Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses, Traditional farm house museum in Toyonaka, Japan
The Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses is a collection of 11 authentic rural houses gathered from different regions across Japan. Each building dates from between the 17th and 19th centuries and displays architectural styles representing both southern and northern areas of the country.
The museum opened in 1956 as a response to the threat of losing traditional farm architecture. The individual houses were relocated from their original locations to preserve this rural heritage from disappearing.
The houses display building methods that varied by region, reflecting how communities adapted to local climate and available materials. Walking through them, visitors notice how these practical choices shaped the rhythms of farming life and family routines.
The site is easy to navigate on foot with well-marked paths connecting the buildings. Afternoon visits tend to be more relaxed, as crowds thin out after the morning hours and you can explore each house at your own pace.
Many houses retain original thatch or bark roof coverings, something rarely seen intact on actual working farms today. These visible details reveal how building materials and techniques varied sharply between different climate zones.
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