the late Edo Period, the Tokugawa shogunate’s astronomical observatory was built in the location that is now known as Asakusabashi 3-chome. The facility was responsible for conducting astronomical observation, creating calendar-construction rules, surveying lands, compiling geographical descriptions and translating Western books., The observatory was an astronomical office where calendars were compiled, originally, the facility was called "Hanreki-sho Goyo Yashiki," it was also known as "Shitendai" and "Asakusa Tenmondai." The astronomical observatory was essential in order to create accurate calendars.. Hokusai Katsushika was a well-known ukiyoe artist who was active in the late Edo Period. The Asakusa Observatory, equipped with an armillary sphere, is depicted against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji in "Torigoe no Fuji," which is a print contained in "One Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji" by Hokusai. At the observatory, Yoshitoki Takahashi, an official astronomer, and others observed celestial bodies in order to conduct the Kansei calendar reform. Tadataka Inoh was a disciple of Yoshitoki. (Reference: Taito Meisho Zue)
Troughton Astronomical Telescope (an important cultural artefact)
In 1880 the Meiji Government imported this twenty centimeter equatorial refracting telescope, manufactured by Troughton & Simms. This new telescope was initially used by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Geography Bureau. When the Ministry of Education became responsible for observing celestial objects and compiling calendars the telescope was move to Tokyo Astronomical Observatory (present-day National Astronomical Observatory.)
"One Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji, Torigoe no Fuji" by Hokusai Katsushika
"Hanreki-sho Goyo Yashiki" was located east of Torikoe Shrine. Hokusai painted the astronomical observatory against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji, which was seen from Torikoe Shrine.
Heitengi Zukai (1802)
"Heitengi Zukai," a handbook of astronomy, was written by Zenbe Iwasaki, who was also a maker of telescopes. The book includes illustrations of the sun, the moon and stars, which were observed by him using a refracting telescope.
The Astronomical Herald, vol. 3 (1910)
"The Astronomical Herald" is a journal of the Astronomical Society of Japan, which was established in 1908. Observations of Halley's Comet, which passed the Earth in 1910, are written in the journal.
A variety of Japanese clocks
On exhibit there are a variety of clocks: small pillow clocks, bracket clocks, portable clocks used in front of lanterns, hanging bell shaped clocks (clock mechanisms are embedded inside the bells), Kenbyo clocks(mechanisms are embedded on small inkstone screen-shaped with decorations) and Kesan clocks (mechanisms are embedded in paperweights.)
Pillar Clocks
Pillar clocks are unique to Japan. The clock was first invented in the mid Edo Period, the pre-modern style can be discerned through these Board clock. Pointers attached to weights, which drop slowly in rectangular boxes, indicate the time.
Drum Clocks
A clock with double balances is built in the drum. The name "Sukezaemon Tsuda" is inscribed on the back of the clock.
Double balance large pedestal clock
This large clock has a mechanism made of iron, a sun hand, a lunar phase display, an alarm function with four legs. Historical records cite that it was set on the turret of Mito Castle.
Troughton Astronomical Telescope (an important cultural artefact)
In 1880 the Meiji Government imported this twenty centimeter equatorial refracting telescope, manufactured by Troughton & Simms. This new telescope was initially used by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Geography Bureau. When the Ministry of Education became responsible for observing celestial objects and compiling calendars the telescope was move to Tokyo Astronomical Observatory (present-day National Astronomical Observatory.)
"One Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji, Torigoe no Fuji" by Hokusai Katsushika
"Hanreki-sho Goyo Yashiki" was located east of Torikoe Shrine. Hokusai painted the astronomical observatory against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji, which was seen from Torikoe Shrine.