* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Ashikaga Museum of Art
足利市立美術館
Overview
Museum Overview
The Ashikaga Museum of Art is a municipal art museum located in the birthplace of the Ashikaga shogun family, which founded the Muromachi shogunate. Ashikaga City is a place of distinguished history that began when Ashikaga Yoshikane, ancestor of the Minamoto-clan Ashikaga family, made the Ashikaga estate in Shimotsuke Province his base. It is a city where the atmosphere of medieval culture remains strong, including the Ashikaga Gakkō (a national designated historic site), known as Japan's oldest school. Bannaji (its main hall is a National Treasure) is the family temple of the Ashikaga clan, and its grounds are designated a national historic site as the Ashikaga Clan Residence Ruins.
Swords and Armor
The museum also holds special exhibitions that make use of Ashikaga's historical background. In 2022, the Ashikaga City 100th Anniversary Special Exhibition "Sengoku Warlords: The Martial Arts and Beauty of the Ashikaga Nagao — Their Lifeline Lives Forever" was held, and in 2025, the "Yamanbagiri Kunihiro Exhibition — The Trajectory of a Master Smith, the Birth of a Famous Sword" was held, displaying Yamanbagiri Kunihiro and Honsaku Chōgi from the collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum. Yamanbagiri Kunihiro is said to be a famous sword created by the swordsmith Kunihiro, who visited Ashikaga during the Tenshō era and encountered Honsaku Chōgi held by the lord of Ashikaga Nagao Akinaga.
Historical Heritage
The museum's exhibitions are centered on special exhibitions and co-sponsored exhibitions, introducing a wide range of art regardless of era or region, along with the cultural and artistic activities of Ashikaga and the Ryomo region. The Ashikaga Museum of Art is located nearly in the center of the city and sits on the walking route to Ashikaga Gakkō and Bannaji. A cultural walking course starting from the museum — Ashikaga Gakkō (Japan's oldest school) → Bannaji (National Treasure, Ashikaga Clan Residence Ruins) → Orihime Shrine (guardian shrine of Ashikaga, with a spectacular view from its hilltop) — is a recommended itinerary where you can enjoy Ashikaga's history and culture in half a day.
Ashikaga Culture
Ashikaga is also a textile town known for "Ashikaga meisen." Meisen from the Taishō to early Shōwa periods, with their modern designs, have been re-evaluated in recent years. The giant wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park (selected as one of CNN's "World's Dream Destinations") is also famous, and you can enjoy diverse trips that combine swords, history, and nature.
Highlights
- Samurai Culture of the Ashikaga Nagao Family — Special exhibitions such as the 2022 Ashikaga City 100th Anniversary Special Exhibition "Sengoku Warlords: The Martial Arts and Beauty of the Ashikaga Nagao" that highlight the samurai history of the area
- Yamanbagiri Kunihiro Exhibition (2025) — Presents the famous sword "Yamanbagiri Kunihiro" born in Ashikaga, along with "Honsaku Chōgi" from the collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum
- Prime location nearly in the center of the city — Ideal starting point for the cultural walking course through Ashikaga Gakkō → Bannaji → Orihime Shrine
* Opening hours and exhibitions are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.