Exhibition Room 1

Upon entering Exhibition Room 1, visitors embark on a chronological exploration of Shimizu Port, tracing its development from the age of the samurai to the present day. The gallery opens with a large-scale model offering an aerial view of the modern harbor, allowing them to grasp its distinctive panorama at a glance. Facing Suruga Bay—the deepest bay in Japan—and commanding a view of the iconic Mount Fuji, Shimizu Port enjoys an unrivaled location. Blessed with abundant marine resources, Shimizu Port has long ranked among the nation’s foremost maritime logistics hubs and captivates visitors from around the world with its breathtaking scenery and rich culinary heritage. The narrative next turns to the period when Shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu resided at Sunpu Castle. Recognizing Shimizu’s strategic importance, Ieyasu stationed a naval force at the port and licensed forty-two kaisen ton’ya (shipping firms) to operate there. Following his decisive victory over the Toyotomi clan at Osaka, these firms were rewarded with an exclusive monopoly on maritime trade. At the same time, they were charged with coastal defense and sea rescue duties—responsibilities they faithfully fulfilled for approximately 260 years, until the Meiji Restoration. After the end of the samurai era, Shimizu Port gained even greater importance as a hub for the collection and distribution of goods, as local specialties from nearby regions were increasingly brought there. As people, goods, and culture converged—together with a spirit of mutual assistance—Shimizu Port emerged as a vital intersection between land and sea. Within this gallery, you will encounter merchant ledgers (daifukuchō) that record the port’s vibrant economy, finely crafted lacquerware, and a series of displays that chart the port’s transformation into the modern era. We hope this exhibition will enable you to appreciate how the history of Shimizu Port reflects the broad currents of Japanese culture.