Attraction Guide: Futagawa-shuku Honjin Museum, Toyohashi, Japan

Futagawa-shuku Honjin Museum Guide

Step Back in Time: Experience Edo-Era Japan at Futagawa-shuku Honjin Museum Guide

Journey back to the Edo period at the Futagawa-shuku Honjin Museum, a meticulously preserved former post station that offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of travelers and officials who traversed the Tokaido Road. This historical site provides a tangible connection to Japan's past, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of samurai, merchants, and pilgrims who once sought rest and respite within its walls. Explore the beautifully restored buildings and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a bygone era. The Futagawa-shuku Honjin served as an official lodging for feudal lords (daimyo) and other high-ranking officials traveling along the Tokaido Road, the main route connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. Established in the early Edo period (17th century), it played a crucial role in facilitating travel and communication across the country. The museum showcases the architecture, furnishings, and daily life of a honjin, providing valuable insights into the social and political structures of the time. You can see the elaborate rooms reserved for important guests, the kitchens where meals were prepared, and the gardens where travelers could relax. At the Futagawa-shuku Honjin Museum, you can participate in various activities to enhance your understanding of Edo-period life. Explore the meticulously recreated rooms, examine historical artifacts, and learn about the customs and traditions of the time. The museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, such as tea ceremonies and demonstrations of traditional crafts. While Futagawa-shuku doesn't have a specific culinary tradition unique to the site, the surrounding area offers opportunities to sample local Toyohashi cuisine, including fresh seafood and regional specialties.

Transportation

From Toyohashi Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Futagawa Station (二川駅). From Futagawa Station, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the Futagawa-shuku Honjin Museum.

Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM). Closed on Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday) and December 29th to January 3rd.

Ticket Price

Adults: 300 yen, Children (Elementary and Junior High School Students): 100 yen