The Date Masamune Historical Museum is a museum that holds a treasure trove of information regarding the hero of the Sengoku period of Japan, Date Masamune. You are able to learn all about the history of this hero, as well as even try on some armor from the time in which he lived! Check out some of Date Masamune's history whilst exploring Matsushima's various sightseeing spots, it's sure to become an unforgettable memory.
Things to See and Do at Date Masamune Historical Museum
Date Masamune Historical Museum is not only a museum where you can study history but even comes equipped with a place where you can try on some traditional armor from the Sengoku period as well as painting a Kokeshi doll, buying souvenirs, food & drink, as well as many more places where you can create great memories during your trip.
Faithfully Recreated Wax Sculptures
Date Masamune had a very trouble life with many ups and downs, there are over 200 wax sculptures that have been created to recreate 25 of some of the more famous scenes from throughout his life. Within these is an overpowering wax sculpture of Date Masamune riding a horse. There are also 45 additional wax sculptures of other well-known people such as Shikō Munakata, Kenji Miyazawa, Hideyo Noguchi, and more exhibited.
Try on Date Masamune's Armor!
This is a set that has been created by artisans that work on sets for dramas and movies, and perfectly recreates Date Masamune's armor set which was black with golden accents. You can experience the real weight of the armor set as it was back then, and take pictures as Date Masamune wearing the set!
| Fee | Allotted Time | Reservation | Cautions & Information |
| 10,000 Yen (Additional 500 Yen for Eyepatch) | Approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour | Required (Up until the day before) | ・Photographs will be taken with your own camera ・Photos can only be taken within the museum |
| 12,000 Yen (Additional 500 Yen for Eyepatch) | Approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour | Required (Up until the day before) | ・Photographs will be taken professionally ・Pictures will be provided via a CD-R or printed on 127mmx178mm photo paper (2 pictures) |
| 1,500 Yen | Approx. 10-15 minutes | Not Required | ・Photographs will be taken with your own camera ・Can only be performed by visitors to the museum ・Includes an eyepatch souvenir |
Traditional Kokeshi Doll Painting
The kokeshi doll is a traditional arts & crafts item from Tohoku, Miyagi. This is the only place in the world where you're able to create and paint your very own kokeshi doll. The difficult finishes to the doll can be left to the pros that are on hand to help you. You're able to model your favorite character, or even yourself, anything goes!
Other than this, they are also selling some beautiful wooden toys.
| Fee | Allotted Time | Reservation | Cautions & Information | |
| Kokeshi Doll Painting | 700 Yen | Approx. 15 minutes | Not Required | ・Parties of 10 or more require a reservation. ・You are able to take your creation home the same day. ・Holidays: Wednesday ・There are events in which the professional artisans may not be available. (Please confirm beforehand via telephone) |
| Six-inch kokeshi doll painting | 1,200 Yen | Approx. 30 minutes - 1 hour | Not Required | See above |
| Tama cat kokeshi doll painting | 1,200 Yen | Approx. 30 minutes - 1 hour | Not Required | See above |
Check Out the Shops & Restaurants!
There are various souvenir stores and restaurants connected to Date Masamune Historical Museum. Here, you're able to buy some of Sendai's most famous goods, and try some of Sendai's most beloved food items, make sure to visit!
Date Masamune Historical Museum Store
This long-established store contains loads of popular traditional goods to purchase as perfect souvenirs for your journey. There are items relating to Date Masamune, stationery, metal fake swords, eye patches, and many more with a total of 200 unique products to search through.
In terms of food, you're able to buy traditional and beloved foods such as zundamochi, sasakamaboko, ox tongue, and much more, you can even buy some of the prefecture's most loved seasonings such as Sendai Miso, or oil wheat gluten. You can also buy the Date Masamune history original character "Masayan" goods here.
Matsushima Oyster Shack - MATSU
This is a store with all-you-can-eat oysters and barbeque. The ingredients used are directly from the local farms, and the kaki sourced from Miyagi, and you can enjoy them all to your heart's content. Other than oysters they also offer ox tongue and Japanese scallops as well as a range of other seafood and unique dishes. Make sure to try out Miyagi's local cool beer alongside your meal.
Cafe Space - Date Cafe
This is a cafe that is associated with Date Masamune and offers parfaits for you to try! There is the "Masamune Parfait" which has coffee jelly and roasted green tea ice in it, the rice flour dumpling and red bean paste beads, as well as "Anmitsu" (a mixture of bean jam) that comes with a thick and delicious vanilla ice cream.
- Business Hours: 9:00～16:30 (Parfait Last Order 16:00)
Rest Space - Kakesuzuan
Here you can try some light food such as Sendai's famous ox tongue and oysters, as well as Japanese sake. If there's something you're wanting to try from Sendai, Miyagi, here's the place you'll want to visit!
- Business Hours: 9:00～16:30 (Parfait Last Order 16:00)
How to Get to Date Masamune Historical Museum, Entrance Fee, and Business Hours
- Address: Fugendō-13-13 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213
- Access: 10-minute walk from Matsushimakaigan Station
- Business Hours: 9:00〜17:00 (Final admission is 16:30)
- Holidays: None
- Entrance Fee: Adult 1,000 Yen (Accurate as of December 2020)
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