Japan has undergone rapid transformations, particularly between the Edo period (1603–1868) and modern times. The country’s modernization was so swift that many traditional buildings have disappeared. This makes the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses, which opened in 1964, especially important. It preserves and showcases a rural lifestyle that has almost vanished.
The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore these old Japanese homes and learn more about the daily life of Japanese farmers from 200 years ago. Guests can not only admire the structures but also participate in immersive events that recreate life from that era.
A Journey Through Japan’s Regions
The homes displayed in this open-air museum come from different regions of Japan. Each one has been relocated, restored, and furnished with daily tools to provide an authentic glimpse into rural life during the Edo period.
What makes the museum particularly captivating is the diversity of architectural styles. These houses reflect not only the influence of climate and regional landscapes but also the customs and lifestyles unique to each area.
Visitors can step inside these farmhouses to explore their interiors, including hearths, kitchens, and other living spaces.
Here’s a look at some of the most iconic houses to visit in this museum:
1 – Nagayamon Gate
Origin : Kawachi Fuse, Ôsaka in the Kansai region
At the museum’s entrance stands the Nagayamon Gate, once used as the entrance to a manor house in rural villages. It has two rooms: one for storage and the other for housing servants.
2 - Farmhouse
Origin: Hyuga Shiiba, Miyazaki in southeastern Kyushu
This long house, with rooms arranged in a row, is typical of the mountainous Miyazaki region. It also served as a venue for Shinto Kagura, sacred dance ceremonies performed for the community’s enjoyment.
3 – Farmhouse
Origin: Shimano Akiyama, Nagano in the Japanese Alps
This L-shaped farmhouse, characterized by a forward-projecting entrance (chūmon-zukuri style), comes from a region known for harsh, snowy winters. Its thick thatched walls and roof were designed to protect the inhabitants from the cold. Inside, straw-matted floors helped insulate the home from damp winter ground.
4 – Farmhouse
Origin: Yamato Totsukawa, Nara in the Kansai region
Located in a valley, this farmhouse is notable for its “uchioroshi” wooden planks under the eaves, which protected the house from strong winds and rain
5 – Farmhouse
Origin: Echizen Tsuruga, Fukui in the Chubu region (along the Sea of Japan, north of Kyoto)
In this snowy region, the farmhouse stands out for its sturdy construction, with thick beams designed to withstand heavy snowfalls.
6 – Tea House
Origin: Kitakawachi, Osaka in the Kansai region
This teahouse is used for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
7 – Magariya
Origin: Nambu, Iwate in the Tōhoku region
The magariya, or “curved house,” is a unique L-shaped structure. This design allowed residents easy access to the attached stable from their living quarters, making it easier to care for horses during harsh winters.
8 – Kabuki Theater
Origin: Shōdoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea
Villagers on Shodoshima once gathered in this small theater, located inside a shrine, to watch kabuki performances.
9 – Elevated Takakura Storehouse
Origin: Amami Ōshima, Kagoshima in Kyushu
Elevated storehouses, called takakura, were commonly used to store grain, protecting it from moisture and rodents. The structure’s wooden pillars were so smooth and sturdy that even mice couldn’t climb them.
10 – Farm Farmhouse
Origin: Settsu, Osaka in the Kansai region
This house is distinguished by its earthen floor, which occupied much of the space. It’s a typical example of Edo-period rural life.
11 – Gassho-zukuri Farmhouse
Origin: Hida Shirakawa, Gifu in the Japanese Alps
The gasshō-zukuri style is instantly recognizable by its steeply pitched roof, resembling two hands joined in prayer. These farmhouses are famous throughout Japan, especially in villages like Shirakawago, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
12 – Rice Granary
Osaka was once a major commercial hub, with many rice granaries lining the Dojima River. This reflects the city’s importance during the Edo period when feudal lords stored their rice reserves here.
Activities at the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses
The museum isn’t just a static exhibition; it regularly offers immersive activities, most of which are free of charge.
Keep in mind, the staff only speaks Japanese!
- Irori: Join in lighting a traditional fire in the central hearth of a farmhouse, where families once gathered to cook and stay warm.
- Tea Ceremony: Experience the art of the tea ceremony, a practice rich in serenity and spirituality.
- Spinning Top Game: A popular children’s game from the Edo period (1603-1868).
- Grain Mill: Have fun grinding grains using an old manual mill, just like Japanese farmers once did.
- Exploring Upper Floors: In some farmhouses, you can climb upstairs to explore storage spaces or additional rooms, offering a comprehensive view of the interior architecture.
Before your visit, be sure to check the museum’s event schedule by clicking the "Events" button on their website.
During our visit, we had the chance to enjoy a traditional cake while sitting around a fire in an old farmhouse, as someone shared stories of life in the past.
How to Get to the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses
This open-air museum is located north of Osaka in Hattori Ryokuchi Park. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
From one of the stations in Osaka (either Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka), take the Midosuji Line heading north to Ryokuchikoen Station (M10). From the station, walk through the park to reach the museum entrance
