The Kagawa Museum

Located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, The Kagawa Museum is a comprehensive museum where visitors can explore the rich history, culture, and art of Kagawa. Its collections and exhibitions cover everything from the region’s ancient history and the history of the Takamatsu Domain to traditional crafts and modern art.

The museum stands on the former site of Takamatsu Castle’s Higashinomaru and is just a short walk from Tamamo Park, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the historic heart of Takamatsu.

Unraveling Kagawa’s Rich History

The museum’s history exhibition introduces Kagawa’s story from prehistoric times through the modern era. Visitors can explore historical materials, models, and other exhibits that reveal how people lived and how the region developed over the centuries.

The history of the Takamatsu Domain is another important part of the museum’s collection. Historical materials connected to the Takamatsu Matsudaira family provide insights into the lives and culture of the feudal lords who ruled the domain during the Edo period. The museum also recreates the elegant “Hiryūmaru” pleasure boat used by the domain lord for journeys such as sankin-kōtai.

Art and Traditional Crafts of Kagawa

The museum also introduces art and crafts connected with Kagawa, including paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts. Kagawa is particularly known for its distinctive lacquer art, and the museum holds works that illustrate the development of local lacquer techniques.

Among the museum’s collections are works connected with important Kagawa lacquer artists and other artists with ties to the region. Exhibitions change regularly, allowing visitors to encounter different aspects of Kagawa’s artistic heritage throughout the year.

Interactive Experiences and Special Events

Beyond the exhibition galleries, The Kagawa Museum offers spaces and programs where visitors can experience history and culture in more hands-on ways.

・Try on Samurai Armor and Traditional Clothing

At the museum’s learning room, visitors can experience dressing in traditional costumes, including samurai armor and jūnihitoe, the multilayered formal dress traditionally worn by court women. The armor experience includes both heavier and lighter versions, with the lighter armor allowing participants to walk around nearby Tamamo Park. Reservations are required.

・Experience Traditional Japanese Games

The learning room also features hands-on experiences with traditional games such as kendama, spinning tops, kai-awase, and tōsenkyō. Visitors can also see and interact with reproductions and displays of traditional musical instruments and local folk crafts.

・Explore Rotating Exhibitions and Events

The museum regularly changes its exhibitions and hosts museum talks, workshops, and other events. These programs cover a wide range of subjects, from Kagawa’s history and traditional crafts to modern art, giving visitors opportunities to discover different aspects of the region.

 

A Gateway to Kagawa’s History and Culture

The Kagawa Museum is more than a place to view historical objects and works of art. Its diverse collections, hands-on experiences, and changing exhibitions offer visitors an opportunity to understand the people, traditions, and artistic heritage that have shaped Kagawa.

Located beside Tamamo Park and the former site of Takamatsu Castle, the museum is also an ideal place to visit before or after exploring the castle ruins and the surrounding historic area.

Step inside The Kagawa Museum and discover the stories, art, and traditions that have shaped Kagawa.