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Facility Outline |
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The Tosa Yamauchi Family Treasury and Archives houses materials related
to the Yamauchi family - The rulers of the Tosa Domain throughout the Edo
Period.
These materials date from the Edo Period (17th – Mid 19th Century), and
were once found in Kochi Castle and its surroundings. Since the Meiji Period,
they were held by the Yamauchi family in Tokyo and Kochi. Due to damage
caused by earthquakes, political upheavals and bombings in 1945, a portion
of the collection has sadly been lost.
However, the current collection amounts to some 67,000 pieces. These artifacts
were gradually donated to Kochi Prefecture, and by 2004 all family-related
materials became the property of its citizens.
The museum conducts educational programs, public exhibitions, research
and also organizes and preserves these valuable cultural assets passed
down through the Yamauchi family for future generations to see. The exhibition
room periodically changes the materials on display, with roughly 100 specially
selected items on display at any given time. These displays aim to introduce
the history of the Tosa Domain and the way of life of its Daimyo (ruling
lords of a domain).
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Exterior of the Museum |
<The Collection>
Historical Documents: 30,000 (Late 16th ~ Early 20th Century)
Arts and Crafts: 5,000 (documents, pictures, weapons, furniture, Noh Theatre materials, tea-cermony materials)
Japanese and Chinese books: 20,000
Modern Books: 2,000
Historical Photographs: 10,000 |
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Tosa Yamauchi Family |
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The Yamauchi family ruled over the Tosa domain for over sixteen generations
during the Edo Period (17th – Mid 19th Century). The first lord, YAMAUCHI
Katsutoyo (1545-1605) was born into a powerful military family in Owarinokuni
(present day Aichi prefecture). When he was a boy, his father was defeated
in battle and he was left to wander Japan. He later served under TOYOTOMI
Hideyoshi and quickly rose through the ranks. Katsutoyo later fought for
TOKUGAWA Ieyasu in the battle of Sekigahara.
For his efforts, he was awarded the Tosa Domain, and became lord of Kochi
Castle.
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Portrait of YAMAUCHI Katsutoyo. |
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Exhibitions |
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There are regular and special exhibits held in the exhibition room. Both
exhibits periodically change materials on display, and roughly 100 items
are on display at any given time. Regular exhibits focus on the Tosa Domain
and the Samurai class Yamauchi family, giving a comprehensive introduction
to modern history and culture. Special exhibits change themes regularly
and display items directly related to each theme. The museum also contains
a department dedicated to the restoration and preservation of materials.
At the entrance, there is an interactive corner where visitors can touch
Japanese swords and helmets. Photography is also permitted.
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Exhibition Room |
Interactive Corner |
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Lectures for International Visitors |
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At the Tosa Yamauchi Family Treasury and Archives, there is a special
lecture held once a year targeted towards International residents of Kochi
Prefecture. This lecture uses Japanese culture as a means to enhance understanding
of Japanese history. |
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Information |
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Open: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Every day including holidays)
Closed: 26th December to 1st January for change of exhibits
Admission fee: ¥300
※Group admission (20 people or more) ¥240
※The museum shares a discount partnership with Kochi Castle. By bringing
in a ticket stub from Kochi Castle you can enter the museum for ¥240.
Similarly, taking a ticket stub from the museum to Kochi Castle gets you
20% off the entrance price (1 per person, within 3 days). |
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Access |
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※ Located nearby is the Kagami River named by the fifth lord Toyofusa,
the old Yamauchi Residence (an important cultural asset) and the Yamauchi
Shrine.
■Public Transport – Tram and Bus
Get off at Grandodori, walk 300m south from the traffic lights. Turn left at the Torii
(Gate) and walk 100m.
(5 minutes walk).
For more information regarding public transport and traffic, please refer
to this site.

■Car
Roughly 20 minutes from the Kochi Interchange, head south at the intersection
of Denshadori and Grandodori for approximately 300m. Turn into the Torii
(Gate) on the left hand side. (Free parking is available for up to 15 cars
and 3 buses). |
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