The town of Sekigahara –

the scene of the Battle for the Sundered Realm that marked a turning point in Japanese history

Outline

In 1600, Sekigahara, the dividing point between eastern and western Japan, was the scene of a decisive battle fought between the Eastern Army led by Tokugawa Ieyasu who aimed to unite Japan under his rule, and the Western Army formed to fight the Tokugawa forces under the command of Ishida Mitsunari. Although the Western Army had a slight upper hand at first, the situation reversed when Kobayakawa Hideaki defected to the Eastern Army resulting in its victory. The Battle of Sekigahara, regarded as one of the largest pivotal conflicts in Japanese history, lasted only six hours. Three years later, Ieyasu established the Tokugawa Shogunate at Edo (present-day Tokyo) and took over the rule of Japan. The town of Sekigahara which served as the battlefield of this massive battle abounds today with historic battle-related landmarks. We invite you to come and explore the army base camps and historic landmarks of the Battle of Sekigahara which will take you back to the time of this historic battle. You can also enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings as you stroll around the town of Sekigahara.
7. Sekigahara War Land 6. Kuroda and Takenaka’s base camp 5. Ishida Mitsunari’s base camp 4 .East burial 3. Ieyasu’s final base camp 2. Actual battle site 1. Picture scroll depicting the Battle of Sekigahara

Folk village

Sekigahara Town History and Folklore Museum

The Sekigahara Town History and Folklore Museum displays various documents related to the Sekigahara Battle. The museum gift shop next door sells samurai paraphernalia associated with the battle.
Address 894-28 Sekigahara, Sekigahara-cho, Fuwa-gun, Gifu-ken
Tel 0584-43-2665
Hours of operation (April to October) 9:00am – 4:30pm, (November to March) 9:00am – 4:00pm
Admission fee Adult 350 yen, Child 200 yen

Other famous historic sites

The town of Sekigahara has many important historic landmarks aside from the site of the Battle of Sekigahara

The largest succession dispute to break out in ancient Japanese history occurred in 672. A dispute between Prince Oama and Prince Otomo over the imperial succession to the throne erupted into a fierce battle here in Sekigahara. Today, both princes are venerated at respective memorial Shinto shrines.

Nakasendo, one of the roadways of the Edo period passed through Sekigahara. Many travelers rested and stayed at the Sekigahara-juku or Imasu-juku and stone lanterns and lines of pine trees still remain today as historic landmarks.

Traffic Guide

Helpful Information

Bicycles can be rented at Sekigahara Town History and Folklore Museum. You must sign up at the museum. Fee: Half day (less than four hours) 500 yen, Full day (more than four hours) 1,000 yen
The Sekigahara Taxi stand can be found in front of the JR Sekigahara station. Set sightseeing course of the major historic sites - Time: 1.5 hour, Fee: 8,100 yen
Tourist maps and pamphlets can be found at the tourist office in front of the JR Sekigahara station. (Tel.: 0584-43-5559, Hours of Operation: 9:00am – 2:00pm, Period of Operation: April to mid-November)
Tour guides can take you around the famous historic sites at the time and course of your choice. Set sightseeing courses are also available. Fee: 1,000 yen for transportation + tour guide’s meal. Advance booking is required (Tel.0584-43-2665)

*Tours are available in Japanese only.

Sekigahara Regional Development Division
Tel：0584-43-1112　Fax：0584-43-2120
Copyright (c) SEKIGAHARA WEB. All Rights Reserved.