Japan,Revealed through Tosa
Extensive collections and displays about the Tosa Domain and Kochi Prefecture, centering on some 67,000 historical materials and artworks handed down from the Yamauchi lords of Tosa, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Most exhibits are originals, and all ages will enjoy learning about history through the experiential exhibits, videos and other media presentations. Various periodic exhibitions and seasonal programs will also be presented each year. Expect fresh, powerful experiences of Tosa history and culture on every visit.
Information
1F
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1.Information Ticket Sales
Tickets on sale for the 3rd Floor exhibitions.
Wheelchairs and stollers are available for use in the Museum. -
2.Museum Shop
A wide array of Kochi souvenir items, including original Museum products that are available nowhere else.
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3.Kochi Prefecture Information Corner
Learn about the historic cultural attractions in each part of Kochi Prefecture. View video clips, consult the event map, or search out information. Pamphlets are also available.
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4.Castle Town Corner
See the stories and sights of the former castle town onscreen, and call up detailed information. Pick up a walking map, and take a stroll through the castle town.
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5.Hall
Lectures, concerts and other events.
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6.Workshop
Handicraft workshops and experiential classes.
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7.Japanese room
Traditional cultural activities including tea ceremony and seasonal events.
2F
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1.Cafe
Offering snacks and drinks, as well as meals prepared from traditional local ingredients. The terrace has a gorgeous view of Kochi Castle.
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2.Reading Room
Consult documents and databases about the Museum collections.
3F
Huge panoramic view of Kochi Castle!
1. Kochi Castle Outlook Lobby
A gorgeous view of Kochi Castle and the Otemon Gate, and a staue of the castle builder Yamauchi Katsutoyo
Castle in the hand
Can Kochi Castle actually fit onto your hand?
How will you set up your souvenir photo?
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2.Hands-on
Dress up in perfect replicas of samurai helmets and outer coat. Souvenir photos can be made.
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3.Introductory Exhibition
The entrance room to the main exhibitions presents an overall chronology of Tosa history and pictorial maps on the Tosa Domain.
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4.General Exhibition 1 〈History of the Tosa Domain〉
Covering the Sengoku and Edo Periods
(Exhibits are periodically changed) -
5.General Exhibition 2〈The Art and Culture of the Edo period〉
Here we showcase artifacts used by the Daimyo(feudal lords), including armor, swords, Noh masks, and items used for tea ceremony . In addition we introduce Tosa culture, and calligraphy by scholars and writers of Tosa.
“Aspiring Kochi at the End of the Shogunate” is the main exhibition (until about March 2019), with a series of special displays on the same theme.
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6.Special Exhibition
Periodic exhibitions with seasonal or special historical themes.
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7.A/V Corner
Facilities for searching and viewing images of Kochi history and of items in the Museum collections.
“Aspiring Kochi at the End of the Shogunate” is the main exhibition (until about March 2019), with a series of special displays on the same theme.
Visitors
- ◎ Do not touch the exhibits or display cases.
- ◎ Photos permitted only without flash, and without a tripod or other equipment.
- ◎ No food or drink. No smoking.
- ◎ Take notes only with a wooden pencil.
- ◎ Use of ink pens or mechanical pencils is prohibited.
- Runs on many phones and tablets
- Explains the key exhibits
- Includes a quiz for kids, and a guide to Tosa-ben dialect
- Tablets are available free of charge (3rd Floor Counter)
How to Visit the Museum
| Opening Hours | 9：00〜18：00 （Sunday：8：00～18：00） ※Entry until 17:30. |
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| Closings | Open every day during the “Aspiring Kochi at the End of the Shogunate” exhibition (until about March 2019) |
| Entrance Fees |
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| Access |
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| Parking |
※On Sundays, Sunday Market is held and no vehicles can load and unload from the north side. |
Access
Services and Barrier-Free Access
Audio guides explaining the key exhibits will run on many phones and tablets. (English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese) Tablets may be borrowed at the 3rd Floor Counter. ※A deposit of ¥1000 yen is required, and refunded when the tablet is returned. (Earphones provided free of charge)
- Assistance Dog
Assistance dogs for the disabled are welcome in the Museum.
- Wheelchairs, Strollers, Walkers
Mobility aids including wheelchairs, strollers, canes and walkers may be used in the Museum, and may be borrowed, free of charge, at 1st Floor Reception.
- Writing Tablets
Available at 1st Floor Reception.
- Special Toilets
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Floors. An ostomate toilet is on the 2nd floor. Diaper changing stations are in restrooms on the 1st and 3rd floors.
- Medical Aid & Nursing Room
Located on the 3rd Floor. Please contact any staff member for assistance.
- Coin Lockers
100 yen, refunded when key is inserted. Next to the elevator on the 1st Floor.
For more meaningful and enjoyable museum experiences!
In addition to exhibits, lectures and special events are presented throughout the year to encourage greater public appreciation, awareness and enjoyment of the history and culture of Kochi and Japan.
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Museum Lectures
Lectures by curators and other professionals on history, arts and crafts, preservation and restoration. Topics may range widely beyond the Museum displays and collections.
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Workshops for Children
“Excitement searches” in and around the Castle, summer craft workshops, and many other fun learning activities.
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Culture Lectures for Non-Japanese
Lectures and workshops on traditional Japanese culture, tailored to the foreign visitor.
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Special Events
Seasonal and traditional events, walking tours of historic sites, and presentations about ongoing Tosa traditions in Kochi Prefecture.
- Storage and preservation of Yamauchi family legacies and local historical materials
- Research in premodern and modern Japanese history
- Dissemination of information on exhibitions, etc.
- Education of schoolchildren and adults
- Support for historic and cultural industries and tourism