More photos of the Hida Folk Village
If you are not travelling to World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama, the Hida Folk Village is a must-see. This open-air museum was created by moving some 30 historically significant country houses from the Hida country. The highlights are the typical gasshōzukuri houses, with the steep thatched roofs built entirely without nails (but lots of rope). The houses can be visited and are furnished with Edo-era household utensils.
The Hida Folk Village is located about 3 km (2 miles) south-west of Takayama Station. Buses from the station will get you there for ￥200 one-way. Admission to the village is ￥900.
Main World Shrine
Going to the Hida Folk Village you will inevitably lay eyes on the gigantic golden roof of the so-called Main World Shrine. In fact the roof is even visible from Shiroyama Park. or from the Higashiyama, at the other end of the city. The official tourist maps make no mention of it because it is not a mainstream or historical place of cult, but the headquarters of a new religious organization named Sūkyō Mahikari, founded in 1959 by businessman Kotama Okada. It is possible to have a look around the grounds. Besides wondering at the sheer scale of the construction, you can have a look at a faithful reproduction of the Quetzalcoatl Fountain in Mexico City.
Map of attractions in Takayama
