The Most Beautiful Autumn Foliage in Japan – Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba
The main goal of this trip to Japan was to enjoy the autumn foliage, which is mostly found in the countryside. Thus, apart from visiting cities and ancient towns, we spent more time immersed in the scenic beauty of rural areas and nature. With autumn arriving late, the landscape was filled with streams and quaint homes, white grass, red leaves, and yellow flowers, enhancing the season’s charm. Among the places we visited was Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a typical representation of Japanese rural life and culture.
The term “gassho village” refers to Japan’s historic wooden homes, which mainly date back to the Edo to Showa periods, over 300 years ago. These traditional houses are known for their triangular thatched roofs, designed at steep 60-degree angles to allow snow to slide off, preventing it from overloading the roof during heavy winters. The sloped design also protects the structure from strong winds, allowing natural airflow and optimal sunlight, ensuring warmth in winter and coolness in summer. The construction of these homes is a marvel of craftsmanship—built entirely with joinery techniques and ropes without a single nail, yet they have lasted for centuries. The roofs, woven from layers of straw and reeds, need periodic replacement, which is done through collaborative efforts by villagers, fostering strong community bonds.
From a distance, these homes resemble open books placed upside down or two hands pressed together in prayer, which is why they are called gassho-zukuri. The villages where they are found are known as gassho villages, akin to China’s traditional siheyuan courtyards, horsehead walls, or stilt houses—each adapted to local conditions. These villages are scattered across Japan, particularly in Gifu Prefecture, where several have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the most famous are Shirakawa-go, Hida-Takayama, and several other villages in the surrounding mountains. We visited Saiko Iyashi no Sato, located near Lake Saiko at the base of Mount Fuji, avoiding the crowds but experiencing the same charm as Shirakawa-go.
Saiko Iyashi no Sato is situated in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Gifu Prefecture, by Lake Saiko. After descending from the Fuji Fifth Station, we found ourselves in this picturesque village. The landscapes around Mount Fuji are diverse, with rolling hills, valleys, basins, rivers, and forests creating a vibrant mosaic. As we drove along, enchanted by the views, we soon arrived at the village. Upon entering, we were greeted by a distinct rural atmosphere. The village is nestled among mountain ranges with vibrant autumn foliage. Amid the thatched houses, a dirt road meanders through the center, leading us deeper into the village.
As we wandered along the paths, the creek beside us gurgled with crystal-clear water, and the trees displayed their colorful autumn leaves. Bright red persimmons hung from the trees, while fields lay dotted with realistic scarecrows, dressed in colorful clothing and painted with lively expressions, guarding the harvest as if they were real farmers. The picturesque landscape of rural Japan in autumn was like stepping into a painting—water wheels, thatched houses, and fields bathed in golden light.
The Saiko Iyashi no Sato that we see today is a reconstruction of the original village, which was abandoned and later destroyed by a typhoon in 1966. In 2006, developers began restoring the village to its former appearance, based on historical records. The new Saiko village now has 23 gassho-style houses, each serving as a museum or craft workshop. Visitors can explore homes dedicated to fabric arts, woodworking, metal crafts, painting, stone crafts, and culinary traditions. There are also hands-on activities such as paper-making, pottery, and dyeing, offering a chance to experience traditional Japanese crafts. These activities are available to visitors for a fee.
The village also integrates tourism with agriculture, turning farms into scenic attractions. Visitors can observe rice, buckwheat, and vegetable fields, orchards, flower gardens, as well as livestock farms. Tourism is closely linked with the sale of organic farm products, allowing visitors to taste and purchase healthy local goods, blending rural traditions with modern tourism.
Strolling through Saiko Iyashi no Sato, you feel as if you are wandering in a grand natural garden. Every corner reveals a beautiful scene: steppingstones in streams, bamboo groves with rock sculptures, smoke rising from thatched roofs, and waterfalls turning the waterwheels. Narrow paths crisscross the landscape, connecting the fields, where the sounds of roosters and dogs create a peaceful rural symphony. As we left the village and looked back, the gassho houses, nestled along the hillside, were bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, with Mount Fuji standing majestically in the background. The steep roofs, reminiscent of samurai helmets, gave the village a classical aura, evoking the spirit of ancient Japan.
Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, with its tranquil beauty and deep cultural heritage, offers a glimpse into Japan’s traditional village life. It is no wonder that this charming village, nestled by Lake Saiko and framed by Mount Fuji, is regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful gassho villages.
This is one of the snowiest regions in Japan, with snowfall reaching up to 170 centimeters in February. The heavy winter snow blankets the basin village, adding to its mysterious and remote allure, earning it the nickname “secret paradise.” However, thanks to improved transportation, visitors can now access this charming fairy-tale village more easily.
The residents of Ogimachi Gassho Village have voluntarily established three key principles: “No selling, no renting, no altering.” Villagers refrain from renovating or modifying the exteriors of private houses, preserving the original appearance of the village.
The annual illumination ceremony held at the beginning of each year is the grandest event in Shirakawa-go. Due to the large number of visitors, participation in the ceremony has now been switched to a reservation system. For those interested, visiting during the winter is a wonderful way to experience this magical event.
