Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

What to know

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato) is an open-air museum in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, showcasing over 30 traditional houses from the mountainous Hida region. These Edo-period (1603–1868) buildings were relocated here from their original sites, and the museum opened in 1971.

Set in a village-like atmosphere, the museum includes a former village head's house, logging huts, storehouses, and several gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The name gassho-zukuri refers to the steep thatched roofs that resemble hands joined in prayer. These structures were moved from nearby Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its gassho-zukuri architecture.

All buildings at Hida Folk Village are carefully preserved and open to visitors. They feature unique wooden architecture and display tools and utensils used in daily life long ago. Each morning, the indoor fireplaces are lit, filling the air with the scent of burning wood—a treat for both the eyes and the nose.

A short walk away is the Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Center, where you can try local handicrafts. For 800 to 3,000 yen, you can make beaded key chains, sarubobo dolls (a popular local charm), ceramic cups, or glass wind chimes. Workshops last 15–60 minutes, and no reservation is needed. You can take your creation home as a souvenir.

The Hida Folk Village is a 30-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride from Takayama Station, heading away from the city center. The Sarubobo Bus runs about twice per hour; a single ride costs 100 yen, or you can buy a 1-day pass for 500 yen.