Enjoy art tours in Onomichi and Fukuyama
Art Pavilion “KOHTEI” (4th piece) Photo: Nobutada OMOTE | SANDWICH
We will introduce representative art spots in Onomichi and Fukuyama, which are blessed with a mild Setouchi climate and rich nature, and have nurtured unique history and culture.
Let's go on a nice art trip while enjoying the scenic scenery of Setouchi.
Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art
Exhibits such as works from childhood to masterpieces from the Silk Road
Hirayama Ikuo is not only famous as a Japanese-style painter, but also highly regarded both domestically and internationally in cultural heritage conservation activities around the world. The museum is located in Setoda-cho, Onomichi, where he was born. The rich nature woven by the blue sea of Setouchi and the green islands can be seen in precious boyhood paintings and picture diaries.
Why don't you experience the original scenery of Hirayama art?
Island Art Museum
Objects that can be enjoyed everywhere in Ikuchi Island
At Ikuchijima (or Ikuchi Island) floating in the Seto Inland Sea, the entire island is likened to an art museum, and 17 sculptures are exhibited. The artist chooses the installation location and exhibits, and you can enjoy various impressions depending on the viewing angle, weather, time, etc. Seventeen works that blend into the beautiful scenery of Setouchi. Try it out!
Onomichi City Museum of Art
A museum where you can overlook the Shimanami Kaido
An art museum designed by world-class architect Tadao Ando under the concept of “an authentic museum that contributes to local communities.” It mainly exhibits works by painters with ties to Onomichi, such as Wasaku Kobayashi, and are loved by locals as well as tourists. It is located in Senkoji Park, which can be said to be the symbol of Onomichi, and the scenery of Onomichi city and Setouchi from the terrace on the second floor is breathtaking!
Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens
A fusion of Zen temples and art
Shinshoji is a Zen temple that boasts a vast site. In addition to a dojo where you can experience Zen training, there are art pavilions, buildings of famous architects, tea rooms, ... In the precincts, you can enjoy Japanese gardens, architecture, art, and Zen paintings.
Particularly noteworthy is the Art Pavilion “KOHTEI” designed by sculptor Kohei Nawa and creative unit SANDWICH.
In the interior space of the huge boat-shaped building, you can experience an installation of light reflecting off the waves in the depths of darkness.
One of the highlights of the Hakuin Collection, which consists of about 200 Zen paintings and ink marks by Hakuin Ekaku, who is said to be the founder of the Rinzai sect's restoration, exhibited at the permanent exhibition hall “Shogondo”. The stunning dry landscape garden in front of Mumyo-in Temple and the main hall is also a must-see.
Art Pavilion “KOHTEI” (3rd piece) Photo: Nobutada OMOTE | SANDWICH
[Featured column]
There is a hot spring in the temple!
~ A rare experience of entering the “bathroom” of a Zen temple ~
The bathroom is inside one of the traditional seven temple buildings (Sanmon, Hatsu-do, Butsuden, Zen-do, Kuri, Toji, and bathrooms) of Zen Buddhist temples. It was built as a place for training practitioners, but it can also be used by the general public.
There is a cypress bath and a bamboo forest open-air bath, both of which are tasteful! Let's remove dirt from your mind and body in a beautiful bathroom surrounded by greenery.
Fukuyama Art Museum
A park-type art museum in cooperation with Fukuyama Castle Park
It has a wide collection of modern and contemporary art works from Europe, mainly Japan and Italy, including works by local artists and artists with ties to the Setouchi area. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there are also special exhibitions that are held throughout the year.
【Featured Column】
Fukuyama Castle Park
Fukuyama Castle Park has a lot of greenery and is also famous for cherry blossoms. Close to that, there is the Fukuyama Museum of Art, Fukuyama Literature Museum, Prefectural Museum of History, etc., and that are also popular as a cultural zone in Fukuyama. Enjoy art and walking leisurely... Why don't you spend a little luxurious day?
