Guida
The Mitsure Mori Memorial Museum was established to honor Mitsure Mori, a native of the Yoshikawa district in Kibi Central Town, Okayama Prefecture, and a renowned landscape scholar of the Showa era. After studying Japanese painting at the Nihon Art School, Mori mastered landscape architecture through self-study, leaving behind many modern karesansui (dry landscape) gardens across Japan. The museum exhibits precious materials such as calligraphy left by Mori, as well as the gardens and tea rooms he was deeply involved in creating. Visitors can experience a unique worldview where traditional Japanese aesthetics fuse with modern sensibilities within a tranquil environment.
Mitsure Mori mastered the profound arts of tea ceremony and flower arrangement while also dedicating himself to the identification and preservation of ancient gardens throughout Japan. While respecting tradition, he introduced a modern style to his designs, leaving a significant mark on the world of Japanese landscaping. This museum serves to pass down his achievements to future generations in his birthplace, Kibi Central Town. The exhibits include works such as the 'Great History of Japanese Gardens' (produced with the cooperation of the Kyoto Rinsen Association) and detailed measurement drawings of famous gardens, allowing visitors to deeply understand his contributions to landscape architecture.
The greatest appeal of the museum lies in its precious exhibits and the historic architectural structures situated on the grounds.
The museum offers a peaceful atmosphere where the gardens change expression with each season. The beauty of the karesansui is particularly striking during the daytime when sunlight hits the white sand, making the ripples and stone arrangements appear vivid. The museum is open from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 15:00 on Sundays and holidays. We recommend checking the schedule before your visit.
This is a cultural facility primarily for the appreciation of exhibits and gardens. Through the displays and relocated tea rooms, you can learn about the landscape architecture knowledge Mori built, the spirit of the tea ceremony, and the aesthetics of modern karesunsui. You can experience the traditional Japanese spatial composition while gazing at the gardens in silence.
The museum is located in the Yoshikawa district of Kibi Central Town. Nearby, you can visit the historic Yoshikawa Hachiman-gu Shrine, which dates back to the Heian period. Other nearby cultural spots include the Kibi Kogen Resort Hotel and the Yoshikawa History and Folklore Museum, making for a rich cultural stroll.
To protect the exhibits and historic buildings, visitors are asked to observe the facility quietly. Since you will need to remove your shoes in certain areas, we recommend wearing easy-to-remove footwear. Touching the exhibits is strictly prohibited. Regarding photography, restrictions may apply depending on the area; please follow the local signage and staff instructions.