* 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 opened in 1994 (Heisei 6) as a prefectural museum that comprehensively exhibits and researches the history and culture of Nagano Prefecture. Shinano Province (present-day Nagano Prefecture) is a region that has accumulated a rich history from the Paleolithic period to the modern era, and is particularly known as the stage where warlords such as the Sanada, Takeda, and Uesugi clans engaged in fierce struggles for supremacy during the Sengoku period. The museum systematically introduces this extensive history and provides an in-depth exploration of Shinano's sword culture and samurai culture.
Sanada and Shinano Weaponry
In the sword and weaponry division, resources richly document the samurai culture of the Sengoku and Edo periods, centering on swords used by warlords connected to Shinano. Swords and armor associated with Sanada clan members such as Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige), Nobutoki, and Masayuki are particularly popular, and since the broadcast of the NHK historical drama series 'Sanada Maru' (2016), large numbers of visitors from across the nation have come to visit. Regarding sword smiths of Shinano, the works of sword smiths active during the Edo period are also held in the collection, serving as valuable resources for understanding the technical standards of regional smithing.
From Jomon to Sengoku
The exhibits comprehensively cover the entire history of Nagano Prefecture from the primitive and ancient periods to the modern era. From excavated artifacts of the Paleolithic, Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods to manorial documents of the Nara and Heian periods, samurai documents of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, records of Sengoku battles, and feudal administration documents of the Edo period, the history of Shinano unfolds like a grand epic. The Jomon period exhibits are particularly outstanding both in quality and quantity nationally, with numerous Jomon-era artifacts on display.
Combined with Zenko-ji Temple
The museum is located near Yashiro Station on the Shinano Railway, and visitors can easily access Nagano Station (the gateway to Zenko-ji Temple) by using the Shinano Railway. Visitors can enjoy comprehensive historical exploration by combining visits to facilities related to Nagano's samurai culture, including the National Treasure Zenko-ji Temple, Bunbu Academy (a historic site associated with the Matsushiro domain's Sanada clan), Sanada Residence, Sanada Treasure Museum, and the Old Sanada-yama district. A leisurely overnight trip is recommended, combined with Shinano's culinary culture including soba noodles, oyaki (vegetable-filled pastries), and Nozawa pickled greens.
Highlights
- Sengoku Shinano Warlord Culture—Displays historical documents related to the Sanada and Takeda clans. Experience the warlord culture of Shinano, the setting for NHK's historical drama "Sanada Maru" (Famous armor and weapons used by Sanada Yukimura, Sanada Nobuyuki, Sanada Masayuki and others are housed in the Sanada Treasure Museum in Matsushiro)
- Works of Shinshū Sword Smiths—Creations by Shinano sword smiths active during the Edo period. Precious collection pieces that reveal the technical standards and unique artistic styles of provincial smiths
- Sengoku Shinano Battle Records—Historical materials documenting battles including the Battle of Kawanakajima, where Takeda Shingen, Uesugi Kenshin, and the Sanada clan clashed, along with records and artifacts of Sengoku-period battles with Shinano as the stage
- Comprehensive Exhibition from Paleolithic to Modern Times, Including Jōmon Excavations—Large permanent exhibition providing an overview of Shinano's entire history. Among the nation's finest collections in both quality and quantity of Jōmon-period artifacts
- Coordination with Nearby Historical Sites such as Matsushiro and Zenkōji—Enables comprehensive historical exploration through connections with centers of samurai and faith culture in Nagano Prefecture, including the Sanada Treasure Museum, Bunbu School, the old Sanada residence, and Zenkōji Temple
* Opening hours and exhibitions are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.