Miho Museum

Welcome to the verdant mountains of Shiga Prefecture, a serene escape located just an hour outside the bustling historical streets of Kyoto. We are standing in a region steeped in cultural heritage, near the town of Shigaraki,…

Our physical journey begins here at the Information Center, the first structure that welcomes visitors after the long, winding ascent up the mountain. Getting to this remote location is an adventure in itself. …

As the paved approach continues, you find yourself entering a breathtaking avenue lined with magnificent trees. If you have timed your visit for the middle of April, you are in for an extraordinary visual feast. …

You have now arrived at the entrance of the tunnel, a profound architectural feature that bores directly through the solid rock of the mountain ridge. As you step inside, the immediate shift in your environment is palpable. …

Emerging from the cool, echoing confines of the tunnel, you are instantly met with a breathtaking expanse of space and light. You are now stepping onto an astonishing feat of engineering, a magnificent suspension bridge that…

Having crossed the suspension bridge, you have finally arrived at the entrance courtyard of the Miho Museum. Standing before the main structure, you are witnessing a masterclass in architectural sensitivity and restraint. …

As you cross the threshold and step into the main reception hall, the visual impact is immediate and dramatic. While the exterior of the museum remained demure and largely hidden within the earth, the interior suddenly explodes…

Moving from the sunlit reception area, you descend into the subterranean galleries, the protective vaults that house the magnificent Shumei collection. The museum holds approximately three thousand remarkable items, spanning from…

After immersing yourself in the profound depths of the ancient galleries, it is time to slowly resurface and reflect on your journey. As you navigate your way back toward the upper levels, make sure to visit the area overlooking…

As our time at the Miho Museum draws to a close, and you prepare to make the long journey back down the mountain toward Kyoto or the nearby pottery town of Shigaraki, I invite you to pause for one final moment of reflection. The…