Guide
The Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Museum is a specialized institution dedicated to the collection and exhibition of works by Kaii Higashiyama, one of Japan's most iconic Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) masters. Located on Samashima Island in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, the museum is surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea—landscapes that Higashiyama himself was said to have inspired through his color palettes. While the exhibition area is a compact 277 square meters, it maintains a high-quality collection, with a particular focus on his lithographs. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by the renowned Yoshio Taniguchi, crafted to harmonize perfectly with the surrounding natural environment.
The museum was conceived to showcase the collection of over 270 lithographs donated by Mrs. Sumi Higashiyama, the artist's wife. Since its opening in April 2005, it has served as a vital center for preserving and transmitting the artistic spirit of Kaii Higashiyama. Higashiyama is celebrated for his ability to depict natural landscapes through unique expressions of light and color, with his works often seen as symbols of Japanese spirituality. The museum's location is deeply connected to the very landscapes that served as motifs for his paintings.
Visitors can view a selection of Higashiyama's representative works, including high-quality pieces on loan from institutions such as the Shinano Art Museum and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art. A standout feature is Exhibition Room 1, which boasts a 6-meter high ceiling, allowing visitors to experience the art with a sense of dynamic scale. The museum also features a digital exhibition room and a video gallery, providing multi-dimensional ways to engage with his art. After your viewing, head to the museum lounge (cafe restaurant) to enjoy a view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge that looks like a living painting, offering a quintessential view of the Seto Inland Sea.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the scenery changes beautifully with each season. The museum often hosts exhibitions themed around the four seasons, allowing you to experience the changing moods of his work. The light hitting the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge shifts throughout the day and across seasons, creating a different atmosphere for the cafe view every time you visit. Please note that the last entry is at 4:30 PM, so we recommend arriving with plenty of time to enjoy the view.
This is more than just an art viewing; it is an immersive experience of art and environment. A visit to the cafe restaurant to spend time with the view of the Seto Inland Sea is a highlight for many visitors. You can also find unique items at the museum shop that reflect the aesthetic of Kaii Higashiyama. The combination of nature, architecture, and Japanese painting offers a special escape from daily life.
The area around Samashima Island offers several spots to enjoy the grand scale of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, such as the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park and the Set𝓸 Ohashi Memorial Museum. Combining a visit to the museum with these nearby sites allows for a rich cultural journey through Kagawa Prefecture.
To protect the artworks, photography may be restricted in certain areas. We ask that visitors maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere within the exhibition rooms. While there is no specific dress code, comfortable clothing is recommended for a relaxing stay at the cafe. Payments can be made via cash or credit card. English signage and guides are available to assist international visitors.