The Historic Battlefield of Sekigahara

Sekigahara Battlefield is the decisive site where Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari fought the historic battle that determined Japan’s future. Even today, stone monuments stand on the battlefield and battle flags flutter in the wind. Remains such as Tokugawa Ieyasu’s final headquarters site and Ishida Mitsunari’s main camp site on Mt. Sasaoyama still exist, offering a glimpse into how commanders planned their strategies, surveyed the entire battlefield, and advanced into the clash. It is said that in only about half a day, the Battle of Sekigahara resulted in roughly 8,000 deaths across both armies; the fallen were buried separately at the Eastern Burial Mound (Higashi Kubizuka) and the Western Burial Mound (Nishi Kubizuka). Because highlights are scattered around Sekigahara—sometimes said to be the origin of the “Kansai/Kanto” regional distinction—using rental bicycles is convenient. At the Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum, you can experience the battle through large screens and theater presentations and engage with history through exhibits. At the Sekigahara Town History & Folklore Museum, you can obtain battlefield maps and learn about recommended walking courses for visiting historic sites.