Shitaragahara Historical Museum

The Shitaragahara Historical Museum showcases a large range of items and documents related to the Battle of Nagashino-Shitaragahara that took place on May 21, 1575. Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Iyeyasu, warriors who aimed to unify the whole country during the Warring States Period, fought with the renowned samurai, Takeda Katsuyori. The battle was triumphed by Oda and Tokugawa forces who strategically used matchlock guns - weapons that were not yet a major form of armament at the time. This battle has been passed down to generations as a battle which began a new era in Japanese history.

Matchlock rifles were used in Japan from the mid-16th century to the end of the 19th century. The fact that these rifles did not undergo much change for a period of 250 years from the 17th century speaks to us about a time when the country entered a peaceful era of the Edo Period.

A large number of ammunitions (bullets) with a diameter of 10mm found from the battle are on display. Visitors of the museum can understand the extent of matchlock guns of the Warring States Period.

Hiondori is a festival that was started by local residents who wished to memorialize the dead soldiers of the Battle of Nagashino-Shitaragahara. Every year on August 15, a giant torch-based fire festival is held at “Shingen Mound” (the grave where the soldiers were buried). This festival has continued for more than 400 years.

For about 200 years from the mid-17th century to the mid-19th century, Japan was in the period of “National Isolation”. Since the mid-19th century, Japan had been asked to take part in international trade with the United States of America, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, France, and Russia. Iwase was the diplomat who signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce that opened the country to foreign trade in 1858. He was the third-born son to the lord of Shitaragahara in Shinshiro. Honoring Iwase’s efforts, a bronze statue of him stands here today.

From Toyohashi Station (Shinkansen stop), take the JR Iida Line to Mikawa-Togo Station (~50 minutes), 15-minute walk from station

From the Shin Tomei Expressway, 5-minute drive from Shinshiro IC

9AM~5PM (last entry at 4:30PM)

Tuesdays (If a national holiday falls on a Tuesday, the next weekday will be closed.)
New Year Holidays (December 29 ~ January 3)

Shitaragahara Historical Museum

552 Shingenbara Takehiro Shinshiro, Aichi 441-1305 Japan

Phone 0536-22-0673 (Phone inquiries can only be made in Japanese.)

E-mail shitara@city.shinshiro.lg.jp

(Please contact us by e-mail for any inquiries in English. Our staff will make the best effort to respond within 2 business days.)

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