KANAGAWA

Ikuta Ryokuchi Park & Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum

A Perfect Blend of Nature and Tradition in Kawasaki City

Explore a hidden gem in Kawasaki City where greenery meets Japan’s cultural heritage. Ikuta Ryokuchi Park and the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum provide a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, combining natural beauty with the country’s architectural history.

History Nature & Outdoor Experience Scenery Sites

Access

A Natural Oasis in the City

Established in 1941 as an urban planning green space, Ikuta Ryokuchi Park covers 119 hectares of woodlands populated by Japanese oaks, wetlands, and farmlands, representing one of the most nature-rich environments in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The park preserves the traditional satoyama landscape, where human life and nature coexist in harmony. Visitors can explore scenic walking trails, admire seasonal flowers, and even spot rare wildlife like Genji fireflies and Hotoke Dojo fish. The area is also home to art and science museums, making it an interesting cultural destination.

Step into Japan’s Past

The Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum is an open-air museum situated within the park, showcasing 25 carefully preserved buildings from eastern Japan, primarily dating back to Edo period. The museum was established in 1967 to prevent historic folk homes from being lost. Visitors can wander through charming thatched-roof homes, a functioning watermill, and even a kabuki stage. Each house tells the story of the people who once lived there, and detailed English explanations provide a fascinating look into their daily lives. Besides the buildings, the museum houses a collection of folklore materials related to traditional Japanese homes, making it one of Japan’s leading open-air museums of historic folk houses. During the visit, you can also enjoy hands-on traditional experiences such as indigo dyeing, creating a special souvenir to take home.

A Taste of Tradition

For a refreshing break during the visit, the museum features a soba noodle restaurant. Ikuta Ryokuchi Park and the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum are the perfect destinations for those looking to spend a day outdoors, immersed in lush nature and Japanese tradition and art, while experiencing the harmony between past and present.

Access to Ikuta Ryokuchi Park & Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum

Ikuta Ryokuchi Park is open every day, except during the New Year Holidays. The Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 pm) from March to October, and from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (last entry at 4 pm) from November to February. It is closed on Mondays, the days after a public holiday, and during the New Year Holidays. The park is a 13-minute walk from the South Exit of Mukogaoka-yuen Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line (around 20 minutes from Shinjuku) or a 25-minute walk from Noborito Station on the JR Nambu Line (around 30 minutes from Kawasaki Station). There are temporary closures.

Address

7-1-1 Masugata, Tama, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 214-0032

Contact

Ikuta Ryokuchi Park
Tel: +81 44-933-2300
Fax: +81 44-933-2055

Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum
Email: nihonminkaen@hibiya.co.jp

Business hours

Ikuta Ryokuchi Park
Open 24 hours

Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum
09:30 - 17:00 PM (until 16:30 from November to February). Entrance is allowed until 30 minutes before closing.

WEB site

Ikuta Ryokuchi Park Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum