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2026/11/22

Today's Events

Night Opening of Minkaen – Illumination of Autumn Leaves and Folk Houses –

The Post Town and the Shin-Etsu Regional Village are illuminated during the extended opening hours of Minkaen.

The fire in the sunken hearth is lit in some of the folk houses. You are welcome to sit on the wood floor and relax by the fireside.
Enjoy the fantastic view of illuminated folk houses and autumn leaves in the dark.

  • Date: November 21 (Saturday), 22 (Sunday), 28 (Saturday), 2026 * Sunset around 16:30
  • Hours: 17:00 ~ 20:00 (last admission 19:30; after 16:00, the admission is limited to the Front Gate only)
  • Area: the Post Town and the Shin-Etsu Regional Village　*All areas can be visited before 16:30.
  • Fee : Admission Fee only

Entry or exit after 16:30 pm is possible only at the Front Gate.
You cannot enter or exit from the Yamashita Gate where the Soba restaurant is located.

* The event will be held in smaller scale if it rains.
* The autumn leave may be not at its best at the time of the event.
* It may be crowded on the day. Please refrain from photographing using tripod or monopod and sketching using easels, chairs or picnic sheet.

Nighttime illumination last yearNighttime illumination last year
Nighttime illumination last yearNighttime illumination last year
Illuminated autumn leaves in the pastIlluminated autumn leaves in the past

Special Exhibition “Yukigakoi (Snow Fence) -The Yamada House-“

Snow fence, a traditional way of protecting folk houses from heavy snow in snowy regions, is reproduced at the Yamada House.

  • Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026 ~ Sunday, March 7, 2027
    *The snow fence is installed on November 15, 2026, and is removed on March 7, 2027.
    *The schedule may change depending on weather condition.
  • Time: any time during the opening hours
  • Place: 8. The Yamada House
  • In cooperation with: Mingu-Seisaku-Gijutsu-Hozonkai

snow fence at the Yamada Housesnow fence

Food Truck “Utsuroi” (Limited Time Only)

Autumn Limited-Time Food Truck Grand Open!

The popular "Kominka Cafe," which previously opened for limited periods during spring and autumn, is making a brand-new debut as a "Food Truck" this autumn! We offer menu items perfect for a relaxing break during your tour of the museum. Please feel free to stop by!

［Vendor Details］

  • Period: Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Sunday, December 6, Sunday, December 13, 2026 *Please note that the date has been changed.
  • Operating Days: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays during the period, and Tuesday, October 13
  • Closed: Saturday, October 10; Sunday, October 11; Saturday, October 24; Saturday, October 31; Sunday, November 1; Saturday, December 7; Sunday, December 8 (*Unscheduled closures may occur)
  • Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM *Closes when sold out
  • Location: Near the Main Building, Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum
  • Vendor: Raccoon LLC

［Notice to Visitors］

  • Eating while walking, as well as eating/drinking inside the Main Building exhibition rooms or inside the historic folk houses, is not permitted.
  • Please use nearby benches in the museum grounds when enjoying your meals.
  • Operating hours may change or the vendor may close due to weather or other circumstances.

Around the Main Building, where the food truck is locatedAround the Main Building, where the food truck is located
Food Truck “UTSUROI”Food Truck “UTSUROI”

[Food Truck during the Night Opening of Minkaen]

We will extend our operating hours to coincide with the “Evening Folk House Village—Illuminated Maple Trees and Historic Houses” event.
Please stop by to experience a slightly different atmosphere than usual.

  • Dates: Saturday, November 21; Sunday, November 22; Saturday, November 28, 2026
  • Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Main Building Area in the Past

［Food Truck "Utsuroi" Operating Schedule］

seasonal food truck September DatesSeptember Schedule
seasonal food truck October DatesOctober Schedule
[Update] Food Truck Schedule for November 2026[Update] Food Truck Scheduled to Open in November 2026
[Update] Food Truck Schedule for December 2026[Update] Food Truck Scheduled to Open in December 2026