Glimpse Of Common People Dwellings

of time past. At Shikoku Mura.

The title of the English language pamphlet of the open-air museum  is : Step back in time to scenes of traditional Japan and encounter a bygone era.

We got to see 33 traditional buildings from all over Shikoku; reconstructed in their original forms in a tranquil park setting. When we were there, we got the whole place to ourselves. Boy, did we wander and touch and see and savour the atmosphere of the "villages".

Going to Shikoku Mura wasn't quite straightforward to us. While we know that it's about a 10 minute walk from JR Yashima Station, we didn't really know which way to head to. Luckily, there was a map of the area in front of the station... in Japanese.

A quiet JR Yashima Station on a Monday morning

Walked past this stream. It is the Aibiki River, actually.

In the past, Yashima used to be an island. In early Edo period, the south side of the island was filled-in and the sea remained between Yashima and the mainland as a stream, hence the name of the river. "Ai" is both (directions) and "biki" means to draw or pull. There is another story on how the river got its name. 

During the battle of Genji and Heike clans, it is said that both troops fought along this river. There was a stalemate and both troops withdrew : "Ai" both and "biki" withdraw.

Mentioning about the battle; remember my manhole cover post of Takamatsu that featured an archer?

Found a carpentry workshop near to the station too.

 and a shrine

Shikoku Mura is located at the base of Mount Yashima. An uphill walk for us to get to the open-air museum. I'm not complaining though. The weather was perfect to be out and about that day! Raimie too, was happily running/walking around.

 Just a little bit more walk and we were almost there!

 At the entrance. Shikoku Mura opens year round; from 8.30am to 5.00pm from April - October and from 8.30am to 4.30pm from November - March.

Tickets can be purchased from the building on top of the stairs, which I believe is the Hamada tomariya lodge building.

Admissions cost 800yen for adults, 500yen for high school students, 400yen for junior high school student and 300yen for elementary school student.

 

 

A teaser of photos before I embark on a more detailed posts on some interesting buildings in the open-air museum. A bridge, a theater and a home.

What? You don't think I'd just settle for one post for this awesome museum, do you? I certainly will not! Stay tuned for more!