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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, Gifu Prefecture. A living museum of the Hida region.

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Step back in time at Hida no Sato, an open-air museum showcasing over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. These meticulously preserved buildings, dating back to the Edo period, offer a glimpse into the architectural styles and rural life of Japan's mountainous past.

A brief summary to Hida no Sato Open Air Museum

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.
  • 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 Takayama Station for convenience and savings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll need to remove them when entering some of the buildings.
  • Don't miss the winter light-up events for a magical experience.
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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 one-way fare is ¥210. A round-trip ticket combined with the museum entrance fee is available for ¥1000. The Sarubobo Bus operates frequently, with services every 20-40 minutes.

  • Walking

    Hida no Sato is approximately a 30-minute walk from Takayama Station. From the station, follow the main road southwest, crossing the Miyagawa River. Continue along the road, which gradually ascends as it approaches the village. Look for signs indicating the direction of Hida no Sato.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Takayama Station to Hida no Sato takes about 10 minutes. Expect to pay around ¥1500-¥2000 for the ride.

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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 the rural past of the Hida region in Gifu Prefecture. Established in 1971, the museum's mission is to preserve the beautiful gassho-style houses and other traditional buildings synonymous with the area. Over thirty structures, including four nationally designated Important Cultural Properties, have been carefully relocated to this hillside setting, creating a village-like atmosphere. Unlike Shirakawa-go, which is famous for its exclusively gassho-zukuri houses, Hida no Sato features a variety of buildings, including former village head's houses, logging huts, and storehouses. Gassho-zukuri farmhouses are named for their steep thatched roofs that resemble hands joined in prayer, a design that helps them withstand heavy winter snow. The structures range from 100 to 500 years in age. Inside the buildings, visitors can explore carefully preserved interiors, complete with tools, utensils, and furniture that evoke daily life in the Edo Period (1603-1868). The indoor fireplaces are lit every morning, creating an immersive sensory experience. Exhibits showcase aspects of rural life, such as silkworm cultivation, marriage customs, and mountain vegetable preparation. Visitors can also witness demonstrations of traditional crafts like weaving, wood carving, and sashiko embroidery. The Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Center, located near the museum entrance, offers hands-on workshops where you can create your own souvenirs, such as sarubobo dolls and wind chimes. Traditional events and seasonal festivals are held throughout the year. The winter light-up events are particularly magical, illuminating the snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses. From the village, there is a panoramic view across the town to the peaks of the Japanese Alps.

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