The Shimanami Kaido is a wonderful road to travel with family or even alone. Japan is a country dedicated to preserving its rich history at every turn. There are local and nationally run museums scattered across the country, and the islands along the Shimanami Kaido are no exception.
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Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art
Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art
On the northern side of Ikuchi Island, the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art celebrates the works of the painter himself. His works, using traditional Japanese painting methods, centered on the historical Silk Road of Asia. A survivor of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima, Hirayama earned acclaim not only for his art but also for his preservation activities. The museum’s extensive collection contains works created throughout his life, even during his childhood, highlighting how his style evolved over the years. The museum is open every day from 9am to 5pm. Entrance to the museum is 900 yen for adults and 200 yen for children.
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02
Ken Iwata Mother & Child Museum
Ken Iwata Mother & Child Museum
Omishima Island is home to the Ken Iwata Mother & Child Museum. Located in the yard of an old school, the museum’s large circular structure houses 44 bronze sculptures created by the sculptor around the theme of mothers and their children. The building was designed to reflect the sounds of the waves and local birds off the walls, creating a sonic illusion that adds another sensory element to the museum. Admission to the museum is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for students. It’s open from 9am to 5pm Tuesdays through Sundays and closed on Mondays.
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03
Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall
Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall
Located in a serene garden on the grounds of the Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island, the Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall holds many artifacts used by samurai during an important era of Japan’s history. On the first floor, a variety of swords and other weapons are on display, some of which were actually used in battle. Also on display is armor worn by Tsuruhime, the young samurai princess who successfully fought off several invasions. Admission to the museum is 1,000 yen, which makes entrance to one of Japan’s most important museums very affordable.
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04
Tokoro Museum in Omishima
Tokoro Museum in Omishima
Many of Japan’s museums focus on historical artifacts and works of art, but the Tokoro Museum in Omishima focuses on modern art by Japanese artists as well as overseas artists. Along with a large collection of sculptures, the museum features truly innovative architecture and astounding views of the surrounding area. Everything about the museum has been carefully thought out to create a unique experience. The museum is closed on Mondays, but otherwise it’s open from 9am to 5pm. The entrance fee is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for students. Children under 18 years old can enter the museum for free.
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05
Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture
Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture
Lastly, the Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture is a must see for architecture aficionados. Toyo Ito is one of Japan’s most acclaimed architects with a career spanning decades. This is the first museum in Japan to be dedicated to the works of an individual architect, and it’s widely considered to be an artistic triumph in itself. If you’re not interested in architecture, don’t worry; this museum will change the way you think. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Admission is 800 yen for adults, children under 18 can enter free of charge, and students over 18 with a valid ID can enter for 400 yen.
- Seto Inland Sea Shimanami Kaido
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- Hiroshima Prefecture Onomichi City - Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
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4.5
133 Reviews -
- Hiroshima Pref. Onomichishi Setodachousawa 200-2
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- 0845273800
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- 9:00-17:00(Latest entry16:30…
View All- Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum, Imabari City
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- Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Omishimachoumunagata 5208-2
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- 0897830383
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- 9:00-17:00
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4.5
3 Reviews -
- Ehime Imabari-shi Omishimacho Miyaura 3327
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- 0897820032
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- 8:30-17:00 (Admission until …
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5495 Miyaura, Omishima cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime, Japan Hiroshima
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- Tokoro Museum Omishima
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3.5
8 Reviews -
- Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Omishimachourado 2362-3
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- 0897830380
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- 9:00-17:00
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2.5
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- Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Omishimachourado 2418
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- 0897747220
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- 9:00-17:00
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1900 Okiura, Osakikamijima, Toyota District