旧遠山家住宅: A Glimpse into Shirakawa-go's Past

Step back in time at the Old Toyama House, a beautifully preserved Gassho-style farmhouse in the heart of Shirakawa-go.

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旧遠山家住宅

The Old Toyama House, or 旧遠山家住宅, is a well-preserved example of a traditional Gassho-style farmhouse in Shirakawa-go, dating back to 1827. This historic home offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of a prominent family and the region's unique architectural and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to 旧遠山家住宅

125 Miboro, Shirakawa, Miboro, Ono District, Gifu, 501-5506, JP
+815769-5-2062
Visit website

Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

Allow at least one hour to fully explore the house and its exhibits.
Visit during the off-season (spring or fall) to avoid crowds.
Check the official website for seasonal events and activities.

Getting There

Public Transport

From the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal in Ogimachi, take the local bus towards Hirase. Get off at the 'Maki' bus stop, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Old Toyama House. The bus fare is around ¥300-¥400. Check the bus schedule in advance as services may be limited.
Walking

From the Seseragi Park Parking Lot, it's about a 20-minute walk to the Old Toyama House. Cross the suspension bridge and follow the road towards the south. The route is well-signposted. Note that during peak season, the parking lot can get crowded.

Discover more about 旧遠山家住宅

The Old Toyama House (旧遠山家住宅) stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people of Shirakawa-go. Built around 1827 by craftsmen from Noto, the house showcases the distinctive Gassho-style architecture, characterized by its steeply pitched, thatched roof resembling hands clasped in prayer. The Toyama family, who resided here, played a significant role in the village's history, particularly in the production of saltpeter (a key ingredient in gunpowder) and sericulture (silk farming). The four-story structure was ingeniously designed to accommodate both living quarters and workspaces. The first floor served as the family's living space, while the upper floors were dedicated to silkworm cultivation. Interestingly, the basement was used for saltpeter production until around 1887. The Toyama family was also known for its large size; during the Meiji era, as many as 40 family members lived in the house. Today, visitors can explore the house and learn about the Toyama family, Gassho-style architecture, and traditional village life. The Old Toyama House is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and it provides valuable insights into the history, architecture, and culture of the Shirakawa-go region.