Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

This historical museum in Asahikawa, once a prominent military hub, offers an engaging introduction to the intertwined history of Hokkaido’s frontier development and national defense with about 2,500 significant exhibits.

Asahikawa flourished as the base for the Former Imperial Japanese Army's 7th Division, which was once the largest in the country. The museum showcases an extensive collection that tells the story of the Tondenhei (pioneer soldiers) from the Meiji era, including authentic uniforms, equipment, personal diaries, and photographs of rigorous training. As you browse the rows of original military attire and meticulously detailed maps, you can almost feel the weight of the fabric and the tension of a bygone era.

The exhibits trace the evolution from the post-war National Police Reserve and its successor forces to the current JGSDF 2nd Division, which continues to grow alongside the local community. Stepping into the exhibition rooms, you are met with a dignified silence that honors the gravity of history. Through life-sized models and immersive video displays, visitors can experience the pulse of daily life from different periods. The museum provides a rare opportunity to retrace the foundations of Asahikawa—a city that built its core industries, such as agriculture and furniture making, upon its unique military heritage, still deeply rooted in the city today.