Guide
The Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History, located in Mito City, serves as both a historical museum and an archival center. Since its opening in 1974, it has become a vital hub for collecting and preserving the vast history of Ibaraki Prefecture. The facility is set within a remarkably spacious campus that offers more than just indoor viewing; it preserves authentic historical structures, such as Edo-period farmhouses and Meiji-era Western-style school buildings, allowing visitors to experience the architectural styles of the past firsthand.
The museum was established on the grounds of the former Ibaraki Prefectural Mito Agricultural High School. The site preserves the original main building of the school, serving as a testament to the region's educational development. The collection includes highly significant artifacts, such as materials donated by the Hitotsubashi Tokugawa family and the gold-bronze horse-shaped ornament (a National Important Cultural Property) excavated from the Zanmaizuka Kofun. These treasures are essential keys to understanding the unique cultural evolution, political shifts, and social changes that have shaped Ibaraki.
The exhibits are primarily distributed between the second-floor exhibition rooms, the first-floor lobby, and various outdoor facilities. The second floor features detailed displays of fine arts, crafts, and ancient documents, often supplemented by microfilms for deeper study. A standout feature is the Hitotsubashi Tokugawa Memorial Room, a special space dedicated to items related to the Tokugawa lineage. Additionally, the outdoor area—featuring Edo-period farmhouses and Meiji-era Western-style architecture—provides a visual and tactile connection to historical lifestyles. The gold-bronze horse-shaped ornament from the Zanmaizuka Kofun is another must-see item that symbolizes the profound depth of local history.
While the museum is open year-round, the atmosphere changes with the seasons. The outdoor historical buildings and grounds are best enjoyed on clear days or during seasons when the natural scenery is particularly striking. To gain a deeper understanding of the collections, we highly recommend visiting during the scheduled guided tours. These sessions are held on Wednesday afternoons and during both morning and afternoon sessions on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. You can participate by gathering near the entrance of the exhibition room at the designated time.
The guided tour program (approximately 30 minutes) is a wonderful opportunity to gain a structured overview of Ibaraki's history. No prior reservation is required; simply gather at the entrance of the exhibition room at the scheduled time. Beyond the indoor exhibits, you can engage in a