Saga Prefectural Museum

Saga Prefectural Museum opened in 1970 as part of the Meiji Centennial Commemorative Project, operating as a comprehensive prefectural museum sharing facilities with the adjacent Saga Prefectural Art Museum near the former site of Saga Castle. It collects materials spanning natural history, archaeology, history, fine and decorative arts, and folklore, introducing them within the permanent exhibition "History and Culture of Saga Prefecture."

Hizen Sword Collection

The core of the museum's permanent exhibition is its "Hizen sword" (肥前刀) section. Hizen swords were produced by a school of swordsmiths founded by first-generation Tadayoshi (1572–1632), official swordsmith to the Saga domain (Nabeshima family), and were ranked at the highest tier, "Saijo Owazamono," in Edo-period sword grading texts, earning acclaim for both sharpness and beauty. The Saga domain used Hizen swords as gifts to the shogunate and other daimyo, and the museum holds a systematic collection of Hizen swords including works by the first-generation Tadayoshi. The museum has previously held collection exhibitions gathering all 18 surviving works by the first-generation Tadayoshi, serving as a hub for Hizen sword research and public education.

Special and Collection Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum regularly holds collection exhibitions such as "The ABCs of Hizen Swords" and "The Technique and Beauty of Hizen Swords," introducing the history and appeal of Hizen swords in an accessible way. Visitors can trace the transmission of swordsmithing technique from the first-generation Tadayoshi through second-generation Tadahiro and disciple Masahiro, through examples ranging from the old-sword era to the Edo and Meiji periods.

Access and Visitor Information

Adjacent to Saga Castle Ruins Park, the museum is conveniently located near central Saga City. It is open from 9:30 to 18:00, with free admission to the permanent exhibition (special exhibitions charge separately). Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) and during the New Year holiday period.