Fukushima City Minka-en Open-Air Museum

Fukushima City Minka-en Open-Air Museum

Traditional structures from northern Fukushima built between the Mid-Edo to Meiji era (1700 – 1912) – including restaurants, private houses, storehouses, and even a theater – have been relocated to Fukushima City Minka-en Open-Air Museum.

At Minka-en these buildings are restored and displayed to the public, along with a range of artefacts and tools used in daily life in years gone by.

Also, a number of special events, such as sword-smithing demonstrations, are held every year to celebrate and promote traditional folk crafts and skills.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://minka-en.com/en/
Contact

Fukushima City Tourism & Convention Association

(+81) 24-563-5554

Best SeasonAll Year
Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Closed: Every Tuesday; Between Dec. 29 and Jan. 3

Entrance FeeFree
Access Details
AccessOishimae, Kaminagura, Fukushima City, Fukushima Pref. 960-2155
View directions
Getting there

By Bus: Take a bus heading to Sabara from the JR Fukushima Station. Get off at Muroishi bus stop, then walk for 8 min.

By Train: 25 min by taxi from JR Fukushima Station.

Useful Links

Exploring Minka-en, Fukushima City’s Architectural Garden

Azuma Sports Park

Shiki no Sato (Village of Four Seasons)

Nearby

The World Glassware Hall
History & Culture

Okitsushima Shrine

Off the beaten track, Mt. Kohata’s Okitsushima Shrine is a perfect spot for those searching for a peaceful, spiritual place to visit. The shrine’s story – Date Masamune burned down Mt. Kohata in order to dominate the area during the Tensho Era (1563-1593), but couldn’t destroy the shrine’s three-storied pagoda – makes the area even more special.The three main goddesses of Shintoism – whose names are Princess Tagori, Princess Tagitsu, Princess Ichikishima – are worshipped at this shrine. These three goddesses are thought to be the daughters of the sun goddess Amaterasu, the major deity in the Shinto religion.It is not only Shintoism which is practiced at this shrine, but also Buddhism. In particular, the Japanese Buddhist goddess known as ‘Benten sama’ is worshipped on Mt. Kohata. Despite the turmoil which engulfed faith in Buddhism which occurred during the Meiji Era, strong faith in Benten sama – the Buddhist deity of peace, good luck, wisdom, and marriage – continues to this very day.This is the destination for the Kohata Flag Festival procession, which has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, and is held annually on the first Sunday of December.
The World Glassware Hall
Nature & Scenery

Doaidate Park

Approximately 5,000 colorful hydrangeas bloom here every summer. Nicknamed by locals as 'Hydrangea Alley', this is a great place for relaxing or taking photos. Doaidate Park routinely makes lists of best places to see hydrangeas in Tohoku every year thanks to its sheer number of bushes and tranquil atmosphere.There is also a play park for children and an old shrine within the park grounds, while the west side of the park offers excellent views over Mt. Adatara.Parking is available for roughly 40-50 cars by the slope leading to the park entrance.In an average year, the best time to see hydrangeas fully in bloom is between the end of June and beginning of July.
The World Glassware Hall
Gourmet & Shopping

Kunitaya Miso Factory

The Kunitaya Miso Factory is a small shop that was founded in 1777 to produce miso paste for the local community. Miso is one of the most (if not the most) popular flavor for foods in Japan. Many people drink miso flavored soup at least once a day and it isn’t uncommon to find miso soup present in every meal of the day. Before grocery stores and convenience stores were as widespread as they are today, people would go to their neighborhood miso shops to source this kitchen staple Today, many of these small shops have disappeared, however at Kunitaya Miso Factory, the owners want to preserve their small business and the unique culture of small batch local miso makers.The small scale operation allows for more freedom and diversity in flavors. At the café next door, “Kura Café,” you can try different variations and flavors of the miso that they produce at the Kunitaya Miso Factory.The brewery is housed in an old fashioned Japanese ware-house style building with a red lattice front. Years ago, during festivals, the red lattice front was removed to make the building more open to the street and the public. If you are interested in getting a more in depth experience, consider joining a tour of the brewery! Contact us if you are interested.
The World Glassware Hall
Nature & Scenery

Mt. Issaikyo

One of the mountains climbable from the Jododaira Plateau, Mt. Issaikyo is a robust several-hour hike suitable for intermediate-level hikers.In addition to spectacular views of the surrounding area, the mountain is also one of the main pathways to, and viewpoints for, the ‘Witch’s Eye’ lake at Goshikinuma, which stretches out in a valley visible from the Issaikyo summit. (The lake is reachable from the summit, although the terrain is relatively steep.)Visitors to the area typically park at the Jododaira Visitor Center, from which they have a choice of options: Kamanuma lake due west, Okenuma Pond to the south, and the Azuma-Kofuji crater with its panoramic views over Fukushima City to the east.To the north, however, stands Mt. Issaikyo. With a summit of 1,949m and rugged terrain on the climb, it may not be suitable for absolute beginner hikers, but nor is it a whole-day slog like climbing Mt. Fuji. Views from the top of the mountain are spectacular and well worth the climb – a blanket of immaculate white clouds spreads out in all directions. Likewise, the ascent gives great views of the Azuma-Kofuji crater with its iconic inverted shape.The Jododaira Plateau is typically best accessed by car, a journey which takes travellers from Fukushima City up the Bandai-Azuma Skyline sightseeing road and offers fantastic views, especially in autumn.Please be aware that the Mt. Issaikyo trail, and the Jododaira Plateau in general, is closed to visitors during winter due to heavy snowfall.
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