National Museum of Japanese History

The National Museum of Japanese History is a state-operated history museum in the Jōnaichō district of Sakura that traces the development of the country through six permanent exhibition halls. The collection ranges from prehistoric finds to 20th century items and provides an overview of social changes.

Architect Yoshinobu Ashihara designed the museum complex, which opened on March 16, 1983, under the direction of Mitsusada Inoue. The building emerged as a central institution for research and presentation of the country's past.

The collection shows how daily life evolved in Japan across centuries through objects people used for work, clothing, and food preparation. Tools and household items reveal shifts in craftsmanship and social organization through different periods.

Visitors using public transport should exit at Keisei-Sakura Station and follow signs toward the museum, a walk of about 15 minutes. From JR Sakura Station the walk is longer, roughly half an hour through the surrounding area.

The garden on the grounds grows plants that people in Japan once used for food, medicine, and dyes. Visitors can see which species played a role in daily life of earlier times and how they were processed.

Location: Jōnaichō

Inception: April 14, 1981

Founders: Mitsusada Inoue

Architects: Yoshinobu Ashihara

Official opening: March 16, 1983

Address: 千葉県佐倉市城内町117

Website: https://rekihaku.ac.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.72450,140.21908

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:53