🗺️ Outdoor Museum Gassho-zukuri Minka-en野外博物館合掌造り民家園

This outdoor museum preserves and displays 25 buildings, of which 9 have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Gifu Prefecture. The museum opened in 1972 with the aim of protecting the Gassho-zukuri architecture of Shirakawa-go. These Gassho-zukuri houses were born in harsh natural environments, sometimes enduring over 4 meters of snowfall. Some of the older buildings are believed to be over 260 years old, similar to the "Old Yamashita Yōrō House," which was constructed during the Hōreki era (1750s). The picturesque scene of wooden gabled Gassho-zukuri thatched roofs scattered throughout resembles a world from "Japanese Folktales." Information panels introduce the details of life at that time, and early everyday items and folk tools are displayed, allowing visitors to experience the lifestyle of Shirakawa Village during that period. In addition to the main house, there are shrines, watermill houses, stables, and tea rooms, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a village. From April to October, experience courses such as hand-made soba noodles, straw weaving, and plant dyeing are held, requiring prior reservation. Part of the first floor of the Gassho-zukuri is a hand-made soba noodle shop, where you can enjoy freshly made soba noodles, creating a particularly atmospheric experience.

An outdoor museum that preserves and displays buildings designated as important cultural properties of Gifu Prefecture. The oldest building is believed to have been constructed in the 1750s. It features explanatory panels that introduce the details of life during that time and everyday items that were actually used, making it well worth a visit.