Chido Museum [Yamagata]

【Chido Museum Summary】

The Chido Museum is a facility that clearly conveys the historical architecture, culture, and way of life of Tsuruoka and the Shonai region. Centered around the former residence of the Shonai domain lord (part of the former lord’s residence) after the castle was dismantled in the early Meiji period, it gathers representative buildings from that era, each with its own distinct exhibits. Therefore, it is not just one building, but includes structures like the Tsuruoka Police Station, the Shonai Domain Lord’s Retirement Residence, the Nishitagawa District Office, and the Sakai Family Garden. Beyond the buildings themselves, the abundance of exhibits inside makes it a truly captivating facility. The name “Chido” seems to originate from the former Shonai domain school, “Chidokan.” Admission fee: 1000 yen.

【Chido Museum Tsuruoka Police Station Building】

Completed in 1884 (Meiji 17) as the Tsuruoka Police Station building, it was relocated in 1957 (Showa 32). It is currently designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

【Chido Museum Former Shibuya Family Residence】

The Shibuya Family Residence, originally built in 1822 (Bunsei 5) in Tamagawamata, Tsuruoka City (formerly Asahi Village), was relocated here in 1965 (Showa 40). Tamagawamata once featured numerous multi-story dwellings nestled in its valleys. However, these structures rapidly disappeared as they exceeded their service life and lifestyles changed. This relocated building is one such structure preserved for posterity.

Houses in heavy snowfall areas are called multi-layered dwellings, designed with three or four layers to accommodate space even when snow piles up to the second floor. They are now designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

【Chido Museum Former Nishitagawa District Office】

Completed in 1881 (Meiji 14) as the district office for Nishitakigawa District, Yamagata Prefecture, this pseudo-Western style building was designated a National Important Cultural Property. To protect this cultural asset, it was relocated and restored to its current site. Furthermore, its tower clock is recognized as the oldest confirmed domestically produced tower clock in Japan and is designated a Yamagata Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property.

The first floor houses an archaeological materials exhibition room and a historical exhibition room featuring materials related to the Boshin War and Saigō Takamori. The second floor features an exhibition room displaying materials related to Meiji culture.

【Chido Museum Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties Repository · Folk Tools Storehouse】

The exhibition features 5,350 items of folk materials from the Shonai region, including 8 designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties.

【Chido Museum The Sakai Family Garden】

The Goinden was constructed in 1863 (Bunkyū 3) by dismantling and relocating the Shōnai Domain’s Edo residences in Yanagihara and Shitaya. It served as the retirement residence for the ninth domain lord, Sakai Tadaharu, after his retirement and return to his hometown.

On the north side of the Imperial Villa lies a garden designated as a National Scenic Spot.

【Chido Museum Touken Ranbu Collaboration】

Here too, we had a collaboration with the sword-wielding gentleman (Shinano Fujishiro).

【Chido Museum Nearby attractions】

Yudagawa Hot Springs, Yuzusame Shrine, Chido Museum, Shonai Domain School Chidokan, Shonai Shrine, Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium, Mount Haguro, Dewa Sanzan Shrine

Yutagawa Onsen [Yamagata]

Yuzusame Shrine【Yamagata]

Shōnai Domain School Chidokan [Yamagata]

Shonai Shrine and Tsuruoka Park [Yamagata]

鶴岡市立加茂水族館【山形県】

羽黒山 出羽三山神社(五重塔までの道のり)【山形県】

羽黒山 出羽三山神社(山頂)【山形県】

【Chido Museum Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Shōnai Domain School Chidokan [Yamagata] Shonai Shrine and Tsuruoka Park [Yamagata] Yutagawa Onsen [Yamagata] Yuzusame Shrine【Yamagata]