📜 UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan.
🔍 Famous for unique gassho-zukuri style farmhouses.

Why Go

🏡 Explore traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses❄️ Experience impressive winter scenery, including special illuminations🌸 Enjoy beautiful natural landscapes year-round (cherry blossoms, fall leaves, green rice fields)🚶 Walk through a village untouched by time, interact with locals, and try local delicacies🛌 Stay overnight in a traditional house

Why Avoid

🅿️ Parking can be very busy, expect long waits (2+ hours on weekends/holidays)🚫 Strict rules: no fireworks, designated smoking areas, no drone photography, no entering private property⚠️ Winter travel requires snow tires due to hazardous road conditions🚫 Crowds during peak seasons and light-up events

Tips

🗓️ Visit on weekday mornings to avoid congestion🚌 Book bus tickets in advance🧣 Dress appropriately for seasonal weather; wear very warm, waterproof clothing and bring extra layers in winterRespect local etiquette and private property

💰 CostParking: Large vehicles 10,000 JPY, normal cars 2,000 JPY, motorbikes 500 JPY.Shuttle bus to observation points: 300 JPY.Winter Light-up Event requires reservation and admission.

🕒 HoursVillage touring: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Parking: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.).Overnight touring only for those staying in the village.Light-up Event: Held only four times a year, requires reservation.

🅿️ ParkingDesignated parking areas available, fees apply.No reservation needed for general parking, except for Winter Light-up Event.Expect long waits during peak seasons (2+ hours on weekends/holidays).Ogimachi Castle Site Observatory Parking is CLOSED.

🚻 ToiletsUse designated bathroom spots.