Ikuo Hirayama Museum of Art

Overview

The Ikuo Hirayama Museum of Art opened in 1997 on Ikuchijima Island, situated almost at the heart of the Shimanami Kaido in Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. This is the very place where Ikuo Hirayama, one of Japan's most distinguished nihonga (Japanese-style painting) artists, was born and raised, offering visitors a unique opportunity to deeply explore his artistic trajectory and remarkable human spirit. The diverse exhibits span from documents and personal accounts detailing his path to becoming a painter, to iconic masterpieces such as the "Fifty-three Stations of the Shimanami Kaido" and his monumental Silk Road series. Of particular significance is the fact that he experienced the atomic bombing of Hiroshima City in his third year of junior high school, and his enduring prayers for peace resonate profoundly throughout his works. The museum building, a serene Japanese-style single-story structure, was designed by Mr. Takashi Imasato, while the exquisite garden was crafted by Mr. Ken Nakajima. The garden beautifully emulates the picturesque multi-island landscape of the Seto Inland Sea, featuring a small central hill inspired by Hyotan Island, visible from Ikuchijima. Within the museum, guests can find the "Oasis" tea lounge, a perfect spot to reflect on the artworks, and a museum shop stocked with unique original merchandise. The tea lounge, in particular, invites you to savor dishes made with Setoda's renowned citrus fruits while soaking in the tranquility of the stunning Japanese garden. With nearby attractions like Kosanji Temple and the Hill of Hope, the museum's surroundings offer an engaging area where visitors can comfortably spend an entire day. An added delight for visitors is that many of the artworks are permitted for photography.