[Fukushima] Easy time trip. On a nice day, let's go to Fukushima Civic House Garden!

Fukushima Minkaen is located within Fukushima Azuma General Athletic Park.
The name "Minkaen" may be a little confusing, but it is a park where folk houses and buildings from the mid-Edo period to the mid-Meiji period have been relocated and restored. The park covers an area of ​​approximately 110,000 square meters. Within the park there are forests, a river, and even rice fields. And what's more, admission is free! Why
not take a leisurely stroll and experience the unspoiled Japanese landscape?

Buildings reminiscent of period dramas are everywhere

As soon as you enter the park, you'll find a simple wooden storehouse. Beyond that is a traveller's inn that is said to have stood at a fork in the road long ago.
Other unique buildings can be seen beyond the trees, including a playhouse, a restaurant and private homes.
It's a good idea to start by looking at the building that catches your eye.

(The former Kakei Inn is a building from the late 1800s, with the first floor used as a store and the second floor as lodging.)

(Former Hiroseza Theater: A playhouse built around 1887. Kabuki performances and other events are still held there today.)

One of the fun things about the Folk House Garden is that you can go inside the buildings.
You can look at the theater seats, see how silkworms are raised, and more, and think about what life was like in the past.

There are many other points of interest besides the building!

There are other things to see at Minkaen besides the buildings.
For example, there is a garden attached to the house. It is well maintained, and you can imagine that people in the past would have enjoyed these flowers on the veranda.

Also, on the left of the photo below is a "house god." It is a shrine to the guardian deity of the house and was placed in one corner of the house.
On the right is an ornament that can be seen in several places within the park, but it was originally hung at the entrance to the mountain to give thanks to the mountain god and pray for safe work in the mountains. You
can also learn about these folk customs.

There are also original Minkaen goods available,
such as clear files and memo pads, which are sold at the entrance.

Don't miss out on seasonal events and special events!

The park is decorated according to the seasons, and also hosts events such as rice planting, Tanabata festival, and moon viewing.
There are also events such as weaving and ancient martial arts demonstrations, sweets provided according to the event, tea ceremonies, straw crafts, and traditional games, so it is recommended to check the event schedule on the website before heading out.

Fukushima Minkaen is a place that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, whether you're interested in history, children looking for a unique experience, or just wanting to take a pleasant stroll. Why not add it to your list of places to visit on your next trip to Fukushima?

INFORMATION

Hazukii

A writer specializing in food and travel. I love Tohoku, and I often go to Fukushima. I once committed the outrageous act of driving my own car back and forth between Kyoto and Fukushima.