Discover the Historical Beauty of Hida Folk Village in Takayama, Japan - Japan Travel Sights

Hida Folk Village, or Hida no Sato, is a fascinating open-air museum in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It beautifully recreates a traditional Japanese village, showcasing the lifestyle and architecture of the Hida region in past centuries.

If you’re planning a trip to Gifu, Hida Folk Village should definitely be on your itinerary.

In this article, we’ll cover the must-see attractions in Hida Folk Village, nearby dining options, souvenir shopping, and transportation tips, all to help you make the most of your visit.

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Explore Hida Folk Village in Takayama, Japan, and experience traditional Japanese life and architecture.

This guide offers travel tips, dining suggestions, and local crafts for a memorable trip.

What is Hida Folk Village?

Hida Folk Village is a reconstructed historical village nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings of Takayama.

It provides visitors with a glimpse into the traditional life of the Hida region, featuring a collection of historic thatched-roof and wood-shingled houses that have been moved to the site from other parts of the region.

The museum also offers displays of various tools and objects from Hida’s past, as well as live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as straw work and Hida sashiko (embroidery).

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (open year-round)
• Admission: Adults ¥700 (¥600 for groups), Children ¥200 (¥150 for groups)
  (Hours are extended during seasonal light-up events.)

The Unique Architecture of the Kurebukiya (Wood-Shingled) Houses

Among the standout attractions in the village are the Kurebukiya houses, unique to the Hida region.

These wood-shingled houses, unlike the more commonly known thatched-roof houses, are characteristic of the rural and townhouses in the region.

Farmers and townspeople used to construct these buildings by splitting wood into boards and layering them with stones on top for weight.

Back then, due to the lack of modern tools, houses were built by manually splitting trees into planks.

The life of these wood shingles was significantly shorter than that of thatched roofs, lasting only around 5 to 6 years.

This created a scene where villagers would gather each November to replace the shingles in an event known as Kuregashi.

With the widespread adoption of metal roofs in the 1950s, kurebuki houses disappeared, making the ones preserved in Hida Folk Village even more valuable. Nowadays, skilled craftsmen working in the village are among the few remaining experts in this technique.

Enjoy Delicious Treats at Nearby Cafés

After exploring the village, you’ll likely want to take a break. Fortunately, there are a couple of charming cafés near Hida Folk Village.

CafeMION

CafeMION specializes in delicious galettes, both savory and sweet. Popular choices include tuna-taco and blue cheese galettes, as well as dessert options like hazelnut galette. If you’re craving something sweet, you can also enjoy their crepes.

• Address: Gifu Prefecture, Takayama, Kamiokamoto 5-375
• Website: CafeMION

Little Bear Café

Located in the Hida Takayama Teddy Bear Eco Village, Little Bear Café is full of adorable teddy bears and offers a relaxed environment for enjoying coffee, smoothies, and local treats like Hida beef croquettes.

• Address: Gifu Prefecture, Takayama, Nishinoisshiki 3-829-4
• Website: Teddy Bear Café

Recommended Lunch Spots Near Hida Folk Village

When it comes to lunch, there are several excellent restaurants near Hida Folk Village where you can enjoy delicious meals.

Yuraku

If you’re in the mood for comfort food, Yuraku is the place to go. Their fluffy cheese omelet rice (omurice) is especially popular and comes with a rich, creamy flavor that will satisfy your hunger.

• Address: Gifu Prefecture, Takayama, Kamiokamoto 3-392
• Website: Yuraku Facebook

Western-HIRO

For hearty meals, Western-HIRO offers a menu centered on Hida beef hamburgers. Whether you’re in the mood for a simmered hamburger steak or their famous hamburger with mushrooms, this restaurant won’t disappoint.

• Address: Gifu Prefecture, Takayama, Kamiokamoto 4-5
• Website: Western-HIRO

Seasonal Light-Up Events at Hida Folk Village

If you visit Hida Folk Village during the summer, autumn, or winter, you’re in for a special treat. The village hosts seasonal light-up events that transform the traditional houses into magical spectacles of light.

• Summer Light-Up: Early July to mid-August, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Autumn Foliage Light-Up: Mid-October to early November, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• Snow Light-Up: Mid-January to late February, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Light-Up Admission: Adults ¥300, Children ¥100

Snow-covered houses lit up during the winter event

Souvenir Shopping Near Hida Folk Village

There are several excellent shops near Hida Folk Village where you can find unique, handmade souvenirs to take home.

Kochi

Located on Hida no Sato Street, Kochi is a lovely craft store run by a local couple specializing in wooden and ceramic items. Their shop features a variety of simple yet elegant crafts, including pottery, patchwork bags, and wooden stationery.

• Address: Gifu Prefecture, Takayama, Nishinoisshiki 3-813-7
• Website: Kochi Store

Hida Sashiko

If you’re interested in traditional Japanese embroidery, Hida Sashiko is a must-visit. The shop sells materials and kits for creating your own sashiko crafts, which were a common household practice in the region during the Edo period.

• Address: Gifu Prefecture, Takayama, Kataharamachi 60
• Website: Hida Sashiko

Handcrafted items from Kochi, perfect for souvenirs

How to Get to Hida Folk Village

Hida Folk Village is conveniently located and can be reached by bus, car, or even on foot from JR Takayama Station.

• By Bus: Take the Nohi Bus or Sarubobo Bus from Takayama Nohi Bus Center and get off at the “Hida no Sato Shita” stop (about 10 minutes).
• By Car: 10 minutes from JR Takayama Station.
• By Foot: About a 30-minute walk from JR Takayama Station.

For those traveling by bus, consider purchasing a 1-day bus pass or a combo ticket that includes both the bus and entry to Hida Folk Village.

• Address: Gifu Prefecture, Takayama, Kamiokamoto 1-590
• Website: Hida Folk Village