The Hida no Sato Folk Village in Takayama is a museum exhibiting about 30 traditional farmhouses which reflect the architectural styles of the mountainous regions of Japan.

The houses were built during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and were relocated from their original locations to create the museum in 1971.

In a village-like atmosphere, the museum features buildings such as a former village head's house, logging huts, storehouses and a number of gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are named after their steep thatched roofs resembling a pair of hands joined in prayer ("gassho").

They were moved here from nearby Shirakawago, where gassho-zukuri houses are the reason for the region's World Heritage status.

Visitors can catch a glimpse and see how life must have been like as each building is kept in its original condition and features various tools and articles.

All buildings at the Hida Folk Village are carefully preserved and open for exploration. They have unique wooden architecture and exhibit tools and utensils used in everyday life in the past. Interestingly, the buildings' indoor fireplaces are lit every morning.

A short walk from the Hida Folk Village is the Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Center, where workshops on local handicrafts are given.

Here you can learn how to make crafts such as beaded key chains, sarubobo dolls (a popular local doll), ceramic cups or glass wind chimes, and take them home as souvenirs. Workshops last 15-60 minutes, and reservations are not required. There is a small fee.