About the artwork

This history museum is a renovation of an approximately 140-year-old “Keyaki Minka” (traditional Japanese house made of zelkova trees) which represents the typical structure of the region with its heavy snowfall in winter, and displays tools and documentations of the lifestyle in Matsudai. This wooden building is supported by ten meter tall columns and beams, strong enough to withstand heavy snowfall. The “irori” (a hearth), tea room, guest room and tatami room remain the same as original. The museum exhibits documents on Matsuo Shrine (a national treasure), images of terraced rice field, and tools and equipments that are distinctive to the lifestyle of this region. In addition, the museum also has a stock of approximately 2000 chairs and tools contributed by the local community and presents an exhibition that will highlight the lifestyle of this particular region in the different seasons. Local people who work here as guides welcome you to explore and learn about the history of Matsudai.