Skip to main content
Myozenji Museum
|

Myozenji Museum

temple

Myozenji Museum

明善寺郷土館

4.3Est. 90Takayama, Chubu
JTA Approved

Overview

Myozenji Temple is one of the most significant religious sites in Shirakawa-go and has been the main Buddhist sanctuary in the village of Ogimachi since its founding in 1748.

The Myozenji kuri, or head priest's quarters, is one of the largest gassho-style farmhouses in Shirakawa-go and dates from 1817. Now operating as a museum, it shows how generations of families lived here, with an irori fireplace at the center of the main room and strictly assigned seating positions for each family member. The multi-level attic was used for silkworm cultivation and holds tools, kitchen items, and other objects from traditional village life. A covered corridor connects the kuri to the adjacent 1827 thatched main hall of Myozenji Temple.

Local tips

Remove shoes before entering any hall. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance. Carry a plastic bag for your shoes if none is provided.

Practical info

Japanese name
明善寺郷土館
Nearest station
Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal (2 min walk)
Payment
Cash only
Reservations
not required

Good for

Families
Loading details...

Want to visit Myozenji Museum?

Build a trip to Takayama