The preservation and display of valuable thatched-roof houses
Along with the 9 thatched-roof houses that have been designated by Gifu Prefecture as Important Cultural Properties, the museum also preserves and displays 26 other buildings which include a shrine, the main hall of a temple and a water mill. Among them, the Old Yamashita Haruro Family House is a rare 18th-century thatched-roof house from Shirakawa Village which strongly reflects an air of the Edo Era. During the fall season, it is lit up at night. You can fully enjoy the lovely contrast between the house and the autumn colors.
A permanent display of materials showing the lifestyle of the times
Inside the thatched-roof houses, there are displays of the lifestyles of the residents in Shirakawa Village as well as numerous exhibits of folk materials telling of the history of the mountain village. You can observe the old ways of living through the hearths and attics of the houses. At the Old Nakano Yoshimori Family House, there are 28 photograph panels showing the Kazura and Katsura Districts along the border between Gifu and Toyama Prefectures. You can find out about the appearance of these houses which have all but disappeared today. At the Old Higashi Shina Family House, everyday articles are on display that were actually used in the Kazura community. You can get that deep understanding of how people in that era lived.
Experience the traditional culture of Shirakawa Village
Between April and October, you can experience the traditional culture of Shirakawa Village (fee required). You can try your hand at making sandals using rice straw, coasters combining thinly-sliced cypress wood and handkerchiefs dyed with vegetables. Especially popular is the soba-making workshop in which the noodles made from soba flour can be eaten right then and there. There are two such workshops in the morning and afternoon which start at 10am and 1:30pm respectively. Advance reservations are required.