“Is it possible to slip back into the Edo period?” I ask you. Maybe it is here at Muikara Folk Park. Muikara Folk Park is a charming open-air museum. It is in the city of Komae Tokyo. The park features restored traditional houses. These houses date back to the Edo era. Muikara Folk Park offers a glimpse into the past.
“Muikara” refers to wheat straw. This straw was once used for thatching roofs in this area. Let us explore the park’s historical treasures.
The park was opened on April 27 2002. This followed more than 10 years of restoration work. The restoration focused on the former Arai family residence. In 2010 the park expanded. The former Takagi family’s Nagaya-mon gate was relocated and restored.
One notable structure is the Old Arai Family Residence. Originally in Motoizumi 1-chome this farmhouse faced demolition. This was due to the Odakyu Line’s construction. Citizens rallied to preserve it. The house was carefully relocated. It was rebuilt here in Muikara Folk Park.
The Arai family home has an interesting story. In 1927 the Odakyu Line’s construction threatened the house. The railway line would run through the property. To avoid this the main building was rotated. It was changed from an east-facing to a south-facing orientation. The Arai family served as village doctors. They lived near Senryu-ji Temple. Their house was known as “Daimon-saki.” Komae City designated it as an important cultural property in November 1991.
Another key feature is the Old Takagi Family Nagaya-mon Gate. This is the only remaining Nagaya-mon gate in the city. It was built in 1859. After being dismantled in 1999 it was moved to Muikara Folk Park in 2010. Originally thatched the roof was replaced with copper sheeting during restoration. The Takagi family were prominent landowners. They were important figures in Komae since the mid-Edo period. Komae City designated the gate as an important cultural property in September 2010.
Muikara Folk Park is operated by the Muikara Folk Park Management Citizen Council. This group consists of preservation movement volunteers. They manage the park under commission from the city.
Admission is free. The park is closed every Wednesday and Thursday. It is also closed from January 2 to 4 and December 28 to 31. The opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. In July and August it is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited in the park.
Muikara Folk Park is a place where history comes alive. It provides an enriching experience for all. The park preserves and celebrates Komae’s cultural heritage. It offers a peaceful retreat. Visitors can step back in time and appreciate the simple beauty of Edo-era architecture. Take a moment to imagine life in those days. What stories would these walls tell if they could speak?