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Nihon Minka-en: Journey Through Time

Discover traditional Japanese architecture and lifestyles at this open-air museum featuring relocated Edo-period houses from across Japan.

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Step back in time at Nihon Minka-en, an open-air museum showcasing relocated and preserved traditional Japanese houses from the Edo period. Explore farmhouses, samurai residences, and more, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open-Air Folk Museum)

  • Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the event schedule in advance to catch cultural events like traditional performances or craft demonstrations.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum grounds involve walking on slopes and uneven paths.
  • Visit the indigo dyeing workshop to create your own unique souvenir.
  • Enter through the west gate for a mostly downhill walk through the museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Odawara Line to Mukogaoka-Yuen Station. An express train takes about 20 minutes and costs ¥270. From the station's South Exit, it's a 15-minute walk to the main entrance. Alternatively, take a Kawasaki City Bus (Mizo 19 or Ta 83) from the South Exit Bus Terminal to the Ikuta-Ryokuchi Entrance bus stop, a 3-minute walk to the museum. Bus fare is approximately ¥220.

  • Taxi

    From Mukogaoka-Yuen Station, a taxi to Nihon Minka-en takes about 5 minutes and costs approximately ¥700-¥900. Taxis are readily available at the station's taxi stand.

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Discover more about Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open-Air Folk Museum)

Nihon Minka-en, or the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, transports visitors to the Edo period (1603-1868) with its collection of 25 preserved buildings relocated from all over Japan. Nestled in Kawasaki's Ikuta Ryokuchi Park, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the diverse architectural styles and ways of life of traditional Japan. Explore various types of traditional houses, including gassho-style farmhouses from Shirakawago, samurai residences, merchant houses, and buildings from post towns and fishing villages. Each structure has been carefully restored and furnished with period-appropriate items, providing an immersive experience of daily life in centuries past. Beyond the buildings themselves, Nihon Minka-en hosts workshops and demonstrations of traditional crafts like indigo dyeing, straw weaving, and bamboo craft making. Cultural events and festivals, such as rice cake pounding and folk storytelling, are held throughout the year. A small folk museum within the park displays tools and folk instruments from the feudal era. For a break, enjoy a meal at the soba restaurant located in one of the farmhouses. Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes to fully experience the museum. The museum is foreigner-friendly, with English guideposts and explanatory materials available.

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