A UNESCO-listed valley of gassho-zukuri farmhouses, thatched at a steep pitch to shed heavy snow and built without nails, about 75 to 85 minutes away by direct bus. Most services need a seat reservation and sell out in autumn. If you are coming for the winter illumination, know that it runs on four set evenings in January 2027 and access is controlled by advance parking or a booked tour rather than turning up.