Background

Nihon Minka-en: Journey Through Japan's Architectural Past

Discover traditional Japanese homes and Edo-era culture at Kawasaki's captivating open-air museum.

4.4

Explore traditional Japanese architecture at Nihon Minka-en, an open-air museum in Kawasaki showcasing relocated and preserved buildings from the Edo period. Wander through farmhouses, samurai residences, merchant homes, and even a kabuki stage, experiencing the diverse regional styles and cultural history of Japan.

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 museum's website for information on seasonal events and workshops, such as indigo dyeing and traditional performances.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on the museum's grounds.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum and its exhibits.
  • Visit the Exhibition Hall before exploring the houses to learn about minka design and construction.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Odawara Line to Mukogaoka-Yuen Station (approx. 22 minutes by express train, 270 yen). From the South Exit, it's a 15-minute walk to Nihon Minka-en. Alternatively, take the JR Nambu Line from Kawasaki Station to Noborito Station (approx. 28 minutes, 320 yen). From the “Ikuta Ryokuchi” exit, it's a 25-minute walk to the museum. You can also take the Kawasaki City Bus [溝19] from Mukogaoka-Yuen Station South Exit Bus Terminal to the “Ikuta-Ryokuchi Entrance” bus stop, followed by a 3-minute walk to the museum. Bus fare is approximately 220 yen.

  • Taxi

    From Mukogaoka-Yuen Station, a taxi to Nihon Minka-en takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is 710 yen for the first 2km, plus 300 yen per additional kilometer. Expect to pay around 1300-1600 yen for the trip.

Unlock the Best of Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open-Air Folk Museum)

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

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

Nihon Minka-en, or the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, offers a captivating glimpse into Japan's architectural and cultural heritage. Located in Kawasaki, this unique museum features a collection of over 20 preserved buildings from the Edo Period (1603-1868), carefully relocated from across Japan. These traditional minka, or folk houses, represent a variety of regional styles and social classes, providing insight into the lives of people during this transformative era. Wander through the museum's serene, wooded grounds and discover farmhouses with thatched roofs, samurai residences, merchant homes, and even a kabuki stage. Many of the buildings are open to visitors, allowing you to step inside and experience the simple mud floors, open hearths, and traditional tools that defined daily life. The museum also features a small folk museum with a collection of tools and folk instruments from the feudal era. Don't miss the indigo dyeing workshops, where you can try your hand at this traditional craft. Throughout the year, Nihon Minka-en hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, including rice cake pounding, folk storytelling, and traditional carpentry demonstrations. Before exploring the houses, visit the Exhibition Hall to learn about the design and construction of minka, and how they were adapted to suit the local climate and resources.

Popular Experiences near Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open-Air Folk Museum)

Popular Hotels near Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open-Air Folk Museum)

Select Currency