Your Villa
After a restful night in peaceful Inami, you will be greeted with a freshly prepared gourmet breakfast box to get your day started in the right way. It can be delivered to you at TATEGU-YA any time between 8:00 and 9:30. Bed and Craft offers visitors a choice of either Japanese-style or Western-style breakfast, with every meal prepared using fresh local ingredients as well as delicious freshly-baked bread from the nearby bakery Baker’s House KUBOTA. Linger over this tasty meal in the downstairs dining room or lounge of TATEGU-YA amidst the glow of the morning light as it warms and brightens the wooden interior.
Day 2 | 10:00 AM
Craft Your Very Own Wooden Spoon or Pair of Lacquered Chopsticks with a Master Artisan
Woodcarvings from Inami are known for depicting incredibly elaborate and intricately detailed scenes, depicting animals, birds, humans, fantastical creatures, and more. Objects range from tiny utensils up to large wooden screens and reliefs used in traditional Japanese buildings, including temples such as Inami Betsuin Zuisenji Temple. Local artisans use nothing but hand tools like chisels, hammers and knives to shape wood from trees such as camphor, paulownia, and zelkova into splendid works of art.
The best way to appreciate this local woodworking tradition is to try it yourself. To provide this opportunity, Bed and Craft has established connections with local Inami artisans who welcome you into their workshops for a hands-on woodcrafting experience. The workshop that you will visit for your experience is called Tomoru Studio, located just 12 minutes on foot from TATEGU-YA.
Through this exclusive Wabunka offer, you can choose to craft either a wooden spoon or pair of lacquered wooden chopsticks at the workshop. Tomoru Studio was founded in 2008 by woodcarver Komei Tanaka and his wife Sanae, who specializes in lacquerware art. If you decide to make a wooden spoon, Komei will show you how to design your piece and shape it with a carving knife, then finish it with natural beeswax. To make lacquerware chopsticks with Sanae, you will learn to mix and knead lacquer and pigment and apply it to the wood before setting your chopsticks to dry.
Please note that while wooden spoons can be taken with you on the day of the experience, lacquered chopsticks will be shipped to you later, as they require approximately two weeks of drying. International shipping is available (additional fees apply).
A Land of Timeless Traditional Rural Japanese Architecture and Artisanal Woodworking Traditions
With their graceful shapes built up from little more than local wood and thatch, the gassho-zukuri of Gokayama themselves are the legacy of incredible local craftsmanship and ingenuity. Maintaining these structures for thousands of years in a region with long winters has required community participation, with neighbors pitching in to rethatch the buildings when needed. As you visit these mountain villages on your tour of the area, take some time to admire the beauty and durability of these unique examples of traditional rural Japanese architecture.
Staying overnight in Inami at TATEGU-YA, a former carpenter’s workshop, provides a close encounter with the local legacy of woodcarving and craftsmanship. The villa’s combination of sleek modern elements with traditional Japanese features act as reminders that these arts are not a relic of the past, but very much alive and evolving. Through your workshop experience at Tomoru Studio crafting a wooden spoon or pair of lacquered chopsticks, you too will become a part of this proud local tradition.
Bed and Craft (TATEGU-YA)
location_on1896 Inami, Nanto City, Toyama, 932-0211
near_meApproximately 45 minutes by car from Kanazawa station
near_meApproximately 35 minutes by car from Takaoka station
Tomoru Studio
near_me12-minute walk from Bed and Craft (TATEGU-YA)
near_me1-minute walk from Bed and Craft (BnC LOUNGE)
Things to know
Check-in and Check-out Times | Check-in: From 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Check-out: Until 11:00 AM |
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Experience Start Time | Tour the gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Gokayama Crafting with a master artisan |
Meal Start Times | Dinner: 7:00 PM (L.O. 9:30 PM) Breakfast: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM |
Hotel Facilities | Onsen |
Room Information |
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Amenities | |
Price | The price covers accommodation, exclusive facility access, curated experiences, breakfast, dinner, and relevant taxes for two adult guests. This plan requires a minimum of 2 people. The minimum guarantee charge will be applied if the requested number of guests is less than 2 people. *Additional fees apply for optional features. |
Maximum number | Up to 8 people per booking All experiences are private for your group. We do not arrange mixed sessions. |
Experience itinerary | Day 1 1．Meet your driver and translator-guide at Kanazawa Station or Toyama Station (1:00 PM) Day 2 1. Breakfast at Bed and Craft (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM) *The itinerary depicted is a model itinerary – transportation arrangements, schedule, and length of stay can all be modified to suit guest needs. Please enquire for itinerary details. *This plan can also be booked as accommodation-only. If you would like this option, please let us know when booking. |
Payment | Payment in advance (Credit card (JPY) only) |
Booking deadline | Inquiry Deadline for Arrangements: If you wish to arrange the following services, please contact us no later than the deadlines below: <Accommodation / Experience> <Chauffeur / Private Car Service> <Shinkansen Ticket> At least 1 month before the departure date We may not be able to accommodate your request after the above deadlines, and we appreciate your understanding. |
Cancellation policy | Refunds are available according to the following cancellation schedule: <Accommodation / Experience> 25 or more days before the check-in date: 100% refund 24 days or less before (including same-day cancellation or No-show ): 30% cancellation fee 17 days or less before (including same-day cancellation or No-show ): 50% cancellation fee 10 days or less before (including same-day cancellation or No-show ): 100% cancellation fee Cancellations are calculated based on the check-in date. Please contact us by 5:00 PM (JST) on the day you wish to cancel. If you wish to make changes, please contact us before the cancellation policy applies. <Chauffeur / Private Car Service> 11 or more days before the service date: 100% refund 10 days or less before (including same-day cancellation or No-show): 100% cancellation fee Cancellations are calculated based on the check-in date. Please contact us by 5:00 PM (JST) on the day you wish to cancel. <Shinkansen ticket> 14 or more days before the departure date (including the departure date): 100% refund 13 days or less before the departure date (including the departure date): Non-refundable and non-changeable After ticket issuance: Changes and refunds cannot be handled through Wabunka. Please inquire directly at a JR ticket office. Important Notes: Changes to the reservation (including number of guests or schedule) are not permitted after the cancellation policy takes effect. If you wish to make changes, please contact us before the cancellation policy applies. |
Guest Requirements | Minimum age: 13 years old Adult rate applies to 13 years old and over. Children under 12 cannot be served dinner at nomi. Please contact us in advance. The spoon carving experience is available for guests aged 12 and above, while guests aged 15 and above can participate in the lacquered chopsticks experience. Children under the age of 10 are not permitted to enter the workshop. Guests under 18 years of age must check in with an adult aged 18 or older. |
Clothes (crafting with a master artisan) | The experience in the venue is conducted with shoes removed. Guests are asked to wear socks or stockings to avoid going barefoot. Clothes that you do not mind getting dirty are recommended. Clothing and footwear that are easy to walk around in are recommended. (e.g. pants and sneakers) Please remove accessories (rings, earrings, necklaces, etc.) during the experience. |
Further Remarks | This experience is conducted privately. Due to unavoidable circumstances, programs or workshops are subject to last-minute changes and cancellations. Please note that the villa was renovated to retain its charm and character as a traditional Japanese house. While we do our best to ensure your comfort throughout the year, it may be difficult to maintain consistent indoor temperatures during extreme cold or hot weather. During busy seasons, we may not be able to secure your preferred workshop or activity. Please note that the check-in location is not at the villa itself, but instead at BnC LOUNGE (3-41 Honmachi, Nanto City, Toyama 932-0217). Please inform us in advance of your expected arrival time at BnC LOUNGE. You do not need to return to BnC LOUNGE to check out or return your room key A different property may be suggested depending on availability. Under Japanese law, driving after drinking any amount of alcohol is prohibited. Please do not drive after this experience if you have consumed alcohol. |
Further Remarks (crafting with a master artisan) | Guests with lacquer allergies are kindly requested to join the spoon-making activity instead of the lacquered chopsticks workshop. Plastic gloves will be provided for the lacquer workshop; however, guests with rubber allergies must notify us in advance when submitting the booking request. Please note that even with gloves, we cannot fully guarantee that your hands will not come into contact with lacquer. Please note that due to high demand, we may not be able to reserve a workshop experience for your preferred date or time. Please be advised that long or elaborate fingernails may make participation in the workshop experience difficult. People with allergies to lacquer should not take part in the lacquered chopsticks experience. Lacquered chopsticks workshop will be shipped to you at a later date. International shipping is available at a cost of JPY 4,000 per address. Please inform us of your shipping address or addresses in advance. |
Itinerary Request
[Short Stay] Visit the Gassho-Zukuri of Gokayama and Experience Woodcarving with a Master Artisan
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