Chido Museum
The history of the Chido Museum
Tsuruoka City dates back to the Edo era in the 1620s and developed as a castle town. In 1622, Sakai Tadakatsu, the third-generation head of the Sakai Family became the feudal lord of the Shonai District. The last feudal lord governed the Shonai District until the Meiji era in 1869. In 1950, Sakai opened the Chido Museum to improve and develop local culture. The present curator of the Chido Museum belongs to the 18th-generation of the Sakai Family. He is the third curator since its opening.
Historic Nishitagawa District Office
A national important treasure built in 1881, it was relocated to its present site in 1972. Prefectural governor, Michitsune Mishima endorsed a policy of constructing European-style buildings around the district. The Historic Nishitagawa District Office is one of his undertakings. (Photograph at the top of this page)
Exhibits
The Shonai region from primitive times to the Middle Ages
The history of the Shonai region dating back to the Stone Age is about 12,000 years.
Many kinds of fossils, stoneware and earthenware from the Jomon era are displayed as archeological materials.
Goinden - the Retirement Residence of the feudal lord, Sakai (built in 1863)
The entrance, back room, and even the hallways give some idea of the magnificence of a daimyo’s (feudal lord’s) mansion.
Exhibits
Shonai-zao (local fishing rod)
Unique to the Shonai District, it’s made of special bamboo called - - - - -.
Armor (suit of armor) Samurai put on armor to fight in battle. It weighs about 20 kilograms.
Industrial artists that had a connection with the feudal lord, Sakai created art including hanging pictures, scrolls, calligraphy, and lacquerware.
Historic Tsuruoka Police Station
A national important treasure built in 1884, it was relocated to its present site in 1957. This structure was built by Michitsune Mishima according to a design by Kanekichi Takahashi who also designed the Historic Nishitagawa District Office. It has a pseudo-European style common at the beginning of the Meiji era, symbolizing the dignity of the times. This structure is currently under restoration until autumn 2018.
National Important Folklore Cultural Assets Storage
In 1981, a new building was established with seven kinds of items on display.
Bandori: A bandori is a kind of backpack and tool used to protect your back when carrying a heavy load, such as rice, charcoal, salt and tree bark. It is typically made of straw, cotton, wool, wild plants, flax, and tree bark.
Shuki: Lacquered wooden sake bottles (77)
Kurimono: Hollowed wooden vessels (250)
Daihoji-yaki: Pottery fired at Daihoji (234)
Sashiko: Beautifully quilted work clothes (126)
Sea of Japan fishing tackle (1973)
Mogami River fishing tackle (810)
Sea of Japan fishing ship
Mogami River fishing boat
Historic Shibuya Family Home
Built in 1822 and designated a national important treasure in 1969, it was relocated to its present site in 1965. The Taso-minka is a large three-story farmhouse. Its roof is straw-thatched and shaped like a samurai helmet. The house was originally built in Tamugimata in Asahi Village. Inside is an open hearth, a family Shinto altar, and a horse shed. In the olden days, there was a cocoonery upstairs where silkworms produced cocoons that were made into silk. However, now there are many kinds of tools for making rice displayed there. (Photograph at the bottom of this page)
Sakai Old-style Japanese Garden
This is a national scenic location. A shoin is a specific type of Japanese garden. In 1971, this garden was restored to its original condition, and designated a national scenic location in 1976. This garden can be enjoyed throughout the year.
(Sachiko Akai et al., VIPS)
The photos on this page are courtesy of the Cido Museum.