* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Nagano Prefectural Museum of History
長野県立歴史館
Overview
Museum Overview
The Nagano Prefectural Museum of History is a prefectural museum that opened in 1994 (Heisei 6). It comprehensively exhibits and researches the history and culture of Nagano Prefecture. Shinano Province (present-day Nagano Prefecture) is a land that has built up a rich history from the Paleolithic period to the present day. It is especially known as the stage where warlords such as those of the Sanada, Takeda, and Uesugi clans fought intense struggles for supremacy during the Sengoku period. The museum systematically introduces this long history.
From Jōmon to the Sengoku Period
The exhibits cover the entire history of Nagano Prefecture, from ancient times to the modern era. From artifacts excavated from the Paleolithic, Jōmon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods, to shōen estate documents of the Nara and Heian periods, warrior documents of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, battle records of the Sengoku period, and domain government materials of the Edo period, the history of Shinano unfolds like a grand epic. The museum also displays many artifacts from the Jōmon period.
Combining with Zenkō-ji
The museum is located within Shinano-no-Sato History Park, about a 25-minute walk from Yashiro Station on the Shinano Railway. By taking the Shinano Railway, you can also easily reach Nagano Station, the gateway to Zenkō-ji. Combined with the National Treasure Zenkō-ji, the Bunbu Gakkō (domain school) historic site of the Sanada family of the Matsushiro domain, the Sanada Residence, the Sanada Treasure Museum, and other warrior-culture facilities in Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy a rich historical tour. We recommend a leisurely overnight trip that also includes Shinshū's food culture, such as Shinshū soba, oyaki, and nozawana.
Highlights
- Warrior Culture of Sengoku Shinano — Displays warrior-family materials from Shinano connected to the Sanada and Takeda clans. Experience the warrior culture of Shinano, the setting of the NHK taiga drama 'Sanada Maru' (celebrated armor and weapons used by Sanada Yukimura, Nobuyuki, and Masayuki are held by the Sanada Treasure Museum in Matsushiro)
- Sengoku Battle Records of Shinano — Records and artifacts of Sengoku battles fought in Shinano, beginning with the Battles of Kawanakajima, where Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin clashed
- Comprehensive Exhibits from the Paleolithic to the Modern Era, Including Jōmon Artifacts — A large-scale permanent exhibition offering an overview of the entire history of Shinano. Many artifacts from the Jōmon period are also on display
- Connections with Nearby Historic Sites Such as Matsushiro and Zenkō-ji — Combined with hubs of Nagano Prefecture's warrior and faith culture, such as the Sanada Treasure Museum, Bunbu Gakkō, the former Sanada Residence, and Zenkō-ji, a comprehensive historical tour is possible
* Opening hours and exhibitions are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.