MIYAGI SANT JUAN BAUTISTA MUSEUM
It refers to the first samurai diplomats from Japan to travel to Europe, as well as the sailing ship that supported their voyage.
Over 400 years ago, a wooden sailing ship from Ishinomaki embarked on a daring voyage across the Pacific Ocean.
Its name was SANT JUAN BAUTISTA, later called “The Black Ship of Date Masamune”.
On board were the Keichō Embassy, including the samurai diplomat Hasekura Tsunenaga, who carried the mission to reach distant Europe.
This museum features a 1/4 scale replica of the SANT JUAN BAUTISTA, recreating the vessel that carried these warriors who challenged the world.
Experience and trace their journey through the boundless ocean and turbulent period.
There are three compelling reasons to visit.
Embrace the unique adventure of the samurai.
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REASON 1
Japan’s First Samurai
on Their Journey to EuropeTrace the footsteps of the courageous samurai who set out for distant Europe 400 years ago.
Through the exhibits, you can relive their indomitable spirit and the grand voyage that dared to challenge the unknown seas. -
REASON 2
A Meticulously Reconstructed
1/4-Scale ShipThe ship SANT JUAN BAUTISTA is a one-of-a-kind galleon, blending Western shipbuilding techniques with traditional Japanese woodworking.
Experience up close this noble masterpiece, imbued with the soul of its shipwrights. -
REASON 3
A Scenic View Over the Sea
Where the Samurai's Adventure BeganGaze upon the vast ocean where the samurai set sail with a death-defying resolve.
Here, in Ishinomaki, you can fully immerse yourself in the shimmering waves and the boundless openness of the Pacific Ocean, letting your thoughts drift back to the memory of the great maritime journey that began right here.
Directions
Choose your preferred mode of transportation to match your travel plans.
- Miyagi Sant Juan Bautista Museum
- 30-2 Aza-Omori, Watanoha, Ishinomaki-shi, Miyagi-ken 986-2135
- Route 1: JR Sendai Station → JR Ishinomaki Station on the JR Senseki Line → JR Watanoha Station → walk/taxi
- From JR Sendai Station, take a train on the JR Senseki Line bound for Ishinomaki for 1 hr 28 min and get off at JR Ishinomaki Station.
From JR Ishinomaki Station, take a train on the JR Ishinomaki Line bound for Onagawa for 10 min and get off at JR Watanoha Station.
Then, walk for 25 min or take a taxi for 5 min to reach the museum.
- Route 2: JR Sendai Station → JR Ishinomaki Station on the JR Senseki Tohoku Line → JR Watanoha Station → walk/taxi
- From JR Sendai Station, take a train on the JR Senseki Tohoku Line bound for Ishinomaki (outbound) for 1 hr and get off at JR Ishinomaki Station.
From JR Ishinomaki Station, take a train on the JR Ishinomaki Line bound for Onagawa for 10 min and get off at JR Watanoha Station.
Then, walk for 25 min or take a taxi for 5 min to reach the museum.
- Route 3: JR Sendai Station → JR Ishinomaki Station on the JR Senseki Line or the JR Senseki Tohoku Line → taxi
- From JR Sendai Station, take a train on the JR Senseki Line bound for Ishinomaki or a train on the JR Senseki Tohoku Line bound for Ishinomaki (outbound) and get off at JR Ishinomaki Station.
- Distance 73 km / Travel time 1 hr 18 min
- Parking available (300 vehicle capacity)
Museum Information
At the reception desk, we have implemented a system that translates spoken words in real time and displays them on a screen.
Please feel free to use it for a smoother service experience.
Opening Hours
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. *Last entry 30 minutes before closure *Open until 5:30 p.m. in August
Closed
Tuesdays (unless a nat'l holiday) and New Year's holidays (Dec 28-Jan 4)
View CalendarAdmission Fees
- General Admission Fee
- ¥500
- Group Admission Fee:(for groups of 20 or more)
- ¥400
- Admission free for Under 15s and junior or
senior high school students. - No charge
Cashless payment
The following information pertains to cashless payment for admission fees.
*Please note that payment methods at the museum shop differ.
- Credit Cards
- VISA / Mastercard / JCB / American Express / Diners Club / UnionPay / Nissenren Card
- Electronic Money
- Transportation IC Cards / WAON / Rakuten Edy / nanaco / iD / QuicPay
- QR Code Payments
- PayPay / Rakuten Pay / au PAY / Merpay / Alipay / WeChat Pay / Ginko Pay / BankPay / UnionPay / d Payment
Barrier-free info
Accsessible Restroom
Wheelchair Rental
Wheelchair Lift
Accessible Route
Baby Changing Station
Baby Buggy Rental
Nursing Room
Wheelchair users:
Use the elevator from the parking to the Sant Juan Hall. Wheelchairs are also available to rent.
For visitors with infants:
You can use a diaper changing table, rental baby stroller, and nursing room.
Notice to Customers
To ensure all visitors enjoy a pleasant viewing experience, please observe the following guidelines.
Please do not touch the exhibits
Please use pencils when taking notes in the exhibition rooms
Photography is not allowed for exhibits with a No Photography sign
Eating and drinking are not allowed except in designated areas
Smoking is not allowed
Contact info
Please submit your inquiry in English via the contact form.
*Depending on the nature of your inquiry, it may take us some time to respond.
Calendar
What Was the Keichō Embassy (a Japanese Diplomatic Mission to Europe)?
About 400 years ago, Date Masamune, a powerful feudal lord who ruled the Sendai region in northeastern Japan, embarked on an extraordinary diplomatic plan with a global vision. To establish direct trade with Mexico, Masamune boldly offered to allow Christian missionary activity within his domain as a bargaining condition, and he dispatched the Keichō Embassy to Europe, led by his samurai retainer Hasekura Tsunenaga.
In 1613, they set sail across the Pacific aboard the Western-style sailing ship SANT JUAN BAUTISTA, built in Masamune’s domain, reaching Mexico and then Spain.
There, they were granted an audience with King Philip III and proceeded to Rome, where they met Pope Paul V, the supreme leader of the Catholic Church. Delivering a letter from Date Masamune, they conducted formal diplomatic negotiations—a feat that was astonishing for Japanese people of that era.
However, while they spent several years negotiating in Europe, a major policy shift occurred in Japan: the shogunate strictly banned Christianity. Due to this change in domestic circumstances, the promised trade never materialized, and after a seven-year-long journey, Hasekura Tsunenaga finally returned to his homeland of Sendai.
Facility Guide
Unlock the Secrets of History!
Scan the QR code here for the English guide.
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Setting sail
Set sail on the high seas with Tsunenaga! Realistic sounds and visuals recreate the scene of the ship departing from the modern-day Tsukinoura area of Ishinomaki.
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Globe of All Nations on Earth
Set sail on the high seas with Tsunenaga! Realistic sounds and visuals recreate the scene of the ship departing from the modern-day Tsukinoura area of Ishinomaki.
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Audience with the Pope
A detailed, three-dimensional relief recreates the audience the Pope granted to Hasekura Tsunenaga. The illumination of the colorful image provides a sense of the mood during this moment in history.
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Film Theatre- "Yume-Utsutsu"
Experience the story of Date Masamune and Hasekura Tsunenaga on the big screen in this 22-minute short film. The powerful images combining animation, live-action, and computer graphics are a must-see!
- Watch with English Subtitles!
- Pick up a theater booklet in your language!
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Outdoor Plaza
The dog pool, where the wooden replica ship was on display before the renovation, is now a plaza with a 1/4 scale replica of the ship on display. Make sure you come view this ship that Hasekura Tsunenaga and his crew rode across the open sea.
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VR Tour of the Reconstructed Sant Juan Bautista Ship
With VR, you can freely explore the restored galleon, the SANT JUAN BAUTISTA.
As you adventure through the meticulously recreated interior, you can experience how the sailors lived during that time. -
Reconstructed Sant Juan Bautista Ship Parts
View realistic reproduction of parts from the galleon. The dragon figurehead and the Kuyo crest are impressive sights! Get a close-up look at these ornate decorations.
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The Story of the DATE Black Ship
Large illustrations clearly and thoroughly explain the process of constructing the galleon, life on board, and navigation techniques. Step into this world at the VR corner, where you can explore the galleon's interior!
Ishinomaki City Sant Juan Bautista Park (or simply Sant Juan Park) is next to the Sant Juan Museum. It was created to commemorate the historic achievements of the Keicho Mission to Europe, as well as to contribute to cultural activities involving city residents and to provide them with a place for recreation. At Sant Juan Plaza, which also serves as an event venue, you'll find playground equipment, a grassy lawn, and places to relax.
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Roman-style Garden
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Dream Bell
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Rest Area
The indoor space is where you can pick up pamphlets about the land spanning the Sanriku region and the Ishinomaki area, as well as the Oshika Peninsula. You can also receive sightseeing information from the staff. There is a break space where you can buy a drink from a vending machine and sit down for some food and beverages. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Sant Juan Park Parking Garage
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (The park is always open.)
Parking spaces: 310 for regular vehicles (up to 2.1 meters tall) | adjacent large vehicle and bicycle/motorcycle parking