Permanent Exhibition Room

Prologue: The Climate of Mikawa That Produced The Ruler of all of Japan

Okazaki was deeply connected with the Genji and Ashikaga Clans throughout the Kamakura (1185 to1333) and Muromachi (1336 to 1573) Periods.
This section introduces the background of the area focusing on Ashikaga Takauji and Minamoto Yoritomo.

1. The Emergence of the Matsudaira clan and its Vassals

Okubo Hikozaemon, the autohr of "Mikawa Monogatari" (The Story of the Mikawa Region), guides visitors through the history of the Matsudaira Clan from its founder, Matsudaira Chikauji, to seventh-generation descendent Kiyoiye with computer graphics and fascinating artifacts.

2. Iyeyasu's birth to hostage period

Iyeyasu was born in Okazaki Castle as Takechiyo (his infant name, later changed to Motoyasu), the first son of Matsudaira Hirotada (8th generation of the Matsudaira Clan), Iyeyasu was held captive by the Oda and Imagawa clans for 12 years from when he was six years old. This difficult time for Iyeyasu and his family is depicted in images and artifacts.

3. Iyeyasu's conquest of Mikawa

When Imagawa Yoshimoto was killed in the battle of Okehazama, Iyeyasu escaped and returned to Okazaki. In order to conquer the Mikawa Region, he cut all ties with Imagawa and become independent through the insurgence which is displayed in pictures in the museum.

4. Iyeyasu during Oda's and Toyotomi's ruling

After conquring Mikawa, Iyeyasu waged war against the Takeda clan. After the death of Nobunaga, Iyeyasu took control of Kai and Shinano. Iyeyasu became the lord of five provinces and finally engaged in a battle with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The battle of Sekigahara comes to life in large pictures; a large moving diorama and color screen displays.

5. Iyeyasu as the founder of the Edo Period

In 1600 Iyeyasu fought against the troops of Ishida Mitunari at Sekigahara and won. In 1603 he was appointed Shogun and established the Edo Shogunate. Two years later he assigned the position of Shogun to his son Hidetada and resigned from the official post as the Shogunate, but continued to exerise influence as a retired shogun. He exterminated the Toyotomi clan during two battles in Osaka, eradicating every potential enemy. This section of the museum illustrates the latter part of Iyeyasu's life until he died at the age of 75 and includes his portrait.

Touch the numbered areas on the map to start the audio guidance.

You can stop the audio by pressing ‘Cancel’. Why not explore Okazaki Park with the Audio Map? It’s very simple! Use the Voice Pen to point at various places on the map. You’ll hear explanations about each spot and discover all sorts of things that you never knew about Okazaki and Tokugawa Iyeyasu. You can also use the Voice Pen inside Okazaki Castle and the Iyeyasu Museum to hear detailed explanations of the items on display. There are two routes to explore ? a 90 minute course and a 2 hour course ? so be sure to give the audio tour a try!

Floor Map and Exhibition Information

1F (1st Floor)

Special Exhibition Room

Various exhibitions related to Iyeyasu and the Mikawa Warriors featuring the many resources, art works, weapons and armor owned by the museum.

1st Floor Exhibition Room

Ever-changing exhibition of items donated or entrusted to the museum including historical materials art works.

Video Room

Videos on Okazaki Castle and Iyeyasu including the "Find Tokugawa Iyeyasu"quiz.
Full of information on Iyeyasu and the Mikawa Warriors.

BF(Basement)

Battle of Sekigahara

Hands-on Exhibition