Kusakabe Folk Museum

Kusakabe Folk Museum is one of Takayama’s most impressive examples of traditional Hida-style architecture, built by the wealthy Kusakabe merchant family in the late 19th century.
The structure is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, making it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in Japanese craftsmanship, design, and history.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore:

• Magnificent wooden architecture

The building features Hida carpentry techniques renowned throughout Japan. Massive wooden beams, intricate joinery without nails, and a beautifully preserved interior showcase the exceptional skills of the region’s master craftsmen.

• Traditional merchant lifestyle

Rooms are arranged to reflect the daily life and business operations of a prosperous Meiji-period merchant family. You can see authentic household items, kimono, lacquerware, ledgers, tools, and furniture that tell the story of Takayama’s cultural past.

Because the Kusakabe family was deeply influential in Takayama’s economic history, the museum provides valuable insight into how merchant culture shaped the region.
For anyone interested in architecture, folk art, or Japanese heritage, the Kusakabe Folk Museum is one of Takayama’s essential cultural sites.