SagaTravel

Okuma Shigenobu Memorial Hall (大隈重信記念館)

Flow of the course

About 60 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: One of Japan's Oldest Movable Bridges with Girders That Rise to the Sky

About this spot

A memorial hall standing at the birthplace of Okuma Shigenobu, founder of Waseda University and twice Prime Minister of Japan. Next door, the birthhouse where the Marquis Okuma spent his childhood is preserved as a nationally designated historic site. Through displays of personal effects and documents, the museum traces the life of a boy born into a samurai family of Saga Domain who rose to become a leading statesman and educator in modern Japan. Touching the footprints of the Marquis Okuma, who never feared challenges, brings a refreshing clarity to your journey from the morning. This is a place you'll want to visit at leisure in the quiet morning hours, taking in the town scenery of Mizuge, which retains echoes of the castle town.

Tips

The birthhouse has traditional architecture with steps and dark areas, so watch your footing. It's recommended to take your time viewing both the memorial hall and the birthhouse. Nearby are other historical spots such as Saga Castle ruins; if time permits, you might add a town walk.