A. Nagayamon

Nagayamon is the gate of Kayabuki no Sato and, as such, is located at the entrance to the village. Constructed using durable materials from northern Japan, it is 10 meters high and 26 meters in length. A viewing platform on the second floor offers a sweeping view of the village below.

B. Chonin-nagaya

Chonin-nagaya is located just inside the main gate. Traditionally used as a townhouse during the Edo era, it is used for seasonal exhibitions as well as a place to rest when taking in the sights.

C. Tsutsugaki and Jidaitansukaido

This exhibit is displayed along a path that winds through a traditional thatched-roof house. It features priceless tansu (wardrobes) as well as around 100 tsutsugaki (indigo-dye motifs that have been painted in a traditional manner).

D. Shofuku Shichiren Syoudou

Seven bells hang beneath a wood-woven roof opposite the medicinal onsen. Visitors are encouraged to ring the bells in order to be granted a wish.

E. Oogama

Beside the bells sits a gargantuan iron pot that was once used in a sake brewery. It is so big that six people can fit inside the pot at one time. Oogama is a popular location for individual and group photos.

F. Kimura-ke

This 150-year-old thatched-roof house used to belong to a wealthy farmer living in Yamagata prefecture, located in snow-bound northern Japan.

G. Kurado

Kurado is the smallest thatched-roof house located in Kayabuki no Sato. It has been turned into a traditional Japanese sweets shop, and makes for a great place to stop and recharge the batteries during a tour of the facilities.

H. Konnno-ke

Konno-ke is a three-story house that has been relocated from Yamagata prefecture. It boasts a unique structure that is rarely seen in Japan.

I. Hamada-tei

It took two years to relocate this ancient thatched-roof house from Tochigi prefecture. The house belongs to Hamada Shinsaku, who is the son of celebrated ceramic artisan Hamada Shyouji (a bona fide living national treasure).

J. Honjin

Honjin is the central nervous system of the entire operation, acting as the lounge and front desk for guests staying overnight. It boasts an impressive thatched-roof and large floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. Inside is a large irori, which creates a homely atmosphere.

K. Yasuragi-kan

Luxury accommodation is housed in this building. Yasuragi-kan comprises eight-tatami rooms, 10-tatami rooms, a partially open-air onsen and a terrace.

L. Kobayashi-ke

This impressive 130-year-old thatched-roof house was relocated from Nakanojo in Gunma prefecture. It is now used as the dining facility for those wishing to experience the traditional taste of irori-style cuisine.

M. Seseragi-kan

Built in October 2005, Seseragi-kan is newest building located in Kayabuki no Sato.

The first floor is called Yuya-kaido (or, loosely translated, onsen road) and comprises the main bathing area. It features public onsens, private onsens and an open-air rotenburo (outside onsen).

The second floor houses guest rooms that are set out along a path called Shinsyu-kaido, which was the route pilgrims used to take when traveling from Edo (Tokyo) to Joshyu (Gunma).

More guest rooms can be found on the third floor along a road called Mikuni-kaido, the name of the route that used to run between Edo (Tokyo) and Echigo (Niigata).

The building has been constructed alongside the Nuru River. The rooms offer a sublime view of the lush river valley, and at night serenity is restored with the sound of the river bubbling away in the background.