Geihoku Folk Museum

In 1957, construction of a power generating dam by Chugoku Electric Power in Tarutoko, Geihoku Town caused 72 houses to be submerged at the bottom of the lake. At that time, a comprehensive academic survey was conducted by the Hiroshima Prefectural Board of Education, which revealed that ancient forms of lifestyle and culture remained in the Tarutoko area. Concerned that these valuable cultural assets would be lost, the town encouraged academics and local volunteers to collect materials, and 479 items were protected. In January 1959, the museum was designated as a cultural property of Hiroshima Prefecture, and on May 6 of the same year, under the name "Tarutoko-Yahatayama Village Living Tools," 247 living tools, 185 production tools, and 47 other items were designated as important tangible folk materials by the national government. These are now on display.