See Miyanishi's Miracle World!😻 Visit REKIHAKU National Museum & Samurai Houses

We have a great Meetup for you, combining a chance to explore Japan's BIGGEST & BEST History Museum, the "Rekihaku", plus, a visit to The Sakura City Museum of Art for a look at Tatsuya Miyanishi's, "Miracle World" exhibition:
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"To commemorate the opening of the Yume Sakura-Kan complex, which includes the new Sakura Library which opened in March 2023 across from the Sakura Municipal Museum of Art, an exhibition will be held introducing picture book author Tatsuya Miyanishi. Feaured are his gentle & rambunctious Tyrannosaurus, the melancholy Ultraman, the unique cats, pigs & wolves."
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"Tatsuya Miyanishi's work conveys to children dreams, hopes, and above all, kindness & compassion. This exhibition will explore the secrets of Tatsuya Miyanishi's creative process as he continues to create picture books that grab people’s hearts." - Tokyo Art Beat
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https://www.city.sakura.lg.jp/section/museum/exhibition/2022/202304miyanishi.html
In addition to approximately 260 original drawings of Miyanishi's popular picture books, including his latest works, this exhibition will also feature works from his student days, which can be considered the starting point of his creative activities, sketches filled with creative ideas, and explanations of his drawing techniques.
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The superb National Museum of Japanese History in Sakura, Chiba presents many great exhibitions at a vast facility located on the forested heights in the Castle Park where Samurai lords ruled the region for the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo Period. (1603-1868)
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The grand-scale museum stands on the huge premises of 130,000 square meters. The museum, run by the Inter-University Research Institute Corp, researches & exhibits comprehensively on Japanese history & folklore. Currently, the museum owns approximately 230,000 materials, which are widely used as a shared heritage.
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THE TOUR:
We'll take a pleasant walk from Keisei-Sakura Station, along the historic Narita-Kaido, then through an older residential area dating from Sakura's days as a castle town & up the verdant castle slope to the museum.
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The Rekihaku is filled with so many remarkable things, it can be overwhelming, so we won't try to visit all of the 8 galleries, 3 or 4 should suffice, before we take a break for lunch.
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Gallery #1 is of special interest since it was closed for a 3-year renovation, so we're eager to see many important discoveries dating from the Neolithic, Jomon, Kofun, Yayoi, Yamato, & Heian periods:
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"Gallery 1 covers a period from 37,000 years ago, when humans first appeared on the Japanese archipelago, through the late seventh & early eighth century, when the ancient state of Japan emerged, to the tenth century, when aspects of medieval Japan were first seen."
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https://www.rekihaku.ac.jp/english/index.html
The museum has a good, reasonably priced restaurant where we may enjoy a tasty lunch together, or if the weather is fine, we can prepare in advance for a picnic on the lawn!
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After seeing the museum, we'll visit the Iris Garden (Sakura Joshi Park) located in the old "hori" or moat area of the castle, then hike up to
explore the charms of Sakura town.
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In addition to these 2 fine museums & the castle park, there are many elegant old merchant houses & shops, sturdy, fireproof "kura" warehouses, a beautiful Shinto shrine & a street of genuine Samurai homes preserved by the city, which offers a chance to try on Samurai armor for a great photo opportunity!
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Of 5 Samurai Houses, 3 of them are open to the public. All houses on the street have earthworks & a "living fence" for protection. The appearance of Samurai street has not changed since the Edo Period.
Samurai Residences:
http://www.mustlovejapan.com/subject/sakura_samurai_street/
"Good to see the real thing" "We'd seen this referred to as a Samurai Town & their history always has me interested. They are as built in the early 1820 to 1830. Well worth the visit!"
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Rekihaku offers a Common Ticket for both Museums & Samurai houses:
Adults, just 600 yen or Students 300 yen!
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Many surprises await you in Sakura! SO LET'S ALL GO!
Bring snacks & drinks for yourself & a picnic sheet if you like. We'll stop at a convenience store if needed, after meeting at the station.
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NOTE: We have no set event fee, but donations of from￥2000-￥4000 per person are appreciated! We work hard to plan interesting events & guide you safely to the best places, so please give generously!
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KIDS are WELCOME & free to join with a parent!
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We look forward to seeing you & hope you will invite your friends to join in this unique experience of Japanese culture!
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Bring snacks and drinks if needed, walking shoes & a smile!
🚭 If you smoke, please do so only in posted smoking areas.
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Thanks!
Your organizer, Kerry D. 😎

P.S. Any questions? Please ask soon!