Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum

Today, I had the privilege to visit a fantastic, off-the-beaten-path, open-air park in Kawasaki City (a 15 minute train ride from Tokyo). This historical park, known in Japanese as Nihon Minkaen, is home to twenty-three various houses, a kabuki stage and a shrine. Buildings were dismantled, imported from various areas in Japan and reconstructed in Kawasaki.

The unique point? All were built over 200 years ago, feature traditional, Japanese architecture and have been wonderfully restored. This park is a must for history fans and those who wish to walk around various homes which belonged to pharmacists, samurai and farmers.

The Suzuki house, The Saji Gate:

The park, commissioned by the city of Kawasaki, was opened in 1965. It serves as a resting place for various historical homes, saved from destruction. The park is quite large and visitors can follow a clearly marked route to view all the buildings. Allot two to three hours to walk the entire park.

The Misawa House, A volunteer tends the hearth, 

Wood carvings, Shingled roof with stones:

Homes in which volunteers are tending to a small fire pit inside, can be entered by park guests. My friend and I enjoyed slipping out of our shoes and placing our feet on tatami mats, straw mats and even bamboo flooring! 

Sign post, Mill, Gears inside the mill, 

Thatched homes, Cutenekko inside, Alter inside:

Bottom row: Two hearths, Close up of the thatched roof.

It took almost three hours to fully explore the park and speak with the volunteers. My friend learned that, despite providing various language brochures, very few foreigners visit this lovely park. I promised to promote it, hence this blog post.

On the way to the main gate, after completing our tour, my friend and I noticed there was a secret, hidden pond full of blooming Irises. The photos below should remind you of a Monet painting, no?

Bamboo floor, Stone pathway, Irises:

The park includes many rest areas, so bringing a picnic lunch is a smart idea! For those who wish to eat a Japanese meal inside, one historical home houses a reasonably priced, soba (buckwheat noodles) restaurant, open 11:00 ~ 15:00. Enjoy traveling! 

Information:

Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum  (Nihon Minkaen) -- HOMEPAGE (English)

Entrance fees:
500 yen (Adults), 
300 yen (Students/ Seniors over 65) 
Free for children (Junior High School and younger)

Closed:
Mondays
The day after a national holiday
Between Dec. 29 ~ Jan. 3 

How to get there:
15 walk from Mukogaoka-Yuen Station. (Odakyu Line)
** From Shinjuku station, take the Odakyu Line, Express train, going in the direction of Odawara. 
Get off at Mukogaoka-Yuen. 
Take the South Exit. 
Walk straight, following the signs that read "Nihon Minkaen". 
** Access map is HERE.