Urawa Museum of Traditional Houses 浦和くらしの博物館民家園

Eight historic houses in idyllic landscape

Saitama City preserved eight heritage buildings including storehouses, manor houses and shops, relocating them to the southern end of the Minuma rice fields area in the 1990s. The museum, often referred to simply as minkaen has wide lawns, shady trees, and meandering paths that lead to the various houses. You can enter the houses and take your time to imagine the life of the village inhabitants. A museum hall has a large collection of historic photographs to provide a window into the past of the Minuma rice field community. The museum also has a pond full of kodai hasu, ancient lotus, donated by Gyoda City which is famed for its historic lotus flowers. Admission is free. The museum is a little out of the way but you could combine your visit with a hike or cycling trip through the Minuma landscape.