Guida
The Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Museum is a specialized institution dedicated to the works of Higashiyama Kaii, one of Japan's most representative Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) artists. Located on Shaya Island in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, the museum is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, a landscape that is said to have inspired Higashiyama's unique color palettes. Although the exhibition area is a compact 277 square meters, it maintains a high-quality collection, focusing particularly on his lithographs. The building itself, designed by the renowned architect Yoshio Taniguchi, is a masterpiece of modern architecture that harmonizes seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
The museum was conceived to showcase a 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 conveying the artistic spirit of Higashiyama Kaii. Higashiyama is celebrated for his ability to depict natural landscapes through a unique sense of light and color, and his works are highly regarded as symbols of Japanese spirituality. The museum's location is deeply connected to the landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea, which served as frequent motifs in his paintings.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of high-quality works, including representative pieces by Higashiyama Kaii and special loans from the Shinano Art Museum and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art. Notably, Exhibition Room 1 features a high-ceilinged, open space with a 6-meter wall height, allowing for a dynamic and grand viewing experience. The museum also includes a digital exhibition room and a video gallery, providing multifaceted ways to engage with his art. Furthermore, the museum lounge (cafe restaurant) offers a view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge that feels like a living painting, allowing guests to enjoy one of the most beautiful vistas in the Shikoku region.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the scenery changes beautifully with each season. Exhibitions often focus on the transitions of the four seasons, allowing visitors to experience different facets of the art and nature. The light hitting the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge changes depending on the time of day and the season, creating a different atmosphere for the view from the cafe. Since the last entry is at 4:30 PM, it is recommended to visit with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings.
This is more than just an art gallery; it is an immersive experience where art and environment become one. After a quiet moment of contemplation in the exhibition rooms, spending time at the cafe restaurant with the stunning view of the sea is a highlight for many visitors. You can also purchase related goods reflecting the world of Higashiyama Kaii at the museum shop. The stay in this space, where nature, architecture, and Japanese painting unite, provides a special escape from daily life.
The area around Shaya Island, where the museum is located, features several spots to enjoy the grand scale of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The Seto Ohashi Memorial Park and the Seto Ohashi Memorial Museum are nearby and can be visited in conjunction with the museum. Combining the architectural beauty of the bridge with the quiet artistic space of the museum makes for a culturally rich journey through Kagawa Prefecture.
To protect the artworks, photography may be restricted in certain areas of the museum. Visitors are asked to maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere within the exhibition rooms. There is no specific dress code, but comfortable clothing is recommended for moving around the facility and enjoying the cafe. Payments can be made via cash or credit card. English-language signage and guides are available to assist international visitors.