Myozenji Folk Museum
Explore traditional rural life in a historic gassho-style house and temple at Myozenji Folk Museum in Shirakawa-go.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Myozenji Folk Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore traditional rural life in a historic gassho-style house and temple at Myozenji Folk Museum in Shirakawa-go.
"A delightful surprise offering rich history for a modest fee."
🎯 Modest Entry Fee
A small fee grants access to the museum, temple, and relax area. Worth every yen! :yen:
👟 Shoe Removal Required
Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering. Keep socks clean! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Thatched Roof
Main Hall
Marvel at the impressive thatched roof, a testament to traditional Japanese architecture and craftsmanship.
A Glimpse into Peasant Life
Kuri (Former Priest's Home)
Explore the spacious living area with its irori hearth and upper floors once used for silkworm cultivation.
Temple Serenity
Myozenji Temple
Experience the peaceful ambiance of the Jodo Shinshu temple, founded in 1748.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Gassho-Style Charm
Timing is Key for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Modest Entry Fee
A small fee grants access to the museum, temple, and relax area. Worth every yen! :yen:
👟 Shoe Removal Required
Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering. Keep socks clean! :athletic_shoe:
📚 Informative Brochure
Grab the brochure for fascinating details on roof maintenance and history. :book:
📸 Free Souvenir Photo
Enjoy a complimentary souvenir photo, with options to purchase larger prints. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Modest Entry Fee
A small fee grants access to the museum, temple, and relax area. Worth every yen! :yen:
👟 Shoe Removal Required
Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering. Keep socks clean! :athletic_shoe:
📚 Informative Brochure
Grab the brochure for fascinating details on roof maintenance and history. :book:
📸 Free Souvenir Photo
Enjoy a complimentary souvenir photo, with options to purchase larger prints. :camerawithflash:
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Shirakawa-go is stunning in winter, especially with its famous illuminations. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Myozenji Folk Museum to be a delightful and informative experience, offering a deep dive into the traditional rural life of Shirakawa-go. The modest entrance fee is highly praised for the extensive access it provides, including the ethnographic museum, temple, and a cozy relaxation area. While some find the shoe removal process a minor inconvenience, the rich history and friendly staff make it a highly recommended stop.
"A fascinating exploration of Japan's rural heritage can be had at the Myozenji Museum in Shirakawa-go. This Jodo Shinshu temple was founded in 1748 and has a unique main hall with a thatched roof that was built in 1827 and exhibits traditional Japanese architecture. The kuri, which was constructed in 1817 and was once the home of the head priest and his family, is located next to the main hall. One of the biggest gassho-style homes in the village, this building is now a museum where guests may learn about the traditional way of life of the people who live in Shirakawa-go. The family's hierarchy is reflected in the sitting arrangements in the spacious living area, which is centered around an irori hearth. The upper floors, which were formerly utilized for the cultivation of silkworms, include a variety of implements and antiques that provide a glimpse into the peasants' everyday routines."
CVM T
"Larger gassho-style house museum in Shirakawago. The entrance fee includes access to the upper floor, the temple area, and the ground floor.
An informative brochure was provided when we bought the tickets, and it was fascinating to learn about how they maintain the thick thatched roof.
The view from the second floor was really nice with the vibrant green paddy fields (I visited in mid July). The staff here were also friendlier compared to the other museum we visited."
Leh Ping
"I was hesitant to visit the museum at the end of the our visit to Shirakawa Go. It was such a delightful surprise. For a very modest fee you get to visit 3 different spaces -
1. ethnographic museum on 2 floors of the gassho zukuri house.
2. Myozenji temple
3. The best was kept for the last - relax area by the traditional fireplace. I appreciated even more after a day spent outside in the snow.
I cannot recommend this museum enough."
Svetla R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Myozenji Folk Museum is located within the Shirakawa-go village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the main bus terminal, it's a pleasant walk through the village. Many visitors explore Shirakawa-go on foot after arriving by bus.
While private cars are restricted within the core of Shirakawa-go to preserve its atmosphere, there are paid parking lots available near the village entrance. From there, it's a short walk to the museum.
The most common way to reach Shirakawa-go is by highway bus from major cities like Takayama, Kanazawa, or Nagoya. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
While there isn't a dedicated shuttle within the village for Myozenji Folk Museum, shuttle buses are often available for specific accommodations like ryokans, as mentioned by visitors.
Yes, Myozenji Folk Museum is easily visited as part of a day trip to Shirakawa-go. Many visitors combine it with exploring the other traditional houses and the village scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Myozenji Folk Museum is very modest, typically around ¥300, making it an affordable and worthwhile visit.
Your ticket usually includes access to the ethnographic museum spread across two floors of the gassho-zukuri house, the Myozenji temple itself, and a relaxing area with a traditional fireplace.
Information on specific discounts is not widely publicized, but the standard entrance fee is already very affordable. It's always worth asking at the ticket counter if you qualify for any special rates.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Shirakawa-go tourism website or inquire locally upon arrival to confirm the exact times for your visit.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the museum. Given the modest fee and the nature of the attraction, advance booking is usually not necessary unless you are part of a large organized tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of Myozenji Folk Museum, but it's always good practice to be respectful and check for any specific 'no photo' signs, especially in areas with delicate artifacts.
The view from the second floor overlooking the vibrant green paddy fields (in summer) is particularly scenic. The exterior of the gassho-style house and the temple grounds also offer great photo opportunities.
Drones are generally prohibited in Shirakawa-go to protect the heritage site and ensure visitor safety and tranquility. Always check local regulations before flying any aerial devices.
A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate. Given the interior lighting, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful for capturing details in the darker sections.
Yes, the thatched roof is a key architectural feature and a popular subject for photography. You can capture it from various angles around the museum grounds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Shirakawa-go village offers several restaurants and cafes serving local specialties like soba noodles and Hida beef. You can find options within walking distance of the museum.
Food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the museum exhibits to preserve the historical artifacts. However, there is a designated relax area where you can enjoy the ambiance.
Don't miss trying regional dishes such as Hoba Miso (miso grilled on a magnolia leaf), Gohei Mochi (skewered rice cakes with sweet miso), and local soba noodles.
While traditional Japanese cuisine can be meat and fish-heavy, some restaurants in Shirakawa-go may offer vegetarian options. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant beforehand.
Many ryokans in Shirakawa-go offer traditional kaiseki dinners as part of their stay, providing an immersive culinary experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a small notebook for kids to sketch what they see or to jot down interesting facts. The free souvenir photo is also a fun takeaway. Remember to prepare them for the shoe removal, which can be an adventure in itself!
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with packing your own snacks or enjoying affordable local eateries in Shirakawa-go to keep costs down. The museum itself is a rich cultural experience that doesn't break the bank, making it a highlight for many visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the interplay of light and shadow within the traditional interiors, the scenic views from the upper floors, and the charming village setting. The museum's location in Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a stunning backdrop for both architectural and landscape photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gassho-Style Architecture
Visitors can learn about the intricate process of maintaining these massive thatched roofs, a skill passed down through generations. The museum provides insights into how these homes were built without nails, relying on strong wooden joints and ropes. The sheer scale and durability of these houses are a testament to the ingenuity of their builders.
Exploring the interior reveals the functional design of these homes, with spacious living areas centered around irori hearths and upper floors historically used for activities like silkworm cultivation. This offers a tangible connection to the rural way of life that once defined Shirakawa-go.
A Journey Through Rural Life
Observe how the family hierarchy was reflected in the seating arrangements around the central irori hearth, a focal point for warmth and community. The upper levels, once dedicated to sericulture (silkworm farming), now display the tools and materials used in this vital historical industry. This provides a unique perspective on the self-sufficient lifestyle of the villagers.
An informative brochure, often provided with the ticket, further enhances the understanding of the exhibits and the historical context. This detailed information, combined with the artifacts themselves, allows visitors to truly appreciate the resilience and resourcefulness of the Shirakawa-go community.
Shirakawa-go's Seasonal Beauty
Autumn transforms the village into a tapestry of warm colors, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers. However, Shirakawa-go is perhaps most famous for its winter wonderland transformation. The iconic gassho-style houses dusted with snow, illuminated by special events, create a truly magical and dreamy atmosphere.
Visitors planning a trip should consider the season that best suits their interests. Whether it's the vibrant greens of summer, the fiery hues of autumn, or the snowy charm of winter, Shirakawa-go and its historical treasures like Myozenji Folk Museum offer a memorable experience in any season.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit