Hirayu Folk Museum

Hirayu Folk Museum is a fascinating site within the Hirayu Hot Spring Resort. It features two historic houses that were relocated to this location many years ago. One of these houses originally stood in Toyama’s Toga Village, and the other was the residence of the Toyosaka family from Takayama’s Kurabashira District, recognized as a significant cultural asset.

Visitors can wander through these old homes, getting a firsthand look at how people lived in rural Japan centuries ago. The museum displays an array of items, such as farm tools and everyday household objects that illustrate the ingenuity required to survive harsh conditions. The irori, a traditional hearth, is a focal point in these homes, used for cooking and gathering warmth during cold winters.

Additionally, the museum houses statues carved by Enku, a famous monk and poet, providing a unique spiritual aspect to the exhibits. Beyond the museum, there’s Restaurant Rokuji, offering local cuisine like Hida beef and mitarashi dango. Nearby, you can visit Hirayu Shrine and the memorial hall of Shinohara Buzen, a notable figure in Hida’s educational history.