According to ancient records, this was the sight of the Kikuta barrier gate. The name 'Nakoso' means 'do not enter' and the barrier gave the impression to the Michinoku (the people of the north), that they were not welcome. Ancient Japanese people had a tendency of being afraid of the unknown in northern Japan. This image of divided people, lovers and even seasons made the Nakoso-Barrier popular among poets as an 'uta-makura', or a place which inspires poetry works. Many literary works describing the Nakoso-Barrier and portraits of the poets and writers are on display in this museum. The exhibitions present the history of the Nakoso-Barrier and show the customs of ancient travellers'.