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On Saturday I had the delight to visit the Tsukisappu Local History Museum in Toyohira Ward, Sapporo. It was my second time visiting the museum since being in the city and although little had changed, the displays and the many volunteers running the site were charming and insightful.
Image credit: Hokkaido Digital Museum
The museum is located in a red brick house, about 10 minutes’ walk from Tsukisamu Chuo train Station. The building was constructed in 1941 and has held up remarkably well. When it was first constructed, it was used as the residence for the commander of Japan’s Norther Army, Lieutenant General Kiichiro Higuchi. Near by to the house is the site of the parade ground used by the 25th Regiment, though little remains of the site now and it is currently a junior high school. Following the war, the house was utilised as a dormitory until in 1985 it was finally converted to a museum.
As one enters the building, removing their shoes and cramming their over sized western feet into the comically small indoor slippers, they are quickly greeted and shown in. The museum consists of three main display areas. The first of these is immediately to your left as you enter. It tells of the local area’s early farming history and is filled with tools, appliances and work clothes. In my opinion the most interesting aspect of this display is the 4 large ariel photographs which show the local area evolve over the last 150 years.
Upon moving deeper into the house, you must climb the stairway lined with some fantastic historical photos and then move into the second display room. This features a lot of everyday historical items and personal effects. I thought the room was a bit cluttered and I didn’t really understand if there was a theme, though that could be due to my lack of understanding of the Japanese language. Regardless, there were some amazing artefacts on display, particularly two old fire uniforms from the Meiji and Showa eras respectively.
The final area requires you to return to the main entrance hall before ascending a separate se of stairs. As you reach the top you are greeted with all the portraits of the former mayors. This second floor display was my personal favourite. It consisted of mostly militaria and contained some incredible uniforms. These included the military and civilian attire of General Higuchi who formerly lived in the house. And the crowning piece being a Meiji era shell jacket tucked into the corner which I believe deserves a lot more attention.
Overall, the museum was a great experience, well put together and managed, and left me satisfied. I think it will warrant at least one more visit before I leave Sapporo for good.
Display images by T M, Google Reviews
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