Shiga
Enjoy precious art and architectural beauty to your heart's content
This art museum opened in November 9 in the nature-rich mountains of Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture. Based on the theme of "Shangri-La," it was designed by IM Pei, who also designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris. The approach to the museum is characterized by a path lined with weeping cherry trees, followed by a tunnel and a suspension bridge. The collection, which began with the idea of "making the world beautiful, peaceful, and enjoyable through art," consists of approximately 1997 pieces, ranging from a wide variety of Japanese art to ancient art from around the world. Approximately 11 of these are on display at any one time. Enjoy the works of Eastern and Western civilizations, as well as the open space filled with nature and skylights.
The photo shows the tunnel leading to the art museum in May or June, when the fresh greenery is at its best. This extremely popular spot is a must-visit for photography, offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, from weeping cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn leaves.
The entrance hall is enveloped in light pouring in from the glass roof and soft beige limestone walls, creating a space where mountains stretch as far as the eye can see.
The exhibition room has been carefully designed with light and colors to make the artworks look their best. You will be entranced by the beauty that has been created with attention to detail.
Medallion animal motif carpet, Kerman, Iran, Safavid dynasty, 16th-17th century.
A standing Buddha statue from Gandhara, Pakistan, said to be from the second half of the 2nd century. It can be viewed in a luxurious space that was specially designed for this purpose.
The exhibition features the temple's hidden principal image, a standing eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue (first public display outside the temple), as well as other valuable temple treasures and ancient art and cultural artifacts from Omi Province. It provides a broad introduction to Buddhist art in Shiga Prefecture. (Photo: Niomon Gate of Kudara-ji Temple)
To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the "Kan'ei Imperial Visit," when the Tokugawa Shogun invited and entertained Emperor Go-Mizunoo at Nijō Castle, an exhibition themed on Kan'ei culture will be held. Running concurrently with the Autumn Special Exhibition, it will convey the rich and beautiful world of Kan'ei culture. (Photo: White-glazed bowl with circular holes, made by Nonomura Ninsei, Edo period)
Miho Museum
MIHO MUSEUM
0748-82-3411
300 Momodani, Tashiro, Shigaraki-cho, Koka-shi, Shiga Prefecture
Right next to the Teizan bus stop MIHO MUSEUM
10: 00 to 17: 00 (last accepted 16: 00)
Admission: 1,300 yen
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), irregular holidays
Official website: https://www.miho.jp/