National Important Cultural Property, Murakami Residence

At the southwestern edge of Toyama Prefecture, 40 small villages, called Gokayama, dot five valleys. Surrounded by steep mountains, they have over 2m of snow in winter. Their architecture was chosen to withstand heavy snow. There are many homes with the thatched gable roof in steep angles that remain to this day.

Murakami Family’s residence, one of the oldest A-frame homes in Gokayama, was built about 350 years ago. It is designated as a national important cultural property, preserving the ancient architecture style. You can tour outside and inside the unique building. The owner of the residence invites you to sit around the open hearth like in ancient times and she shares stories about life in Gokayama and folk culture.

With a reservation, you can watch the traditional Kokiriko dance. Kokiriko are small pieces of thin bamboo, which beats along with piccolos and drums while they sing. it is said to be the oldest folk song in Japan related to a rice-planting festivity. The graceful dance in traditional clothes will take you back to the 9th-to-17th century era.