Guide
The Hijikata Toshizo Memorial Museum is a private museum located in Hino City, Tokyo. It stands on the site of the former residence of Hijikata Toshizo, the famous Vice Commander of the Shinsengumi. The museum is operated by the descendants of Hijikata's brother, preserving the legacy of the family. Within this space, which retains the atmosphere of the original residence where the Hijikata family once lived, visitors can explore precious materials regarding Toshizo's life and his daily existence in Hino. Through these exhibits, you can connect with his journey as a warrior and the culture of that era.
The main building was originally the residence of the Hijikata family, where Toshizo lived until he left for Kyoto at the age of 29. While the structure remained in its original form until 1990, a portion of the site was opened to the public as a museum following subsequent reconstruction. The museum opened on May 11, coinciding with the anniversary of Hijikata Toshizo's death, and has been managed by successive generations of his family. After a period of long-term closure starting in 2022, the museum resumed operations in May 2024 to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The exhibits include not only historical relics but also insights into family history and the wisdom of daily life during the period.
One of the most significant exhibits is the 'Izumi no Kami Koretsune' sword fittings (koshirae), a designated tangible cultural property of Hino City. This sword, attributed to the 11th-generation swordsmith Kanemitsu, is said to have been a gift from Matsudaira Katamori, the Kyoto Shugoshoku. The blade itself is occasionally displayed for a limited time around the anniversary of Toshizo's death. Additionally, the museum displays the 'Toyotama Hakushu,' a collection of poems written under his poetic name 'Toyotama,' offering a glimpse into his more refined, cultural side. In the garden, you can see the bamboo thickets that Toshizo is said to have planted when he was 17 or 18 years old, as he vowed to 'become a man of renown throughout the land.'
Please note that the museum is only open on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. It is essential to check the opening schedule before visiting. You can experience the changing seasons through the garden's bamboo and the artifacts depicting historical life. Visiting around May, near the anniversary of his death, may offer a special opportunity to see the Izumi no Kami Koretsune blade on display.
Visitors can experience the spirit of the Bakumatsu-era samurai and the lifestyle of Hino through the curated exhibits. From the large pillar where Toshizo reportedly practiced sumo moves to the historical medicine boxes used by peddlers, the museum provides intimate details of history that go beyond what is found in textbooks.
Hino City is dotted with other sites related to the Shinsengumi. You may wish to visit the 'Hino City Shinsengumi no Furusato History Museum' or the 'Sato Hikogoro Shinsengumi Museum' (operated by descendants of Hijikata's sister) to deepen your understanding of the Shinsengumi and Hijikata Toshizo.