Guida
The Hirozawa Museum, located in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a stunning museum designed by the world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The most striking feature of this museum is its architectural design, which utilizes approximately 6,000 tons of natural stone, comprising 1,500 massive boulders. These stones are arranged to wrap around the building, creating a unique landscape where architecture and nature become one. The grounds feature a lawn garden, a bamboo garden, and an authentic Japanese garden, all designed so that they can be viewed beautifully from within the museum building. This space, where stone, greenery, and architecture harmonize, brings a sense of profound serenity to every visitor.
Opened on January 2, 2021, the Hirozawa Museum embodies the philosophy of Kengo Kuma, an architect famous for projects like the New National Stadium. The concept of this museum is to make 'stone the protagonist.' The names of the gardens were bestowed by Susumu Nakanishi, a leading scholar of the Man'yoshu and the man credited with proposing the 'Reiwa' era name, adding a layer of historical depth. The building is designed to 'mature with time,' emphasizing the process of the stones and trees blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment over many years.
The greatest charm of the museum is the fusion of architecture and garden. A primary highlight is the 'Tsukuhano Garden,' which consists of three distinct areas: the 'Kiyora Garden,' the 'Homura Garden,' and the 'Shijima Garden.' These gardens, crafted by garden designer Chuichi Saito and landscape architect Shunsaku Miyagi, allow visitors to enjoy the interplay of natural stone and seasonal plants. Additionally, the exhibition rooms showcase works by representative Japanese painters and ceramic artists, where the modernity of the architecture meets the traditional beauty of the art. The stone walls and the meticulously raked sand patterns of the Karesansui (dry landscape) gardens also provide a captivating visual experience.
The museum reveals different faces depending on the season. October and November are particularly recommended, as the clarity of the autumn air highlights the textures of the stones and the vibrant greenery. During the bright daylight hours, the glass-walled architecture reflects the surrounding nature, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow. For those seeking deep silence and contemplation, visiting during quieter hours is ideal.
Visiting the Hirozawa Museum is more than just viewing art; it is an immersive experience of space. Viewing the meticulously designed Japanese gardens from specific angles within the building allows you to feel the harmony between man-made structures and nature. You can also explore the architectural models to understand Kengo Kuma's design philosophy. Surrounded by natural stones, you can experience the Japanese spiritual concepts of 'silence' and 'Zen' through visual and spatial perception.
The area around Chikusei City, Ibaraki, is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy the seasonal landscapes of the Kuji River or the Okukuji region, famous for local specialties like soba noodles and sweetfish (ayu). Nearby spots like Hananuki Valley and Ryujin Dam also offer beautiful natural scenery, making it a perfect destination for a scenic drive or a nature walk.