Hyogo Prefectural Wood Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the relationship between forests, wood, and human life. Built around the theme of “Forests, the Sea, and the Sun,” it brings together the beauty of nature and elements of traditional Japanese culture. The facility opened in 1994 as an affiliated institution of the Hyogo Prefectural Uwanodai Outdoor Education Center, offering visitors opportunities to discover and experience the natural world.
Nestled among the forests of Totorogawa-daira, the Wood Hall of Fame makes full use of its natural surroundings. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the building combines striking geometric forms with an extensive use of cedar and laminated cedar timber.
The main building is cylindrical, measuring 46 meters in diameter, with a dramatic central atrium 22 meters across. A large pond sits at the bottom of the open space, creating a powerful visual connection between the architecture and the natural world. The exhibition route follows a series of changing levels, allowing visitors to explore the displays while experiencing the building’s distinctive three-dimensional structure.
The museum displays miniature wooden houses and traditional wooden household objects from around the world. These exhibits illustrate how people in different regions have used wood to build homes, make everyday tools, and develop distinctive ways of life. By exploring the displays, visitors can discover the many cultural traditions that have grown out of humanity’s relationship with forests.
Creative workshops are also held regularly, including decorative painting and kumiki woodworking. These activities give visitors the opportunity to work with wood and enjoy a hands-on introduction to traditional crafts.
The museum’s high-definition theater features a 160-inch screen and seating for up to 100 people. Through impressive images and sound, it presents stories about the relationship between people and trees, as well as the natural processes that sustain forests. The theater offers an engaging way to deepen your understanding of the environment.
A walkway extends approximately 200 meters north from the main building to a separate annex. Inside, visitors can relax on comfortable sofas while gazing out at the surrounding trees. The rooftop serves as an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the mountains of the Tajima region and the rich natural landscape beyond.
A spacious lawn spreads out in front of the main building, providing room for picnics, tea breaks, plant observation, and insect collecting. Families can also enjoy a giant swing designed to evoke the feeling of the Swiss Alps. The open setting makes this an inviting place to relax and spend time outdoors with family and friends.
One of the museum’s most notable exhibits is the Hakogi Family Residence, widely known as the “Thousand-Year-Old House.” It is regarded as one of Japan’s oldest surviving traditional homes and was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1967.
The residence underwent additions and alterations over the centuries while retaining much of its traditional character. When a dam was constructed in its original area, the house was relocated and restored to recreate its historic appearance. Today, it provides a valuable glimpse into traditional Japanese residential architecture and the way people lived in earlier times.
The library brings together a broad collection of information about forests and wood, covering subjects ranging from folklore and traditional lifestyles to environmental issues. Visitors can use the collection to explore questions raised by the exhibitions and outdoor activities. Library materials are also available for loan.
At the workshop, visitors can make charming wooden animal figures, including pandas and penguins, using the traditional kumiki technique of fitting shaped wooden pieces together. The activity offers a fun way to appreciate the warmth and texture of wood while creating a small handmade object to take away.
Woodworking sessions are scheduled three times a day, at 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays. Reservations are required, so visitors interested in participating should arrange their place in advance.
The museum explores how forests have shaped people’s homes, tools, and daily routines in different parts of the world. Exhibits are organized around major vegetation zones, including subarctic coniferous forests, summer-green deciduous forests, evergreen broadleaf forests, and tropical rainforests.
Through examples of traditional wooden houses and household objects, visitors can learn how communities adapted their lifestyles to the trees and natural resources available in their environments. The displays offer a broader perspective on the cultural importance of forests and the close connection between nature and human life.
From Yoka Station on the JR San-in Main Line, take a Zentan Bus bound for Muraoka, Akioka, or Yumura Onsen and get off at Hachikita-guchi. From the bus stop, the museum is approximately 10 minutes away by taxi.
The surrounding area offers several other natural attractions. These include Totorogawa Gorge, selected as one of Japan’s 100 Hidden Scenic Spots; Totorogawa-daira, recognized as one of Hyogo Prefecture’s leading scenic destinations; and Tajima Kogen Botanical Garden, where visitors can discover the region’s rich plant life.
Hyogo Prefectural Wood Hall of Fame offers a distinctive combination of architecture, cultural exhibits, and outdoor experiences. From traditional wooden homes and crafts to forest-themed films and hands-on workshops, the museum reveals the many ways wood connects nature with human culture. Set amid the mountains and forests of Tajima, it is an inspiring destination for anyone interested in Japanese traditions, architecture, and the natural environment.