Takataya Kachi(Kahei) Memorial Museum

Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum is dedicated to Kachi Takadaya, one of Japan's leading merchants of the sea, who was active in the late Edo period (1769-1827).

The museum is located in Tsushi, Goshiki-cho, Sumoto City, where Kachi Takadaya was born and raised, and in his later years he contributed to the development of the region by investing his personal fortune.

In this article, we will provide some tourist tips as well as the attractions we found when we actually visited the Takataya Honor Museum and the Museum of History and Culture.

About Takataya Kachi

Born in 1769 in Tsushi, Goshiki-cho, Sumoto City, Takataya Kachi made a name for himself as a pioneer in the shipping business, pioneer of the Ezo region, and pioneer of private diplomacy between Japan and Russia. 22 years old, he moved his base to Hyogo, and later to Hakodate (Hakodate), where he prospered as a merchant under the shogunate. He also devoted himself to pioneering activities in the north, including the development of shipping routes and new fishing grounds in the Northern Territories, and his achievements are well known as the main character in "Rape Blossoms Offshore" by the famous historical novelist Ryotaro Shiba.

Contents

Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum Tourist Attractions
Exhibits at Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum
Places of interest related to Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum
Overview of Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum

Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum Tourist Attractions

Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum introduces the life of Kachi Takataya by dividing his life into several themes. Among them, an exhibition of materials on the Kitamae Ship and the "Takataya" shipping business provides visitors with an insight into the merchant shipping business in the late Edo period.

Also on display are materials related to the Ainu people and the northern frontier, as well as records of the Golonin Incident between Japan and Russia, in which the Ainu were captured by Russia, giving visitors an insight into the international situation of the time.

This is a fascinating sightseeing spot for those who want to learn not only about the history of the region but also about the history of Japan.

What is Kitamae-bune?

Kitamae-bune were merchant ships that flourished as an important economic route between Osaka and Hokkaido from the Edo period to the Meiji period. These ships traveled around the Sea of Japan, trading goods at their ports of call and transporting resources, especially those of Hokkaido, to Honshu. Takataya Kachi was one of the key players. He expanded trade with Hokkaido with his own ships and used the network of Kitamae-bune to trade goods to and from many port towns.

Exhibits at Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum

The exhibits in the Takataya Honor Hall and Museum of History and Culture are mainly divided into the following areas: ships, Takataya, Ainu, northern exploration, and Russia.

In the area related to ships, the changes that the shipping business brought about in the society of the time are introduced, along with valuable materials such as ship models, anchors, route maps, and ship's equipment.

In the area related to Takataya, visitors can learn about the trading stamps and equipment used by Takataya, as well as the residence on Awaji Island where he spent the last years of his life.

In the area related to the Ainu and northern exploration, maps, related books, and ethnic costumes of the time are kept.

In the area related to Russia, there are a variety of exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the history of the Golonin Incident.

Places of interest related to Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum

The Kitamae-bune in which Kachi Takataya played an active role was recognized as a Japanese Heritage Site in April 2017. This Japanese Heritage Site includes the following items in addition to the Takataya-Related Archives (Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum).

Overview of Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum

Name	Takataya Kachi Memorial Museum
Address	1087 Miyakoshi, Goshiki-cho, Sumoto City, Hyogo Prefecture
Phone	0799-33-0354
Official WEB	https://www.takataya.jp/nanohana/otherLang/en/kahe_abstract/en_kachi.htm
Opening hours	10:00-17:00
Closed	Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a holiday)
Admission	Adults 500 yen, college and high school students 300 yen, junior high and elementary school students 200 yen
Parking	150 cars
Parking fee	Free
Access	Public Transportation: 1 minute walk from the bus stop "Wellness Park Goshiki". By car: 30 minutes by car from the Beiro IC.