Tokugawa Art Museum

Frommer's Review

Located on the grounds of a former mansion owned by the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family -- with the original entry gate and a guardhouse still intact -- this worthwhile museum houses thousands of documents, samurai armor, swords, matchlocks, helmets, pottery, lacquerware, Noh costumes and masks, and paintings that once belonged to the Tokugawa family, including objects inherited from the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu. There are also replicas of structures and items that once adorned Nagoya Castle, including decorative alcoves, a teahouse, and a Noh stage. Of the museum's 10 National Treasures, most famous is the 12th-century picture scrolls of The Tale of Genji (Genji Emaki), but they're displayed only 1 week a year in autumn (check with the tourist office); otherwise, replicas are on display. Excellent English-language explanations throughout the museum put the displays in historical context. You can easily spend an hour here and in the museum's garden, where you can have lunch.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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