Joetsu City History Museum

The Joetsu City History Museum in Niigata Prefecture reopened under its current name on July 21, 2018, following a full renovation of its predecessor, the Joetsu City General Museum, adding a rooftop observation deck and café.

Its permanent exhibition, themed "Capital of Echigo," traces the region's history from the Azuchi-Momoyama period onward through the succession of three castles: Kasugayama, Fukushima, and Takada. On display are a war fan said to have been dedicated by Uesugi Kenshin, and armor believed to have been worn by Takada domain lord Sakakibara Yasumasa at his first battle, once enshrined as the sacred body of Sakaki Shrine.

The museum is historically linked to the National Treasure sword "Yamatorige," Uesugi Kenshin's storied blade. Joetsu City sought to acquire the sword starting in 2016, preparing purchase funds that included citizen donations, but price negotiations with the owner broke down and the city abandoned the acquisition in November 2017. Yamatorige was later acquired in 2020 by Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, through crowdfunding, and is now held and displayed at the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum. The Joetsu City History Museum does not own Yamatorige, but tells the story of this history as part of the city's connection to Uesugi Kenshin.

As the historic seat of Uesugi Kenshin's Kasugayama Castle and later the castle town of the Takada domain, Joetsu remains a key cultural hub connecting the region to its Uesugi-era sword heritage. Visitors should check the official city website for current hours and admission.