Hida no Sato Open Air Museum image

Hida no Sato Open Air Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Local history museum Open air museum

One of the Most Revieweds in Takayama


Address

1 Chome-590 Kamiokamotomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0055, Japan

Website

www.hidanosato-tpo.jp

Contact

+81 577-34-4711

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (4.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: village (23) visit (23) beautiful (19) Takayama (19) houses (16) walk (14) interesting (13) time (13) museum (13) hours (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Gavin S. 1 year ago on Google
    Truly amazing. Personally, I went during the winter and when the village is covered in snow it was absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately during the winter, certain sections are closed off due to snow and icy conditions, however the majority are still open and accessible. Tickets are cheap and you can easily spend 2ish hours exploring all the buildings and reading about the history. You can enter basically every building and they have slippers by the entrance of each building. It was quite informative in that the purposes of each building in the village are clearly displayed with many tidbits on their history and function. Most of the pictures I saw were from spring but somehow it is just as beautiful if not more in the winter. Definitely an amazing visit anytime of year.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul R. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a very nice attraction showing the different styles houses from the region. It was a very nice walk in autumn and was very interesting, I wish I had more time to look at everything properly. Highly recommend. It took me approximately 20minutes walk from Takayama Station and the entry fee was 700 yen. I got there early and it was nice and quiet.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arash K. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely and quaint folk village complex about 35 mins walk from Takayama or a 15 min bus ride. We went on a clear autumn day in October and it was a lovely afternoon walking through the buildings and different parts of the grounds. Entry is 700 Yen per person which was well worth it. The village allows you to explore how life was like for the people living there and the exhibits are really interactive - there are even games you can play as part of your visit. You learn about their living conditions, the farming and building methods as well as historical Japanese cultural references. One of the highlights was watching a wood carver make an owl out of wood which was incredible to see - an art passed down that was intricate and beautiful. A worthwhile visit for the price and you could easily spend 2 hours here (the map you're given gives you different routes you can take depending on the time you have, the max of which is 1 hour but I think you could spend longer there if you'd like to) - would highly recommend!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A M. 1 year ago on Google
    Relaxing, interesting, informative. 😇 Spent a couple of hours here without a hurry. Completed the stamps needed for a free present at the end. 😄 All the houses are well-kept and staff members are kind. Visited in the summer, but might be more beautiful in the peak of autumn or winter.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Koen 10 months ago on Google
    Fun, educational and interesting. The Hida Folk Village (or Hida no Sato) is an open-air museum where you go back in time about 100 to 500 years. Thanks to about thirty houses, barns, watermills, shrines and so on, you can relive the past of a Japanese village. In addition to the various architectural styles, of which the gassho-zukuri is the most striking, you will become acquainted with utensils that were used in household, work and daily life. And in workshops you can discover how Japan's famous handicrafts are made, such as wood carving, tie-dying, (silk)weaving, and lacquer work. All in all a very interesting and educational destination that I highly recommend.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Handre L. 1 year ago on Google
    Hida no sato is simply magical. We went when the heavy snow was falling, this allowed for the village to truly display its magnificence as these houses were built different to accommodate the weight for the snow, and not a single metal nail was used!! Do yourself a favour if you are around in Takayama and do visit as some routes are closed in the winter due to snow so we didn’t get to get the full experience. They have hands on experiences and stamp collection routes. We had the pleasure to sit with one of the wood carving experts to see how he makes art out of wood that is older than 200 years. These are also for sale.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Courtney G. 1 year ago on Google
    This outdoor museum is huge. Plan to spend at least two hours here, if not more. It's super easy to get to from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center (right beside the train station), which is a 10-15 bus ride. My husband and I took the bus and we paid ¥1600 total for the ride there/back and admission to the museum. You can also walk, which is approximately 35 minutes. There is so much to see and do at the museum. As soon as you enter the grounds there are games to play, such as wooden puzzles. Then you get to walk around, see the different homes, go inside, and learn about the culture and local lifestyle. There are also craft classes that are offered (at an additional cost). When we went in March, it was a chilly day and started to rain near the end. While the rain made it less fun to walk around, it was still beautiful. And in case anyone is wondering: no, the cherry blossoms aren't blooming yet. I'm really glad we went, but if I did it again, I would have worn warmer clothes (inside the homes are chilly) and eaten before coming. We didn't realize the vastness of the museum and didn't eat beforehand, resulting in us being quite hungry halfway through. We came on a weekday around noon and there was no wait for the bus rides nor was the museum very busy, which was really nice; felt like I could take my time and saunter around. Definitely check this museum out! You won't be disappointed!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Max R. 11 months ago on Google
    Hida Folk Village in Takayama surpassed my expectations with its captivating atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Stepping into the village felt like a journey through time, surrounded by beautifully preserved thatched-roof houses and captivating landscapes. The serene setting and overall authenticity of the experience make Hida Folk Village an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking a glimpse into Japan's traditional rural life.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Biesse F. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice open air museum. I loved to see these old buildings. At the end at the rest area do not forget to fill the survey, they will offer you a beautiful Japanese napkin.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kristin T. 3 years ago on Google
    A nice trip that will not take up much of your day (I spent about two hours as I have experienced other folk villages). With information on English and Japanese, and under normal circumstances traditional craftsmen displaying their skills and offering explanations. There is a large variety of homes and other village buildings, too. Near the entrance there is an assortment of traditional toys for children and adults to try. When visiting in winter, be aware that not all paths may be open. As it is in the mountains, heed warnings about wild animals.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katherine C. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool educational experience in a lovely area. My parents & I enjoyed a visit, and I noticed they even had some wheelchair accessible routes, which is nice. The bus from town was easy to get, and then we walked back down. Interesting to see the old houses & think about how people lived through hard winters.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda W. 9 months ago on Google
    Definitely a place to visit if you’re in Takayama. There are many beautiful farmhouses to see with a lot of interesting information inside. We arrived about 2 hours before closing and just barely managed to see them all – some were also closed. They also have an adorable shop at the end with a man carving wood into figurines for sale. It was a really lovely visit and you could certainly spend much more time here. The areas is very beautiful and it’s quite easy to walk back to the Takayama center (because it’s downhill). Otherwise there are buses that take you from the train station every hour (at least).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 hs t. 11 months ago on Google
    Quiet time exploring the village with much historical features! There were activities for visitors to enjoy and really scenic view. I would imagine it nicer during winter when the houses are covered in snow but it’s was still a pleasant experience. Entry fee is 700 yen, and it’s about 10-15 mins bus ride from where the main takayama station is! But the bus departs in 1-hour interval, it’s either a 1 hour or 2 hour visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kev P. 7 months ago on Google
    These are very beautiful scenic views at this museum. Cost 700 yen per person. Came her on Saturday around 11am. It was not busy at all. You can enjoy a nice peaceful walk here. There's also some cool interactive activities at the beginning. If you're a stamp collector, there are seven stamps you can collector throughout the village.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer M. 6 months ago on Google
    We asked our hotel reception to book us a taxi to Hida Folk Village at 830am when it opened. The taxi was 1200¥ and entry into the Village was 600¥ each. It’s up a mountain so don’t walk! We spent 2 hours walking around and it was beautiful, highly recommend. We also got an ice-cream from a vending machine at the top. We walked back down the mountain into town stopping at a few shops along the way. This took about 45 minutes and was a must do.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lachie S. 5 months ago on Google
    A very special destination within Takayama. Beautiful views of traditional Japanese buildings alongside lush greenery. Very immersive and educational. Expect to spend multiple hours wandering the grounds and taking photographs. Bring extra change to feed the fish!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carlos L. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing place. It still preserves the essence of a traditional village. The whole area is magic. The main lake in the middle of the houses is very beautiful and you can even take some pictures with some traditional clothes for free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Agnieszka S. 8 months ago on Google
    Definitely recommend visiting if you're in Takayama. You get to learn about how people used to live, work, make and store food, make roofs etc. in the past. There are multiple areas where you can feel like a kid again e.g. learning how to juggle with traditional juggling balls, solve puzzles or shoot a bamboo water gun. It was surprisingly very fun! The park is also simply beautiful, with views of the mountains and the valley too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lilian N L. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place with scenic spots and lots of history. Most descriptions are available in English and Japanese. Lovely easy walk, spent under 2 hours there. Might not be suited for disabled / elderly (at least in winter due to slippery pathways).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arun V. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a beautiful place to visit. Beautiful and calm walk in the middle of nature. Great old houses and their history. Just slow down your pace and enjoy the beauty of this village. Ticket price is ¥700 but you can get ¥100 discount coupon from your hotel/hostel. Must visit when in Takayama.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian S. 4 years ago on Google
    Came over from Tokyo to visit this site with visiting relatives, and was absolutely worth the visit. Visited in early November right when the leaves were starting to change colors, and it was so beautiful. Very cool to see these old structures, and learn a bit of history about pre-industrial japan. The insides of buildings started to blend together, but the different architectural styles in regards to the outside of the building was very interesting to see.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hitesh G. 3 years ago on Google
    This was unexpectedly good place to see the traditional Japanese thatched roof houses. There were very few people even during weekends and holidays. Most people visit shirakawago but this place is equally good though somewhat smaller in scale.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy T. 1 year ago on Google
    Designed for tourists. Has some interesting things to do, such as kids games like stilts and top spinning. Still very pretty inside as you walk around. Worth a visit if you're in Takayama. The trip to the folk village is itself quite fun if you decide to take a bicycle and see the town along the way.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer M. 2 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous place to take kids and let them run. There’s a ton of little activities for them to do that are free. Nearly everything is also described in English which is super cool!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jay M. 6 years ago on Google
    Such a cool place to visit. Honestly, wasn't expecting to see and enjoy so much. The village is so quiet and peaceful. We spent hours walking from structure to structure through the woods. The history is fascinating. The design of the massive home is fantastic. We spent most of the day here and both children and the adults loved it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Felipe N. 1 year ago on Google
    Surprisingly good experience, the best place i went in Takayama, small but very interesting village, at the beginning there was some really fun old school toys and i had a great time trying them all, the village is very beautiful and natural a lot of events happening all year, is really interesting to get inside the houses too and i was lucky to find the shrine open when i went, a very good surprise in Takayama ✅ 9/10
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pieter S. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing place to visit in Takayama. If you do not like crowds, go as soon as they open at 8:30. I had an hour in the morning in which I was the only visitor in sight. Tourists quickly appeared after an hour and it became more difficult to enjoy the property without disruption. There is lots of information on the buildings, the property, and the history of everything on the premises. It was very well taken care of and there are interesting things for children too, like games and viewing stations of the mountains afar. Signage is in Chinese, Japanese, and English. Easy to get there on a local bus.

  • 5/5 Leong 5 months ago on Google
    Very interesting and historical folk village of one the Japanese ancestors with their unique pointed roof. Amazing use of ropes and knots that hold the whole structure of houses together including special crafted wood and timbers used. Different rooms and floor levels for various purposes. Planting roof top with some greens. Also the circular and rectangular padi rice fields (miniature) demonstrating their farming days then. There is a live demonstration of a man crafting various wooden articles and two women doing some sewings for sales. Worth of ¥700 per person entry fees.

  • 5/5 Tony L. 6 months ago on Google
    Such a great experience to see all these unique buildings in such a beautiful setting. The Koi fish lake was stunning in all of its autumn colours. Set aside a couple of hours for this and if it rains they have umbrellas you can loan for free.

  • 5/5 Dennis C. 6 months ago on Google
    Spectacular views! Nature at its finest. Every corner seems to have a story to tell. Glad that we were able to capture the colors of autumn during our visit. In my opinion, a must see place in one's lifetime.

  • 5/5 J 5 months ago on Google
    Hida Folk Village, located in the picturesque Takayama region of Japan, is a living museum that transports visitors back in time. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, this open-air museum showcases traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, renowned for their steep thatched roofs resembling praying hands (gassho). Wander through the preserved village to explore these historic structures, each offering insights into rural life during the Edo period. The immersive experience includes hands-on activities and demonstrations, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Hida. Against the backdrop of the Japanese Alps, Hida Folk Village offers a captivating journey into the past and Japan's architectural legacy.

  • 5/5 Ilan K. 7 months ago on Google
    A wonderful and picturesque place to visit and explore, offering beautiful nature, old houses, watching and even participating in local craftsmanship. I had the pleasure to make my own braided bracelet with the most kind and funny lady who runs the shop. Located at the outskirts of Takayama and reachable by bus or 3km walk from the Central bus station. It is not overcrowded, opposed to Takayama center and well worth the visit. Tickets can be bought at the entrance for 700yen, there are public restroom and resting area with vending machines inside the village.

  • 3/5 Margaret H. 7 months ago on Google
    It was pretty hot or else the walk around the village will be very pleasant. Good info & knowledge for tourist. We can imagine how beautiful this place will be in autumn.

  • 5/5 Alberta C. 9 months ago on Google
    Very nice stroll to have among history. The place is very well preserved and gives you the chance to have both a cultural and a naturalistic experience at the same time. Very recommended especially if you visit in summer and you look for a fresher place to spend some nice time. They have a spot by the lake where you can borrow paper umbrellas, a traditional vest and a hat to take a nice picture.

  • 5/5 Jo T. 8 months ago on Google
    This place was just wonderful! I walked all the way there from Takayama city centre, and it was a great thing to do. Such a beautiful and interesting part of Japan. Very rich in history and culture. Highly recommended!

  • 4/5 Sven W. 10 months ago on Google
    Open air museum with replicas of houses, gardens and a pond, showing historic housing conditions and various crafts. With a good guide, you can spend some interesting hours here.

  • 5/5 Tom-Daniel L. 11 months ago on Google
    Walk through the gate and you're transported back 100-200 years. The buildings are well preserved and you get to go into most of them. You can feel, smell and touch the history as you enter each building. Make sure to stop by the workshops where artists are making traditional items. So if you want the ultimate traditional and one of a kind souvenir (like we did from the artist in the woodworking house), this is your place. Also by the lake, just before the exit there are loads of toys and games to try, even for adults. For example we found the precursor to the modern toy Bay Blade. Highly recommend visiting and only a short busride away!

  • 5/5 ToBe T. 1 year ago on Google
    This village is so close to the centre of Takayama. You can take the bus to the entry gate from the bus station for ¥100. The village itself is very authentic with lots a buildings you can enter that have art if acts of the village lifestyle. It’s really pretty and has a lovely non-commercialised feel. I really enjoyed the visit and information available on-site. It was not too busy even on a Saturday.

  • 5/5 Chinnarat’s B. 1 year ago on Google
    I appreciate the efforts the museum went through relocating these ancient houses (over 20+ buildings) to this convenient location. Some of the houses still retained smoke odor which helped repel insects. It is well worth the Yen 700 admission fee. There is Yen 300 parking fee.

  • 5/5 sebastian c. 1 year ago on Google
    Much better than going to Shirawa-go and spending 5600 yen. Games, friendly environment and really beautiful landscape. Its also friendly for foreigners.

  • 4/5 Rohit S. 1 year ago on Google
    Quite like the place and must visit if you have time, Though would not recommend if you already been shira-kawago or coming here out of the way. Buy the 800 Yen Ticket from bus stop that includes two way bus ticket and entrance. Btw as an aside I'd not recommend kids to run go wild as others commented, we saw two brown snakes in span of 15 min under different house entrances, they slithered away but please watch out. Not sure if they were venemous.

  • 5/5 Chit L. 2 years ago on Google
    It was snowing heavily when we went here so didn’t really stay long enough to enjoy the place but we went to almost every “house” If you can’t go to Shirakawa-go, this place will somehow make up for it.

  • 5/5 UM-IM M. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this place even though I have not much time to spend there. It would be nice to visit during other season. You can come here instead of Shiragawagoe for experience the heritage house and history.


Call +81 577-34-4711 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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