Koga History Museum

古河歴史博物館

Location

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Overview

Koga History Museum, located in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a municipal museum that opened on November 3, 1990, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Koga City. Located at the site of the former Koga Castle outpost (Sunowakuluwa), the building was designed by architect Yoshida Keiji and is a masterpiece of architectural aesthetics that won the Japan Institute of Architects Award in 1992 and the Public Architecture Award (Minister of Construction Commendation, Cultural Facilities Division) in 1996. The museum preserves and displays diverse cultural materials—including Dutch studies, calligraphy and painting, and Japanese swords—centered on the history of the Koga domain.

Doi Toshitsura's Beloved Sword and Snow Crystal Culture

One of the museum's important collections is the beloved sword of Doi Toshitsura (1789–1848), a feudal lord of the Koga domain. Doi Toshitsura is known as the "Lord of Snow" for authoring "Sekka Zusetsu" (1832), the first scientific study of snow crystals. He expressed his unique aesthetic sense by incorporating snow crystal motifs (yukka-mon) into his sword fittings. The Doi family's beloved sword, crafted in 1841 by master swordsmith Koyama Munetatsu, is a masterpiece with snow crystal designs running from the blade to the sword furniture. To commemorate the museum's acquisition of this important piece in spring 2025, a special exhibition titled "Snow Crystal Sword Fittings: Doi Toshitsura's Beloved Sword and the Artisans" runs from March to May 2025, introducing the sword and the techniques of the craftspeople who created it.

GHQ-Repatriated Swords and Historical Materials

After World War II, eight swords known as the "Akabane Blades," which were confiscated by the GHQ, were returned to Koga City and are now preserved and displayed in the museum. In addition, masterpieces from various periods, including Bizen swords, are on display, allowing visitors to trace the history of the Japanese sword.

Permanent Exhibitions and Cultural Facilities

The museum consists of three permanent exhibition rooms. Room 1 showcases Dutch studies materials collected by Takamizumi Senryoku, a senior retainer of the Koga domain. Room 2 provides a chronological overview of the history of the Koga region from prehistoric times to the modern era. Room 3 displays works by renowned calligraphers and painters, including Okuhara Seiko and Kawanabe Kyosai.

Facility Information and Access

Located at 3-10-56 Chuo-cho, Koga, Ibaraki 306-0033. Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Closed Mondays, the day after national holidays, during exhibition changes, year-end/new year period, and the fourth Friday of each month. Admission: ¥400 (general), ¥100 (students), ¥300 (groups of 20+). Parking available. Tel: 0280-22-5211.