The Hannokibayashi Folklore Museum ⭐⭐showcases the Watanabe (渡邉 / わたなべ）family home, the oldest surviving thatched roof house in Oshino village (忍野おしの村）. Built in the late 18th century, this historic residence offers a glimpse into the past.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore original furniture, household items, a silkworm farm, weapons from the Tokugawa period (徳川時代), and significant documents.
The museum grounds feature the Sokonuke Pond (底抜池/そこぬけいけ）, one of the Oshino Hakkai ponds, a carp pond, and a pond where visitors can touch rainbow trout. The breathtaking scenery is especially stunning on sunny days, during the autumn foliage season, and in the snow. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this charming museum.
Oshino's Hidden Gem: Hannoki Bayashi Folklore Museum (YouTube link)
A Day at the Folklore Museum: Exploring Oshino Village's Past
Intrigued by the museum and eager to avoid the crowds, I decided to explore the open-air museum at Oshino village. A small entrance fee of 300 yen granted me access to this fascinating site. I wasn't disappointed and spent a delightful 1-2 hours exploring the museum grounds.
Time-honored household items in a Japanese home: a sewing machine and a record player
In the Watanabe kitchen, a hearth evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of past dining scenes
The irori played a crucial role in the daily life of Japanese families, providing warmth, light, and a place to gather and socialize.
A wintertime photograph of the Watanabe family home
A picturesque view of Mount Fuji from the observation deck
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
