Each house has its own unique history and architectural style, letting visitors really get to know traditional Japanese lifestyles and building techniques.
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Nihon Minka-en, Kawasaki Municipal Japan Outdoor Folk House Museum
A must-see for retro lovers! Relive the moments from Edo era at this Outdoor Museum of Old Folk Houses.
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Opened in 1967, Kawasaki City is an outdoor museum that represents ancient Japanese homes. Twenty-five buildings, including private houses from the Edo period, have been relocated here and displayed, all designated as Japanese cultural heritage. Here you can visit old civilian houses and traditional buildings that were built between 100 and 300 years ago, including the Kabuki Stage.
Some of the old folk houses have fires lit in their hearths, so you can truly experience what it was like to live back in Japan’s old days. The spacious garden is also perfect for taking a stroll, and it is beautifully dotted with nature throughout the year, including cherry blossoms and greenery in the spring and gorgeous autumn leaves.
In addition to the various activities of appreciating traditional Japanese art, the museum also has a traditional craft museum with free admission. After visiting the ancient houses, you can also experience the “aizome” (Indigo-dye craft) for a fee.
Highlights
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There are many old residential buildings built in the Edo period.
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Recommend it to friends who like to take retro photos.
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There are a soba restaurant and dango shop in the park, where you can take a break and relax.
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Free voice guided Tours are available(English, Chinese, Korean).
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Pamphlets available in 11 languages(English, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, German, Thai, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Tagalog).
Photos
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Japanese Folk House Garden (Main Gate)
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Emukai Residence, built in the early 18th century
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Kabuki Stage “Funakoshi’s Stage,” an important tangible folk cultural property designated by the Japanese government
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As if through time and space into the Edo era of Japan's rural villages!
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Learn about Japanese folk houses in the main building’s exhibition room. A recommended stop for those interested in architecture.
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Experience “aizome” indigo dyeing (fees required) at the “Traditional Crafts Museum.” Even beginners can enjoy creating original pieces.
Reviews
4
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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This place is pretty interesting. You can see how people lived in different eras. Some houses were built with local materials, others used recycled stuff. It actually feels a lot like the eco-friendly lifestyle we try to follow today.
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Each house has its own unique style, reflecting the different ways people lived in various regions. Every day, two or three houses are open for visitors to go inside. I also appreciated that they offer audio guides in both Chinese and English, which helped us understand early Japanese life even better.
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The Kawasaki Municipal Japan Outdoor Folk House Museum is really unique. You can see what Japanese homes and living spaces looked like in ancient times. I actually found them quite similar to the rural houses you see in Chinese movies, so it felt both familiar and welcoming. Plus, the museum is located in Ikuta Ryokuchi, which is known for its natural scenery, so you can also enjoy a nice walk there. I visited during hydrangea season, and the peaceful, beautiful atmosphere left a lasting impression.
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 川崎市立日本民家園
- Postal Code
- 214-0032
- Address
- 7-1-1 Masugata, Tama-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa
- Telephone
- 044-922-2181
- Admission
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General admission 550 yen, high school and college students 330 yen (※Must show student ID), 65 years and older 330 yen
※Free for those 65 years and older and Kawasaki residents (proof of date of birth and proof of residency [driver’s license, health insurance card, Senior Identification Silver Pass, etc.] required)
※Free for junior high school students and younger
※Annual Passport (good for 1 year from date of purchase): General admission 1,100 yen; high school students, university students, and 65 years and up 660 yen - Closed
- Mondays (open on public holidays), day following public holidays (open on weekends and public holidays), year-end and New Year’s holidays (December 29th-January 3rd). Other temporary closures may occur.
- Business Hours
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March – October 9:30 am - 5:00 pm (Last admission 4:30pm)
November – February 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (Last admission 4:00pm) - Access
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1. Approx. 13-minute walk from the South Exit of the Odakyu Line’s Mukogaoka-Yuen Station
2. Approx. 25-minute walk from the Ikuta-Ryokuchi Exit of the Odakyu Line and JR Nambu Line’s Noborito Station
3. Take the Kawasaki City Bus [Mizo 19 ”溝19”] bound for “Mizonokuchi Station South Exit” or the Kawasaki City Bus [Ta 83 ”た83”] bound for “Tama-plaza Station” from the South Exit Bus Terminal at Odakyu Line’s Mukogaoka-Yuen Station. Destination is Approx. 3-minute walk from the “Ikuta-Ryokuchi Entrance” stop.
4. Take the bus bound for “Ikuta-Ryokuchi (via Fujiko F Fujio Museum)” outside of the Ikuta-Ryokuchi Exit of the Odakyu Line and JR Nambu Line’s Noborito Station. Destination is approx. 1-minute walk from the “Ikuta-Ryokuchi” stop. (Not available on days the Fujiko Museum is closed)
5. Take the Tokyu Bus bound for “Mukogaoka-Yuen Station South Exit” from the Den-en-Toshi Line’s Kajigaya station. Destination is about approx. 10-minute walk from the “Iimuro” stop.
6. Take the Kawasaki City Bus [Mizo 19 ”溝19”] bound for “Mukogaoka-Yuen Station South Exit” via “Ikuta-Ryokuchi Entrance” from the Tokyu Den-en-Toshi Line’s Mizonokuchi Station South Exit Bus Rotary at the Nambu Line’s Musashi-Mizonokuchi Station. Destination is approx. 3-minute walk from the “Ikuta-Ryokuchi Entrance” stop.
7. Take the Tokyu Bus [Ta 83 ”た83”] bound for “Mukogaoka-Yuen Station South Exit” from the North Exit terminal at the Tokyu Den-en-Toshi Line’s Tama-plaza Station. Destination is approx. 3-minute walk from the “Ikuta-Ryokuchi Entrance” stop.
~When Heading Directly to Traditional Crafts Museum (West Gate)~
1. Take the Odakyu Bus [Muko 10” 向10”] bound for “Senshu Daigaku-mae” from the North Exit of the Odakyu Line’s Mukogaoka-Yuen Station. Destination is approx. 5-minute walk from the “Senshu Daigaku-mae” stop.
2. If going to the West Gate on foot from the station, starting from the South Exit of the Odakyu Line’s Mukogaoka-Yuen Station, pass by the main building of the Japanese Folk House Garden and continue toward Senshu University through the green space. Approx. 20-minute walk. - Parking Lot
- Available (using the Ikuta-Ryokuchi parking lot)
- Bicycle Parking
- Available (using the Ikuta-Ryokuchi bicycle parking)
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)