Winter Scenery · Chubu & Hokuriku

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

TakayamaSnowy village❄ Best season: Mid Jan – Late Feb✦ Illumination
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Overview

Overview

Hida no Sato is an open-air museum in Takayama where old farmhouses from the Hida region have been relocated and restored. In winter the gassho-zukuri (thatched farmhouse) houses are dusted with snow, creating the snowy scenery of an old mountain village.

Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonThe winter illumination usually runs from mid-January to late February (based on 2025 and 2026)
December
January
February

Snowfall varies greatly with each year’s weather. Check the official website for the latest snow and road information

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

The highlight is the row of snow-covered old farmhouses, including gassho-zukuri houses. During the winter illumination, the snow-dusted gassho-zukuri houses are lit up, creating a scene straight out of a folk tale. It can be reached by bus from central Takayama, making it a good choice if you want an easy way to see snowy gassho-zukuri.

📷 Best views
Gassho-zukuri houses in the village

Snow-dusted gassho-zukuri farmhouses, lit up during the winter illumination

Illumination

Illumination & winter lights

Period
Usually mid-January to late February

In 2026, January 10 – February 28, 17:30–20:30; admission during the illumination was ¥300 for adults and ¥100 for children

Hours

Opening hours

Opening hours8:30–17:00

Open every day of the year

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission & fares

AdmissionAdults ¥700, children ¥200

Children means elementary and junior high school students. Groups of 20 or more: adults ¥600, children ¥150

ParkingRegular car ¥300

Free during illumination hours (2026 information)

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Paths in the village are slippery with snow and ice, so watch your step
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Hida no Sato (bus stop)Local bus from Takayama Station
From major stations & airports
  • JR Takayama Station: Local bus (About 15 min)
Driving & winter roads
250 spaces for regular cars and 10 for large buses. About 20 min from Takayama-Nishi IC. In winter, use studless winter tires or other winter equipment
Getting back
  • During the illumination period, a shuttle bus from Takayama Station runs on some days (check each year’s announcement for operating days)
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for Takayama: high 3.2°C, low -4.8°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
What to wear & bring
The evening illumination is especially cold, so wear a heavy jacket such as a down coat, a hat and gloves, and non-slip waterproof shoes
Rules

Rules & safety

  • !Pets are allowed on a leash; owners must clean up after them
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)PR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Takayama

Attractions

Attractions in Takayama

Experience

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama

An open-air museum in Takayama where more than 30 buildings, including thatched- and shingle-roofed farmhouses relocated from across the Hida region, are arranged like a village. It's about 9 minutes by Sarubobo Bus from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Takayama's old town.

Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Chubu & Hokuriku

Mountain & highland

Amaharashi Coast

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takaoka, Toyama

❄ Best season: Early Nov – Late Mar

Mountain & highland

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Okuhida, Gifu

❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Apr

Old town

Narai-juku

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Kiso Valley (Tsumago & Magome)

❄ Best season: Early Feb

✦ Illumination
Frozen waterfall & icicles

Hirayu Great Falls

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Okuhida, Gifu

❄ Best season: Mid Feb – Late Feb

✦ Illumination

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06