Against the stunning backdrop of Miyama, Kyoto Prefecture, a location famed for its traditional thatched-roof houses, the Minka Preservation Society will host a two-day event focused on heritage architecture and thoughtful approaches to renovating kominka (traditional wooden houses).

On June 7 and 8, the nonprofit Minka Preservation Society will hold the second iteration of its MinkaMeets@Miyama event, bringing together experts and enthusiasts to discuss the future of minka (literally, “people’s house”). As the number of Japan’s akiya (abandoned houses) rises, many are falling into disrepair, but the Minka Preservation Society is dedicated to generating awareness for these beautiful, historic buildings.

With tickets starting from ¥2,000, MinkaMeets@Miyama invites guests to discover and celebrate the charm of these old buildings through workshops and a town hall-style panel discussion titled, “Restoration, Renovation, Redesign: Preserving Minka in the 21st Century.” While the event aims to look at the restoration of minka in general, one particular property scheduled for destruction has found itself at the forefront of the discussion thanks to Haruo Nishio, an expert in Japanese thatching and traditional building restoration.