Niikura Furusato Minkaen

Niikura Furusato Minkaen in Wako, Saitama Prefecture, preserves one of the oldest historical farmhouses in the region. The park centers around the former Tomioka family residence, a farmhouse built during the mid-Edo period, approximately 300 years ago in the late 17th century. This structure is recognized as one of the oldest buildings in Saitama Prefecture and has been designated a cultural property by Wako City.

The farmhouse faced demolition during the construction of the Tokyo Outer Ring Road in 1988, when it was carefully dismantled and its materials preserved. Through a generous donation from the Tomioka family, the city undertook a restoration project. The building was designated as a Wako City cultural property in 2003, restoration work began in 2005, and the park officially opened on June 17, 2006. Today, it spans roughly 2,000 square meters and is operated in partnership with the Wako City Old House Enthusiasts Association.

Visitors can explore the traditional farmhouse construction featuring solid pine and cedar columns, thick thatched roofing made from grass-like materials, and an earthquake-resistant design. The interior allows guests to remove their shoes and enter the wooden-floored rooms and tatami areas, complete with a working hearth. The 130-year-old structure showcases architectural techniques vastly different from modern homes, with rooms arranged around a central irori fireplace.

The park grounds include additional structures such as a slip gate, a barn-style administrative building, and a storehouse-style pump room, along with cultivated fields and a pond. Seasonal activities organized by the management group offer hands-on experiences with traditional farming practices, including the cultivation of traditional Japanese cotton plants that were grown during the Edo period.

Niikura Furusato Minkaen is located approximately 700 meters north of Wakoshi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, and Fukutoshin Line, making it a 7-minute walk from the station's north exit. Admission is free.