Guide
The Shimonoseki Peace Memorial Hall is a historic museum located in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It was opened in June 1937 to commemorate the historical significance of the Sino-Japanese Peace Conference and the resulting Treaty of Shimonoseki, which took place at the Shunro-kaku in 1895. The building itself is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, highly regarded for its traditional architectural design, including elements such as 'kumimono' (bracket complexes) and 'gegyo' (decorative gable pendants). Inside, the museum features exhibits that recreate the atmosphere of the peace negotiations using the actual chairs and furnishings used at the time.
This facility was established to honor the peace conference held after the First Sino-Japanese War. While the original Shunro-kaku building, where the conference took place, was destroyed during the Shimonoseki air raid in 1945, this memorial hall—being a reinforced concrete structure—was spared from the fire. As a result, precious items used during the conference, as well as the calligraphy and artifacts of the plenipotentiaries Ito Hirobumi and Li Hongzhang, have been carefully preserved and displayed to this day.
The greatest attraction is the exhibit that recreates the scene of the historic negotiations. By displaying the actual chairs and furnishings used during the conference, visitors can truly feel the atmosphere of the diplomatic negotiations of that era. The chairs, in particular, follow the styles used to receive foreign diplomats and state guests, serving as important historical evidence of Meiji-era diplomacy. Additionally, the display of calligraphy and personal items related to historical figures like Ito Hirobumi and Li Hongzhang allows for a multi-faceted understanding of this major turning point in history.
Since the building itself is a valuable cultural property, it is a wonderful destination to visit in any season. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and operates year-round without closing days. Visiting during the bright daylight hours allows you to appreciate the intricate details of the traditional architectural designs and the fine craftsmanship of the historical furnishings. Please note that the last admission is at 4:30 PM, so we recommend arriving with plenty of time to spare.
Here, you can experience history beyond what is found in textbooks through the observation of authentic artifacts. By looking closely at the chairs and furniture used during the peace conference, you can vividly imagine the environment in which the diplomats conducted their negotiations. It is a profound way to learn about the international historical weight that the land of Shimonoseki carries.
The Shimonoseki Peace Memorial Hall is located in an area rich with the history of Shimonoseki. The surrounding neighborhood features many historic buildings and scenic views, making it a pleasant area for a stroll. If you are using public transportation, you can take a bus from JR Shimonoseki Station and get off at the 'Akama Shrine-mae' stop, followed by a short walk. If you take a taxi, it is a very convenient 5-minute drive from Shimonoseki Station.
As this is a quiet facility, please observe proper museum etiquette. The exhibits are extremely precious historical documents; please do not touch them. While admission is free, if you plan to dine or shop in the surrounding area, it is helpful to check if local shops accept credit cards or IC cards in addition to cash. Regarding English support, we recommend checking the official Shimonoseki City Museum information in advance. Please be mindful of the historical nature of the site and maintain a respectful atmosphere.