Museums

The Naito Memorial Hall

The Naito Memorial Hall was built on the site where the western citadel of the Nobeoka Castle (the Nobeoka Naito Family Palace) was formerly situated. The museum houses and exhibits many precious artifacts, such as Noh masks, calligraphy, and paintings, which tell the history of Nobeoka's feudal clan. When you step in to the beautiful Japanese landscaped garden at the Naito Memorial Hall, you can find comfort and quiet simplicity in the clear pond and artificial small hills with specially shaped stones. At the back of the garden there is a straw-thatched tea house named "Seishi an", which expresses the feeling and soul of the tea ceremony.
The museum possesses 66 Noh masks which were donated by the Naito Family. Amongst them, there are as many as 30 masterpieces by six Noh mask artists who were conferred the title of "Tengaichi" (the best in the world at their craft). They date back from between the Momoyama Era to the beginning of the Edo Era. The collection of Noh masks is extremely valuable.

Information

Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00
The museum is closed from December 31 to January 3.
Admission to the museum is free.

Access

Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Nobeoka Station.
Japanese name: Naito Kinen-kan (内藤記念館)

Takamori Saigo Memorial Hall

In the 1877 (Meiji 10) the Satsuma Rebellion broke out. The battle raged between government troops and a troop of men being led by Takamori Saigo. After suffering several serious defeats, it is said that Takamori Saigo set up camp with his remaining troops in the Tawarano of Kitagawa. From there he proceeded to attack Enotake where he gained a decisive victory and then marched on to the battle of Shiroyama in Kagoshima where he was defeated and committed ritual suicide. Kodama Kumashiro's Estate, which formed the final camp of Saigo's troops at Tawarano, was designated as a prefectural historical landmark on the 5th December, 1933 (Showa 8). The estate is now a museum of Takamori Saigo's encampment and lodgings and some of his personal belongings as well as related articles are exhibited there. 

Information

Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00
The museum is closed on national holidays, Mondays following national holidays (Observed) and the New Year period - December 29th to 3rd January.
Entrance to the museum is free. 

Access

Approximately 15 minutes from JR Nobeoka Station or 3 minutes walk from Tawarano bus stop.
Japanese name: Saigo Takamori Shiryou-kan (西郷隆盛資料館)