An open-air museum where you can touch history and culture through relocated and restored houses from the Edo and Meiji periods.
Fukushima City Minka-en, located in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, is an open-air museum where you can explore relocated and restored buildings primarily from the mid-Edo to Meiji periods (roughly 17th-19th centuries) representing the northern part of the prefecture. The grounds feature recreations of a theater from Ryogawa Village (present-day Date City), merchant inns and restaurants from Fukushima City, storehouses (itakura), and houses from the Aizu region, offering a glimpse into the lifestyles and culture of the time. For example, the old Sakuma-ke Itagura is a large storehouse, rare in the city, giving a clear picture of how rice was stored. The old Ono-ke residence was a silkworm farmer's house, with exhibits showing silkworm raising. The old Kakei-ke Shukuten was a traveler's inn, showcasing aspects of travel in those days. Furthermore, the museum displays tools for daily life and production, recreating the environment of the time with gardens and fields—allowing visitors to feel like they've stepped back in time. Experiential events such as rice planting, harvesting, and miso-making are also held, letting you experience the old way of life with all your senses. Fukushima City Minka-en is recommended for history buffs and nature lovers alike. You can enjoy the changing scenery throughout the year. Cherry blossoms abound in spring, lush greenery in summer, stunning autumn leaves, and beautiful snow scenes in winter, offering diverse views throughout the year. Come visit Fukushima City Minka-en and be healed by the history and nature.