Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

Hida Folk Village (飛騨の里, Hida no Sato) is an open-air museum in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture, near Takayama. It showcases over 30 traditional houses relocated from their original locations in the Hida region. These buildings, built during the Edo Period (1603-1868), include gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, which resemble hands in prayer. These houses were moved from Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village also includes other structures, such as a former village head's house, logging huts, and storehouses, offering a glimpse into rural life in the past.

Visitors can explore these carefully preserved buildings, which feature wooden architecture and traditional tools. The indoor fireplaces are lit every morning, creating a unique sensory experience. A short walk from the village, the Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Center offers workshops on local crafts like beaded keychains, sarubobo dolls, and ceramic cups. Visitors can make souvenirs for a small fee and enjoy the hands-on experience.