The Tokushima Domain and the Hachisuka Family
The museum explores the history of the Tokushima Domain from the arrival of Hachisuka Iemasa in Awa Province through the abolition of the feudal domains during the Meiji period. Its collection includes historical records, samurai equipment, works of art, and craft objects that reveal how the domain was governed and how its ruling family lived.
The building’s architecture evokes the style of a traditional Japanese shoin residence, creating an appropriate setting for exploring the culture of the samurai elite. Through its exhibitions, visitors can learn about the Hachisuka family’s political influence, cultural interests, and lasting contribution to Tokushima.
Five Themes of the Permanent Exhibition
The permanent exhibition is organized around five main themes: changes in domain administration, the lifestyle and culture of feudal lords, the structure of the castle, everyday life in the castle town, and the activities of the Awa naval forces. Together, these themes present Tokushima’s history from political, military, social, and cultural perspectives.
Introduction: The Founding of the Domain
The introductory area features a replica of a samurai armor set known as Kawa-tsutsumi Maru-ryūmon Ni-mai-dō Gusoku. It is said to have been worn by Hachisuka Yoshishige, the first lord of the Tokushima Domain, during the Battle of Sekigahara. The battle played a decisive role in the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate and in the Hachisuka family’s acquisition of control over Awa Province.
After viewing the armor, visitors can watch images of Tokushima’s seasonal landscapes and famous sights before continuing into the first exhibition room.
Exhibition Room 1: Changes in Domain Administration
This gallery traces the political development of the Tokushima Domain from its establishment through the end of the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration. Historical materials, including a screen depicting the Battle of Sekigahara and a letter of commendation from Tokugawa Ieyasu, help explain the political circumstances that shaped the domain.
A folding screen showing the territory of the Tokushima Domain also illustrates the towns, villages, and natural landscape of Awa as they appeared during the feudal era. These objects help visitors understand how Tokushima was governed and how its territory developed over time.
Exhibition Room 2: The Lifestyle and Culture of Feudal Lords
This room presents furnishings, personal possessions, and other objects formerly owned by the Hachisuka family, alongside artworks and traditional crafts produced in Awa during the Edo period. Displays recreate aspects of the family’s living environment, offering a sense of the refined tastes and customs of the ruling elite.
Samurai armor used by the domain lords is exhibited alongside works by Tokushima painters and maki-e lacquer artists. The collection reveals the artistic sophistication of the domain and the craftsmanship that flourished under the patronage of its ruling family.
Exhibition Room 3: The Structure of Tokushima Castle
This gallery focuses on Tokushima Castle itself. At its center stands a reconstruction model of the castle’s Omote Goten, built to a scale of 1:50. The model helps visitors visualize the palace complex and the surrounding castle town as they once appeared.
Archaeological remains and artifacts discovered during construction of the museum are also displayed. These finds provide physical evidence of the site’s history and help explain the layout and development of the former castle grounds.
Exhibition Room 4: Life in the Castle Town
Step into the everyday world of Edo-period Tokushima through displays recreating the homes and shops of townspeople and merchants. Exhibits introduce the commercial activity, social customs, and popular culture that supported life beyond the castle walls.
The gallery also features the illustrated guidebook Awa Meisho Zue, which depicts notable places in the region, along with a reconstruction of a public notice board used to display official proclamations. These displays help bring the atmosphere of the old castle town to life.
Exhibition Room 5: The Awa Naval Forces
The final permanent gallery explores the Awa naval forces, which served the Tokushima Domain and played a role in maritime transportation and official travel. Its highlight is Chiyama Maru, a ceremonial whale-shaped boat used by the Tokushima Domain and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The vessel is notable for the vivid fan designs painted along its sides, combining decorative beauty with historical significance. Other exhibits include a folding screen depicting the Tokushima Domain’s official sea crossing during sankin-kōtai, the system under which feudal lords traveled between their domains and Edo, now Tokyo.
Visit the Former Omote Goten Garden
Beside the museum lies the Former Omote Goten Garden of Tokushima Castle, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. This traditional strolling garden was created as part of the castle’s front palace and reflects the landscape aesthetics and refined tastes of the samurai class.
The garden’s carefully arranged scenery offers a peaceful contrast to the historical displays inside the museum. Visitors can also view the garden from the museum lobby, making it possible to appreciate its seasonal changes even while exploring the building.
Combining the museum and garden provides a fuller understanding of Tokushima Castle’s former role as both a seat of political authority and a setting for the cultural life of the domain’s ruling family.
Special Exhibitions and Learning Facilities
In addition to its permanent galleries, the museum has a special exhibition room hosting seasonal exhibitions and displays on particular historical or cultural topics. An annual special exhibition is a notable part of its program, offering visitors new perspectives on Tokushima’s heritage.
The building also includes a lounge, study room, lecture room, and Japanese-style room. These spaces support educational programs, lectures, workshops, and other activities designed to make local history accessible to visitors of different ages.
Getting to Tokushima Castle Museum
On foot from JR Tokushima Station: The museum is approximately a 10-minute walk from the station, making it easy to include in a sightseeing itinerary around central Tokushima.
By bus: From Tokushima City buses, get off at the Tokushima Koen Washi-no-Mon-mae bus stop. The museum is approximately a five-minute walk from there.
The museum is located within Tokushima Central Park, so visitors can also explore the former castle grounds and enjoy the park’s green spaces before or after their visit.
A Journey into Tokushima’s Feudal Past
Tokushima Castle Museum brings together the history of the Tokushima Domain, the legacy of the Hachisuka family, and the art and traditions of feudal Japan. Its five themed galleries offer an accessible introduction to the region’s political history, samurai culture, castle architecture, town life, and maritime heritage.
For a particularly rewarding visit, allow time to explore the neighboring Former Omote Goten Garden as well. The combination of museum exhibits and traditional Japanese landscape design makes this an excellent stop for travelers seeking to understand Tokushima beyond its modern city center.