Sightseeing Guide to History museums in Toyoma, Tome City

Education Museum
The building was used as an elementary school under the old system of education. It was built in 1888 during the Meiji Era and is representative of the western-style architecture of the time. The building has been deemed a National Cultural Asset by the Japanese Government.

Open: 9:00 to 16:30(The same as the other three locations)
Close: over the new year period (usually from December 28 to January 4)
Admission Fee: Adults(individual)400 yen
A group charge applies to 20 people or more. (The same as the other three locations)

Police Museum
This western-style building was built in 1889 and was used as the police station up until 1968. Various artifacts relating to the Police force and Fire Brigade are exhibited here. It is the only police museum in Japan and is deemed a Cultural Asset by the Miyagi Prefectural Government.

Admission Fee: Adults (individual) 300 yen

Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial
The building was built in 1871 as a government office building. At the time, Toyoma was the northern political center of Miyagi Prefecture. Later on this building was used for different reasons such as to house a local court and then as an elementary school. The building is deemed a Cultural Asset by the Tome Local Government.

Admission Fee: Adults (individual) 200 yen

Mori Butai: Noh Theatre and Museum
In Toyoma, Noh Theatre has flourished since the 17th century. Performances involve traditional instruments and masked characters. "Okayachi Nanbu Kagura (Shinto Religious Music and Dance numbers)" are also performed. These performances have been handed down from one generation to the next and continue to be performed by local residents during festivals.

The building was designed to convey the Noh traditions of the area. Traditional masks and costumes are on display in the adjoining museum.

Admission Fee: Adults (individual) 200 yen
(Economy tickets for groups of 5 ) 800 yen
Contact us for guided tours, bicycle rental and other information.
Toyoma Promotion Group *English language services are also available.

Early Christian Community - Kirishitan no Sato (Towa, Tome City)

Sankyohzuka
During the feudal era in Japan it was prohibited to be Christian. However, in some areas people privately followed the teachings of Christianity. It is believed that they hoped this religion would bring new meaning and importance to their lives.

This phenomenon occurred in the Towa area of Tome. In a small area called Yonekawa, there was a metal mine where local people were employed as labors. It is believed that many of them were Christians. In the late 1700s government officials of the Date Clan heard of their beliefs and came to the area to capture and later execute them. Their bodies were buried in three mounds in the areas of Oinosawa, Kainashisawa, and Hohnosawa. Collectively the three mounds were called Sankyohzuka however only one of the original mounds remains.

Yonekawa Catholic Church
In 1954, old documents were discovered in Yonekawa. They proved the claims that the area was once the site of Christian martyrdom. Local people dedicated a church there to the memory of their ancestors. The church is open to visitors and it is not necessary to make a reservation before you visit. Valuable documents and important articles are on display in the church.

Text and photos quoted from Miyagi City official English website.