Tokugawa Art Gallery & Garden
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Port
Nagoya, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$129
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Take a step back in time at the Tokugawa Art Museum, whose priceless collection was donated by a direct descendant of the first Tokugawa shogun who united Japan in the 17th century. Built on the grounds of the family's former feudal residence, this 85-year-old museum boasts nine designated National Treasure items, 59 designated Important Cultural Properties, and 46 designated Important Art Objects. The privilege of seeing these items cannot be overstated.
The exhibition rooms are dedicated to the symbols of the Samurai warriors — elaborate armor, powerful katana swords, ornate saddles and decorative stirrups. Also on display are tea ceremony items, a formal chamber filled with personal objects and furnishings from the Daimyo feudal lord's residence, and a recreated Noh theatre. Incredibly, you will also see a renowned 11th-century Tale of Genji scroll. The Genji story is widely considered to be the world's first-ever novel. It was written by the noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu and is one of Japan's most important literary artifacts.
Adjacent to the museum is the tranquil Tokugawa Garden. For more than 320 years, this gorgeous open space has delighted those who have strolled past the koi pond, around the blossoming trees and flowers, and past the dramatic waterfall.
Notes:
Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information, and to speak more slowly so you can fully comprehend and converse. English-language interpretative signs within the museum are very limited. Wear comfortable walking shoes.