About the artwork

This local history museum is housed in a traditional Japanese-style home built approximately 140 years ago from zelkova wood. The sturdy structure, typical of areas prone to heavy snowfall, displays folk tools and artifacts closely tied to daily life in Matsudai. The main house—a two-story wooden structure built in the late Edo period—is supported by massive central pillars and beams measuring about 10 meters in length.Built to withstand heavy snowfall, the structure retains its original features, including an irori hearth, a formal tatami room, a tea room, and a guest room. The museum displays materials related to Matsuo Shrine, a National Important Cultural Property; footage of The Rice Fields, which were selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Villages”; and everyday tools used in snowy regions. In addition, it houses a collection of approximately 2,000 folk tools donated by local residents and hosts seasonal exhibitions that showcase the region’s way of life. Local residents serve as guides, providing detailed explanations about the region’s unique nature, way of life, and folklore, often interspersed with local dialect. Please come and experience the history and culture of Matsudai’s “good old days” in this peaceful setting.