Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History

The Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History opened in September 1974 in Mito, the capital city of Ibaraki Prefecture. Situated on grounds spanning 72,000 square meters, the museum serves as both a history museum and an archive documenting the region's past from ancient times to the present day. The site itself holds historical significance, as it formerly housed a residence during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and later a Western-style school building from the Meiji Period (1868-1912).

The museum's collection focuses on the history of Ibaraki, housing numerous artworks, historical artifacts, and extensive documentation from the Tokugawa clan, who ruled Mito Domain during the Edo period. The permanent exhibitions trace the region's development through archaeological relics, feudal history, and modern daily life. Beyond the main building, the spacious grounds feature relocated historical structures including Edo-period farm buildings and examples of western-style Japanese architecture from the Meiji period, such as a traditional thatched-roof dwelling, a watermill, and a farmers' meeting hall.

Visitors can explore both indoor exhibitions and outdoor historical buildings scattered across the beautifully landscaped grounds. The museum is particularly renowned for its autumn scenery, when bright yellow ginkgo trees create a seasonal highlight. Every November, the museum hosts the History Museum Ginkgo Festival featuring illuminations. Note that most exhibition descriptions are in Japanese only, though staff members can provide some assistance in English.

Admission costs between 390-690 yen depending on the exhibition. The museum is located just a 10-minute walk from Kairakuen Garden. From JR Mito Station North Exit Bus Stop No. 4, take a bus bound for Sakuragawa Nishi-danchi and get off at Rekishikan/Kairakuen bus stop, which takes approximately 10 minutes. By car, the museum is a 15-minute drive from Mito IC on the Joban Expressway.