Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum

The Battlefield of Sekigahara is where the fate of early modern Japan was decided. On October 21, 1600, more than 150,000 warriors clashed here in a battle that lasted just six hours but shaped the nation for centuries. Tokugawa Ieyasu’s victory over Ishida Mitsunari, a rival commander, secured his rise as shogun and marked a turning point leading to the Edo period, a time of peace and cultural growth.
Today, the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum brings this history vividly to life. Visitors can step into the drama of the battle through cutting-edge exhibits, including the massive “Ground Vision” screen that maps the movements of the opposing armies, and a powerful “Theater”. You can also try on a samurai battle coat and take pictures on the second floor.
Outside the museum, the surrounding fields contain the echoes of history. Walking routes trace the encampments of famed commanders, while guided tours (with a reservation) led by local experts offer deeper insights into the battle’s turning points. There are also a variety of cycling trails with bicycle rental available to explore the expansive grounds and nearby monuments at your own pace. Within the museum building, you can also find a shop selling over 1,000 kinds of goods, including Gifu Prefecture specialties and local crafts like traditional ceramics (such as Mino ware), blades, woodcrafts, and Japanese paper (washi), as well as original Sengoku-themed souvenirs that can only be bought here.
Whether through the Memorial Museum’s immersive exhibits or exploring the old battlefield, in Sekigahara you can stand at the crossroads of Japanese history.