Guide
Chido Museum, located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a museum that preserves and communicates the history and culture of the region. It was established in 1950 by Tadayoshi Sakai, the 16th head of the former Shonai Domain, with the goal of promoting local culture. The museum grounds feature relocated historic buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods, housing a wide range of exhibits spanning archaeology, folklore, history, and art. The site also includes the Shoin Garden, a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty, offering a harmonious environment where visitors can learn about the region's historical background amidst architecture and nature.
The name "Chido" is derived from "Chidokan," the official school of the Shonai Domain. The museum preserves various items related to this school, such as classical texts, woodblocks, and ritual implements, and continues research into the traditions of domain-led education. The founding Sakai family, descendants of the legendary Tokugawa-era figure Sakai Tadatsugu, played a significant role in the industrial and social development of this region for generations. Nestled among the natural beauty of Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and the Sea of Japan, the Shonai region is blessed with abundant resources like rice and seafood. The museum preserves this unique culture through its artifacts and architecture.
The museum features permanent exhibitions organized by theme to provide a multi-faceted view of local history, including archaeology, folklore, and art. Key architectural highlights on the premises include:
The museum offers a way to appreciate history throughout the year. The Shoin Garden, in particular, displays a different face in every season. You can witness the harmony between the historic structures and the changing scenery of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Daytime visits are ideal for observing the intricate details of the architecture and the garden's design. Additionally, the way light enters the historic buildings changes depending on the season and time of day, subtly affecting the atmosphere of the exhibits.
Visitors can deepen their understanding of the Shonai region's traditional culture through the various exhibits. The museum also offers a "Friends of the Museum" membership, which allows supporters to engage more deeply with the institution. Members enjoy benefits such as receiving the museum newsletter, priority access to lectures, and discounts at the museum shop. It is a wonderful way to engage with the preservation of local cultural assets.
Chido Museum is located in the Sannomaru area of Tsuroka Castle (Tsuroka Park). The surrounding area is filled with sites related to the history of Tsuroka, including castle ruins. A stroll through the area allows visitors to enjoy both the historical landscape and the natural environment of the region.
