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Gassho-style Murakami House

富山県

general.prefecture.

Kamikura House, which preserves the style of Gassho-zukuri architecture from the time it was built.

Among the gassho-style houses in Gokayama, the Murakami House plays a representative role in conveying the style of the time it was built, and has been designated as an important cultural property of the country. Inside and outside the house, you can see exhibits of the lifestyle and folk materials of Gokayama, and learn about the history of the area.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic HistoryCulture

Highlights

Point 1

The Largest Gassho-style House in Gokayama

Gassho-style houses are traditional Japanese houses with steep thatched roofs that resemble hands in prayer. Among them, the Murakami House is particularly large and impressive, said to have been built during the Tensho period about 350 years ago. According to the official website, its size is "one story, four floors, gable roof with thatched roof, entrance on the gable end, 35 feet 2 inches wide, and 67 feet 5 inches deep." Currently, the first and second floors are open to the public as a folk museum.

Point 2

Valuable Houses Preserving the Original Appearance of the Time of Construction

画像引用：五箇山観光情報サイト

Three gassho-zukuri houses, the Murashita House, Hama House, and Iwase House, were designated important cultural properties in 1958 (Showa 33) and are still carefully preserved today, each with its own unique character. Among them, the Murakami House is said to be a representative of gassho-zukuri architecture and is highly valued for its appearance that is close to the time of construction with minimal renovations. The attic is constructed without any building hardware such as nails, and is fixed with ropes and neso (young branches of manchurian apricot soaked in water). Please take a close look at the unique and powerful architectural style, such as the "chon-nabari" that transmits the weight of the roof to the pillars, from inside the house.

Point 3

Gather Around the Hearth for Stories from the Head of the Household

画像引用：村上家公式サイト

On the first floor, there is a living room called "Oe" with a large hearth. Gathered around the hearth, you can hear stories about the 400-year history of the Murakami family from the head of the household, Mr. Tadamori Murakami. Despite his advanced age, his voice carries well and his tales of Gokayama's history are deep and resonate with tourists. Along with his stories, he also plays the "Kokiriko" song on 108 cypress castanets, providing a delightful accompaniment.

Point 4

Experience the Live Kokiriko Festival

画像引用：村上家公式サイト

The Gokayama Kokiriko Festival is held every year on September 25th and 26th. Kokiriko is a folk song that originated from the traditional dance called "Tadaku," and has been passed down for over 1000 years. It is said to be Japan's oldest folk song. The "Binzasara Dance" is famous, where dancers strike an instrument made of 108 wooden plates tied together while dancing. This dance is the highlight of the festival. The Murakami family offers Kokiriko dance performances by reservation, regardless of the festival season. The powerful and impressive dance performed by the dancers in authentic costumes right in front of you is definitely worth seeing.

Point 5

Snow Camellia Watching over the Murakami Family

画像引用：村上家公式サイト

In the garden of the Murakami family, there is a snow camellia estimated to be 300 years old. This camellia is characterized by its ability to squeeze its petals, and is named "Gokayama Shibori", making it a symbolic presence of the Murakami family. The delicate flowers are a mix of light and dark pink. The best time to see them is usually from late April to early May. This beautiful camellia continues to quietly watch over the Murakami family. If you visit Gokayama during this season, be sure to stop by and enjoy the view.

Point 6

Melancholic Exile Hut

The "Exile Hut" is located just a 2-minute walk from the Murakami family, across the Taihei Bridge. Going back to the Edo period, many criminals such as political prisoners were exiled to the Noto (Ishikawa Prefecture) and Gokayama regions from the Kaga clan. These exile huts were used to house these criminals. The exile hut in the Tamukai village collapsed in a heavy snowfall in 1963 and was moved and restored to this location in May 1965, but the old pillars with a meal delivery entrance on the front are made of old materials. Nowadays, this exile hut is open to the public free of charge, allowing you to learn about the severity of the punishment at that time and the historical background of Japan.

Access

Located between the Akura and Suganuma Villages

The Murakami House is one of the largest farmhouses in the Gokayama region, located in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, and is a gassho-style house. There is a road next to it, and there is also a bus stop nearby, so transportation is not inconvenient. If you want to visit the two major gassho-style villages in Gokayama, Akura and Suganuma, it is convenient to use a private car or a bus. The nearest interchange is "Gokayama Interchange", and it takes about 7 minutes to get there by getting off the National Route 156. Also, if you purchase a one-day free pass for the "World Heritage Bus" that runs from JR Takaoka Station and Jōhana Station, you can visit other gassho-style villages and surrounding tourist spots, making it a great deal. If you use this bus, get off at the "Kaminashi" bus stop, which is right there.

Fee

Experience Gokayama Folk Songs as an Option

The "Murakami House" displays thousands of ethnic materials from Gokayama. Admission fees are 300 yen for high school students and above, 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free for preschoolers and people with disabilities (all tax included). Group discounts are also available. Upon entering, you can not only leisurely appreciate the indoor and outdoor exhibits, but also listen to the owner talk about Gokayama's culture around a large hearth. As a paid option, it's also possible to have them perform the Gokayama folk song "Kokiriko"!

Basic Information

	Address	742 Uwanashi, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture 939-1914, Japan
	TEL	0763-66-2711
	Web Site	https://www.murakamike.jp/index.html

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五箇山の2大合掌集落のひとつ

Gassho-style Murakami House

Features & How to Enjoy

Highlights

The Largest Gassho-style House in Gokayama

Valuable Houses Preserving the Original Appearance of the Time of Construction

Gather Around the Hearth for Stories from the Head of the Household

Experience the Live Kokiriko Festival

Snow Camellia Watching over the Murakami Family

Melancholic Exile Hut

Access

Fee

Basic Information

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