Shigemori Mirei Garden Museum

Overview

The Shigemori Mirei Garden Museum showcases the garden and writing room (shoin) designed by Shigemori Mirei, a leading garden designer of the Showa era. Known for his works that blend traditional Japanese garden aesthetics with modern sensibilities, his innovative designs continue to be highly regarded today. The garden, situated right next to the shoin, features ponds, rocks, trees, and offers beautiful seasonal views. The shoin, where Shigemori Mirei once lived, is also open to visitors, including a tea room. Proficient in tea ceremony and flower arrangement, the garden and shoin represent a space embodying his refined aesthetic sense. The museum's garden employs the "karesansui" (dry landscape) technique, a method Shigemori Mirei frequently used, creating representations of mountains and rivers using rocks and sand without water. By incorporating modern sensibilities into karesansui, he created a new form of Japanese garden. The shoin, Shigemori Mirei's former residence, allows visitors to experience his living space. While built in a traditional architectural style, Mirei incorporated modern elements, creating a unique ambiance. For instance, the garden viewed from the shoin's windows is a part of his design, creating a beautiful, unified space between the garden and the building. The Shigemori Mirei Garden Museum offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity within the context of contemporary life. Experience Shigemori Mirei's innovative designs and the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens – a visit is highly recommended.