Hida no Sato Open Air Museum

Hida Folk Village Travel Guide

Introduction

Hida Folk Village, or Hida no Sato, is an open-air museum nestled in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, particularly in the mountainous area surrounding Takayama. This village showcases a rich collection of traditional Japanese architecture and culture, featuring over 30 meticulously preserved buildings that reflect life in the Hida region during the Edo period (1603-1868).

History

Established in 1971, Hida Folk Village was created by relocating traditional houses from their original sites to form a cohesive museum. Many of these structures date back to the Edo period and were moved here to maintain their cultural importance. The village is renowned for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, characterized by their steep thatched roofs that resemble hands joined in prayer.

How to Get There

Hida Folk Village is conveniently reachable from Takayama Station. You can take the Sarubobo Bus, which runs approximately twice an hour, costing 100 yen per ride or 500 yen for a one-day pass. Alternatively, a 30-minute walk from Takayama Station will also get you there, though the bus ride is only about 10 minutes.

Attractions

• Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses: The village’s main highlight, showcasing traditional Japanese architectural styles and craftsmanship.
• Traditional Farmhouses: Each house is preserved with unique collections of everyday tools and artifacts.
• Craft Demonstrations: Visitors can observe traditional handicrafts such as weaving, pottery, and wood carving.
• Workshops: Engage in hands-on workshops to create items like beaded key chains, sarubobo dolls, or ceramic cups.
• Goami Pond: A picturesque pond established in 1931, once serving as a reservoir for rice paddies, where children skated in winter and swam in summer.
• Old-Fashioned Japanese Toys: Play with traditional toys like kendama and spinning tops at a shelter near the pond.
• Takumi Shrine: A small temple honoring skilled carpenters, featuring distinctive lattice design doors known as Chidori lattice work.

Ticket Information

• Entry Fee: 700 yen for adults, 200 yen for children.
• Illumination Fee: 300 yen (available during autumn and winter).
• Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• Address: 1-590 Kamioka Motomachi, Takayama City, Gifu 506-0055.

Tips for Visiting

• Best Time to Visit: Summer months are less crowded, ideal for photography and leisurely exploration.
• Seasonal Activities: The village hosts seasonal events, including illuminated houses during autumn and winter.
• Wheelchair Accessible Route: A wheelchair-friendly path around the pond, past a traditional family house and storehouse, takes about 15 minutes.
• Recommended Routes: Three suggested routes are available, ranging from a 15-minute stroll to a one-hour tour.
• Local Crafts: Participate in craft-making sessions for unique souvenirs.
• Traditional Food: Savor local street food and traditional dishes featuring Hida beef and regional vegetables.

Hida Folk Village is an essential destination for those interested in Japanese culture and history. Its distinctive architecture, traditional crafts, and beautiful surroundings promise an unforgettable experience.