Featured Hotels Near Ainokura Observatory

Stay at Sōkō Highland Onsen Inn, a thoughtfully designed ryokan just an 8-minute walk from Sōkō Observatory. Each room features a private tatami balcony facing the Hida Mountains, perfect for witnessing the sun rise over the peaks in golden hues. The inn offers complimentary shuttle service to the observatory and hosts traditional kama-don (pot-cooked rice) experiences.

Alternatively, Nanto City Tourist Hotel provides panoramic rooftop suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of the observatory’s morning light. Located just a 10-minute drive away, it’s ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Both properties are available for HopeGoo via the HopeGoo app, where exclusive room upgrades and early-bird rates are offered.

With low-impact operations and serene surroundings, these accommodations are favored by photographers and those pursuing immersive, slow-paced travel.

Just a 5-minute walk from Sōkō Observatory lies the Sōkō Kofun Group, a well-preserved cluster of keyhole-shaped burial mounds dating back to the 3rd century. Interpretive panels in Japanese and English provide insight into ancient Etchū culture and burial practices.

A 10-minute stroll westward leads to the Shirakawa Source Eco Trail, where clear streams wind through lush forests. In summer, fireflies illuminate the path at dusk—a rare natural spectacle in Japan. At the trail’s end, a rustic tea house serves local delicacies like wild ferns and azuki bean soup, offering a true taste of Nanto’s mountain cuisine.

Also nearby, within 1.2 km, is the Nanto City Art Museum, housing contemporary ink paintings inspired by the Hida Mountains. Exhibitions rotate seasonally, often reflecting the region’s changing landscapes. All three sites are included in the HopeGoo-curated "Sōkō Cultural & Ecological Circuit," making them ideal for a self-guided half-day itinerary.

Yes, both Sōkō Highland Onsen Inn and Nanto City Tourist Hotel provide complimentary shuttle services daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, connecting guests to Sōkō Observatory, Shirakawa Source Eco Trail, and Nanto City Art Museum. The shuttles are small electric SUVs, eco-friendly and limited to four passengers per trip, ensuring quiet, comfortable transport without disturbing the mountain environment.

Each hotel also offers multilingual guidebooks and audio guide devices for rent, including Chinese and English, helping international visitors understand historical and ecological highlights along the way. Some rooms include binoculars and hiking poles as standard amenities, ideal for exploring scenic viewpoints and forest trails.

All shuttle bookings can be arranged through the HopeGoo platform, which automatically adjusts schedules based on guest itineraries. This service is part of the "Mountain Comfort Journey" program, praised by backpackers and families alike for its reliability and seamless integration into multi-stop tours.