Naoe Kanetsugu Heritage Museum

We've mentioned Naoe Kanetsugu before - one of Snow Country's most famous sons who had a bit of a resurgence recently as the subject of an NHK drama. He was born just outside modern day Muikamachi and spent much of his life in and around Snow Country. For those interested in his life and times there is a heritage museum located in Zenibuchi Park.

The museum itself is a recent addition to the park and the building was moved from a different area to its currently location. Its thick wooden beams demonstrate the high level of craftmanship that was employed to construct the traditional houses and it is supposed to be a similar building to the birthplace of Kanetsugu.

Inside there are displays of weapons, armor, manuscripts and household artifacts from Kanetsugu's period which help you get a feel for life in samurai times. Behind the museum is Mount Sakado which was an important fortified dwelling in his day.

The park too is a beautiful location. In spring it is one of the best places in the area to check out the cherry blossoms and is always full of people enjoying picnics. It also has a large pond ( in which Kanetsugu's father is supposed to have drowned) and lovely landscaped gardens. The hiking trail up Sakado is just a short stroll away