“He will fight wherever there are war and he can fight for the shogunate” he once declared. This quote encapsulates the spirit of the man we honor here at the \u571f\u65b9\u6b73\u4e09\u8cc7\u6599\u9928.
Welcome to the \u571f\u65b9\u6b73\u4e09\u8cc7\u6599\u9928 a private museum in Hino Tokyo. It is dedicated to the life and legacy of Hijikata Toshizo. He was the vice commander of the Shinsengumi.
The museum stands on the very land where Hijikata Toshizo spent his formative years. This is his family’s former residence. Remarkably the museum is run by Hijikata’s descendants.
Originally the residence remained largely unchanged until 1990. Later a renovation opened a portion of the home to the public. In 1994 on the anniversary of Hijikata’s death the \u571f\u65b9\u6b73\u4e09\u8cc7\u6599\u9928 opened its doors. In spring 2005 the museum tripled in size. This allowed for the display of previously unseen artifacts.
Stepping inside you will notice a beam at the entrance. It is a remnant of the original house. This great black pillar is said to be the very one against which young Hijikata tested his strength.
In the garden a bamboo grove thrives. Hijikata planted it as a boy of 17 or 18. He declared he would become a warrior. He would make his name known throughout the land.
Inside the \u571f\u65b9\u6b73\u4e09\u8cc7\u6599\u9928 you will find personal effects of Hijikata. There are items related to the Ishida San Yaku a family medicine. The museum also displays tools that offer a glimpse into daily life. They show what it was like in Hino during his time.
Among the notable items is the Wakizashi Kanesada. It is a designated cultural property of Hino City. This sword once belonged to Matsudaira Katamori. He gifted it to Hijikata. The sword returned to the Hijikata family after his death. The hilt is on permanent display. The blade is showcased around the anniversary of Hijikata’s death on May 11.
Also displayed is the Hougyoku Haiku Collection. This is a compilation of Hijikata’s poems. It offers insight into his literary inclinations. One verse reads “If you get lost follow the path of love”. These poems are considered amateurish by experts.
The \u571f\u65b9\u6b73\u4e09\u8cc7\u6599\u9928 faced challenges in recent years. In late October 2022 it went into long-term closure. This was due to difficulties in managing it privately. However it reopened on May 11 2024 marking its 30th anniversary.
Stepping through these doors is like stepping back in time. You are walking in the footsteps of a true samurai. The \u571f\u65b9\u6b73\u4e09\u8cc7\u6599\u9928 is not just a museum it is a testament to a life lived with unwavering conviction. It is a tribute to a man who embodied the spirit of the samurai.