What other travelers are saying about Niikura Furusato Minkaen
I went there for a straw sandals workshop. It's a old renovated building, it is very interesting to see how they used straw back in the days (roof, walls,etc.). They have leaflet in many language so don't hesitate to drop by there.
There is also a garden in the back with many flowers in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
An open-air museum preserving a 300-year-old farmhouse from the mid-Edo period. The former Tomioka family residence was relocated and restored after being dismantled in 1988 for highway construction. The park opened in 2006 and is designated as a Wako City cultural property.
Yes. Remove your shoes to enter the interior and view the wooden rooms, tatami spaces, and traditional irori (sunken hearth). The structure features thatched roofing and solid pine and cedar columns.
Seasonal events include harvest festivals, traditional craft workshops (bamboo flute making, pickling vegetables), agricultural tool demonstrations, white cotton cultivation activities, and traditional games like beigoma (spinning tops).
The park has traditional gravel paths and the historic farmhouse features steps at the entrance. Wheelchair accessibility is limited due to the authentic Edo-period design of the buildings and grounds.
The park is near Wako Jurin Park and several temples including Seiryu-ji Fudoin Temple and Kumano Shrine, making it easy to visit multiple sites in one trip from Wakoshi Station.
I really enjoyed getting to step back in time and see the inside of a home that I have only gotten to see in movies and video games. They had awesome antique equipment that was still functioning and taken care of. Would have love to be able to bring my kids there.
Apparently, they cook it over the hearth every day to ward off insects and preserve the food. The nostalgic smell is palpable, and the impressive main building is cool even in the middle of summer.
Apparently, you can play with ninjas on the first and third Sundays of every month. 🥷
The staff will give you a detailed explanation. The restrooms are also very clean and smell of cypress.
I found out about this place on a map and decided to visit. While the old houses near Akatsuka Tameike Park were only open to the public, this one allowed visitors to take off their shoes before entering. It reminded me of my mother's old childhood home in Fukushima Prefecture, and it brought back memories. The guide there was a bit annoying, as he was always trying to get my attention. I was prepared for it, but the location... it was quite a challenge, especially with the steep slopes.
