Located in the southwestern part of Toyama Prefecture, Nanto City is a town where the rich natural beauty of each season and the timeless charm of traditional Japanese life and culture are still very much alive.

In spring, life begins to bloom; summer is filled with vibrant festivals; autumn brings landscapes of abundant harvest; and winter transforms the town into a snowy wonderland. In the satoyama—where people and nature coexist in harmony—time flows gently and peacefully.

Among its many attractions, the Gokayama Gassho-style villages, designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, offer a nostalgic landscape reminiscent of a Japanese folktale. These "living heritage" villages have also been awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Guests can stay overnight in a traditional Gassho-style inn, enjoy local cuisine around an irori hearth, and watch the "Kokiriko Dance," considered Japan's oldest folk dance—an exclusive experience available only here, as part of the special "Kokiriko Plan."

Nanto is also home to deeply rooted traditional festivals and cultural events that leave a lasting impression, such as the Jōhana Hikiyama Festival (held annually on May 4th and 5th), which is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Throughout the city, you'll find a variety of unique areas, each with its own character—Inami, Japan's leading town for woodcarving; Johana, a historic town that once thrived on silk weaving; Fukumitsu, associated with the famed printmaker Shiko Munakata; and Toga, known for its performing arts scene. In every area, you'll be welcomed by warm smiles and heartfelt hospitality from the locals.

Moreover, Nanto City is conveniently located about an hour's drive from popular tourist destinations like Kanazawa and Hida-Takayama. Not only is it an ideal stop on a broader regional tour, but it's also increasingly chosen as a place to stay and immerse yourself in the authentic, old-world charm of rural Japan.