Mikawa Bushi no Yakata Ieyasu-kan (Museum of the Mikawa Samurai)

Mikawa Bushi no Yakata Ieyasu-kan is a historical exhibition facility within Okazaki Park, adjacent to Okazaki Castle, which reopened after renovation on 23 March 2024. Situated in Okazaki, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, it is dedicated to presenting the life of Ieyasu and the Mikawa samurai who supported him.

Permanent Exhibition and the Mikawa Samurai

The permanent exhibition room is organized into eight sections tracing Ieyasu's life from birth to the unification of Japan, alongside the story of the Mikawa samurai who supported him, using documents, paintings, and arms and armor.

Sword Collection

The sword displays were made possible through the cooperation of the local Ryūjō Bitōkai society, and include about 20 Japanese swords, among them works by Mikawa-domain smiths. A particularly notable piece is the blade signed "Masazane, with a wild-boar-cutting scene in gold inlay on the back of the tang," traditionally the favored sword of Sakai Tadatsugu, one of the Four Guardian Generals of the Tokugawa. Visitors can also try lifting swords, spears, and helmets to feel their actual weight.

Highlights of an Experiential Museum

A popular, free armor-try-on experience lets visitors of all ages wear reproduction samurai armor. The special exhibition room hosts seasonal themed exhibitions throughout the year.

Cultural Significance

Paired with a visit to Okazaki Castle, the museum serves as a hands-on gateway to the swords and armor connected to Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Mikawa samurai, and stands as a central venue for presenting samurai culture in Okazaki, Ieyasu's birthplace.