Minkaen is a splendid Open-Air Folk House Museum in Japan, located in Kawasaki city,adjacent to Metropolitan Tokyo. It is known for the remarkable collection of old Japanese folk houses, such as farms and merchant houses. Many of them are the important cultural properties of Japan. The essence of traditional Japanese architecture, beauty and functionality, are well reflected even in Japanese folk houses.

　To conserve these valuable historic buildings from the past, the city of Kawasaki began to re-erect original buildings of Edo period in Minkaen.

　Now they count over twenty five, and were collected from all over Japan.
Most of them have thatched roof. These old thatched roof houses, together with surrounding wooded area created a charming old folk village with nice strolling path wove through .

　Visiting Minkaen, you may find yourself standing in the middle of old Japanese folk village of 17th to 19th Century, and will get the insight into rich heritage of living and traditional culture of Japan.

　Minkaen has an exhibition hall for the traditional architectural interests, design and construction of the old folk house, house building tools, and also shows the farmer's tools and implements used in daily life.

　Special exhibitions are held regularly throughout the year.
Traditional festival, straw craft making, traditional craft workshop, folk story telling, and seasonal farmer's “Kabuki” play or puppet play, are carried out.

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