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Hida no Sato Open Air Museum: A Journey into Japan's Rural Past

Discover traditional Japanese architecture and rural life at Hida no Sato Open Air Museum in Takayama, featuring historic houses and craft demonstrations.

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Step back in time at Hida no Sato, an open-air museum in Takayama showcasing over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region. Explore relocated buildings from the Edo period (1603-1868), including gassho-zukuri farmhouses, and immerse yourself in the area's rich architectural and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Hida no Sato Open Air Museum

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak season, and allow at least two hours to explore the village.
  • Check the schedule for craft demonstrations and workshops at the Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Center.
  • Purchase a combination ticket with round-trip bus fare from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center for savings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven paths and removing shoes to enter some buildings.
  • Visit during winter for a magical experience with snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses and evening illuminations.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Takayama Station, take the Sarubobo Bus to Hida no Sato. The bus ride is approximately 10 minutes. The Sarubobo Bus operates twice per hour. A one-way fare is around ¥100. Consider purchasing a combination ticket at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center for ¥800, which includes round-trip bus fare and admission to Hida no Sato.

  • Walking

    From Takayama Station, it is approximately a 30-minute walk to Hida no Sato. The walk involves a steeper hill towards the end. Follow the main road southwest from the station, then turn left towards Hida no Sato. Be aware of traffic and wear comfortable shoes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Takayama Station. The taxi ride to Hida no Sato is about 10 minutes. The estimated fare is between ¥1300 and ¥1700.

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Discover more about Hida no Sato Open Air Museum

Hida no Sato, also known as Hida Folk Village, is an enchanting open-air museum that transports visitors to Japan's rural past. Located in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, this meticulously preserved village features over 30 traditional houses relocated from various parts of the Hida region. These buildings, constructed during the Edo Period (1603-1868), offer a comprehensive glimpse into traditional life in the Japanese Alps. The museum showcases a variety of structures, including former village head's houses, logging huts, storehouses, and gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The gassho-zukuri houses are particularly noteworthy for their steep, thatched roofs, resembling hands joined in prayer, designed to withstand heavy winter snow. Four of the buildings are designated as Important Cultural Properties. Inside the houses, visitors can explore carefully preserved interiors, complete with tools, utensils, and artifacts that depict everyday life in the Hida region. Some houses feature demonstrations of traditional crafts like weaving, pottery, and woodworking. The museum also offers hands-on craft workshops at the nearby Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Center, where visitors can create souvenirs like sarubobo dolls and wind chimes. Beyond the buildings, Hida no Sato provides a serene and picturesque setting. Scenic ponds, terraced fields, and the surrounding mountains enhance the feeling of stepping back in time. The indoor fireplaces are lit every morning, creating an immersive sensory experience. Throughout the year, the museum hosts seasonal events and festivals, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.

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