One of the most elaborate and relatable interactive museums on Japanese culture and history I’ve been to is Historical Village, Hokkaido. It is an expansive open-air museum that contains sixty typical buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods from different parts of Hokkaido.

Flowers from the trees had been falling to the train tracks which gives a wonderful aroma as you walk here.

An old restaurant:

This was the Otaru Shinbun (Newspaper) Building, built in the Meiji (1900’s) era.

These are actual period buildings from around Hokkaido and they are set up with paraphernalia as authentic as possible to their history.

And a sweet shop!

The Fishing Village:

Hiking Trail through the forest:

Farming Village:

An old water pump:

Gardens: