Tokiwa Jinja Giretsukan

Tokiwa Shrine is Mito’s largest shrine, enshrining Tokugawa Mitsukuni (famous as Mito Komon) and Tokugawa Nariaki (who established Kairakuen and Kodokan). Giretsukan is a museum within the shrine precincts that exhibits materials related to Mitsukuni (Giko) and Nariaki (Rekko), offering encounters with “”Mito’s impressive treasures.” Highlights include “”Dainihonshi,”” “”Jindaiko,”” and a cannon. “”Dainihonshi”” is the historical work Mitsukuni ordered compiled; it continued as a Tokugawa family undertaking even after the domain system ended and was completed over 250 years. The collection—397 volumes plus 5 volumes of catalog—is an overwhelming testament to Mitsukuni’s legacy. The “”Jindaiko”” is associated with Nariaki and is among Japan’s largest, designated a cultural property of Mito City. The cannon bears the inscription “”Taikyoku”” in Nariaki’s own hand; it was cast by the Mito Domain and 74 pieces were presented to the shogunate for Edo Bay defense. Access is from JR Joban Line Mito Station North Exit by bus bound for Kairakuen, getting off at “”Kairakuen”” or “”Tokiwa Shrine-mae,”” then walking 1 minute; or by taxi about 5 minutes.