Hirayu Folk Museum
Learning about past lifestyles by viewing old private houses, and enjoy an open-air bath at a nearby day-visit spa
Hirayu Folk Museum is an arcane sightseeing spot within the Hirayu Hot Spring Resort exhibiting two old private houses: one was relocated over 40 years ago from Toga Village in Toyama Prefecture; and the other is the former Toyosaka family residence relocated from the Kurabashira District, a recognized cultural asset of Takayama City. You can tour free of charge inside the houses to learn about the lifestyle of folks in the old days, and also rest and relax there if you wish. Exhibits include a traditional irori fireplace, farm equipment and household items, statues carved by the Japanese Buddhist monk and poet Enku, among other fascinating items from the past.
Hirayu Folk Museum also has other facilities that you may wish to visit. Restaurant Rokuji is open from lunchtime to midnight, serving a variety of foods such as mushroom soba (buckwheat noodles), udon (wheat noodles), mitarashi dango (skewered rice dumplings glazed with sweetened soy sauce), grilled skewers of Hida beef, and more. During the spring and summer holiday seasons, Restaurant Rokuji opens at 6 o’clock in the morning to serve breakfast as well.
In addition, the site includes a memorial hall and the grave of Shinohara Buzen who was appointed to serve in Hirayu during the Taisho era (1912–1926), and renowned as “the father of social education in the Hida Region.” You may also visit the Hirayu Shrine, Yakushido Hall, and terraced rice fields, all places where you can catch a glimpse of the history of Hirayu.
The day-visit spa Hirayu-no-Yu is available, and requests a donation as a small token of your appreciation (approximately 300 yen). The hot spring has been popular for its characteristic reddish-brown water, which will warm you down to the core of your body. You may also enjoy a footbath. Why not consider dropping by the onsen hot spring while strolling in Hirayu Town?
Address: 29 Hirayu, Okuhida Onsengo, Takayama City, Gifu
Contact: 0578-89-3339 Restaurant Rokuji
Business hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Fee: Free of charge to tour the traditional houses
Restaurant Rokuji: 11:00 - 24:00 (last order 23:00)
Hirayu-no-Yu: 6:00 - 21:00 (8:00 - 21:00 in winter)
Closed: Intermittently
Fee: Donation as a token of appreciation (approximately 300 yen)
Access: 5-minute walk from the Hirayu Bus Terminal
