Okayama Prefectural Museum

The Okayama Prefectural Museum, located in the outer garden of Kōraku-en in Kita Ward, Okayama City, is a comprehensive museum dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of the history and cultural heritage of the Okayama region. The museum opened in August 1971 (Shōwa 46) as part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Okayama Prefecture, with the aim of collecting, preserving, and publicly displaying a vast array of cultural properties, especially those dating back to the prosperous Kibi Province period from prehistoric and ancient times. Its collection includes archaeological artifacts, swords, paintings, armor, and more—among them, national treasures and important cultural properties.

One of the most notable exhibits is the National Treasure Aka-ebisugake ō-yoroi with kabuto and ō-sode (with karabitsu chest), a rare suit of armor from the late Heian period. Crafted primarily from red leather, it retains its original appearance from the time of production, with only minimal later repairs, making it of exceptional historical value. The museum also houses many Important Cultural Properties, such as the Portrait of Ukita Nōie on silk (1524), renowned tachi swords “Norimune” and “Nagamitsu” from the Kamakura and Nanboku-chō periods, and artifacts excavated from the Ōbajima ritual site dating from the Nara to Heian periods.