Sagawa Art Museum

Located in Moriyama, Omi, on the shore of Lake Biwa, surrounded by beautiful nature with views of Mount Hiei and Mount Hira, the museum has a modern and cool atmosphere where nature and architecture are in harmony.

The beautifully landscaped museum features works by three of Japan’s leading art masters: Japanese painter Ikuo Hirayama, sculptor Tadayoshi Sato, and ceramicist Raku Kichizaemon.

Including drawings and sketches, there are over 350 works by Ikuo Hirayama, making it one of the largest collections in Japan. Exhibitions are held under seasonal themes and special exhibits, showcasing a wealth of works.

The museum’s collection also includes a national treasure, the Buddhist temple bell.

A large part of the museum grounds is a water garden, and the gable-roofed exhibition hall has an impressive silhouette that seems to float above the water. The museum’s gable-roofed exhibition hall has an impressive silhouette as if it were floating on the water.

There is also a tea ceremony room, designed and supervised by Raku Kichizaemon himself, which is a very special space. The tea ceremony and tea party are also held in the tea room, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional culture.

Tea ceremonies and workshops for children are also held.

The Sagawa Art Museum attracts visitors with its beautiful scenery and rich collection. Visitors can enjoy the luxury of being immersed in the world of art by experiencing the works of the masters in a space where the building and nature are in harmony.

The following is a partial list of the main collections:.

Ikuo Hirayama’s works: “Prayer for Peace: Battlefield of Sarajevo” (1996), “Loulan Morning”, “Loulan Evening”, “Loulan Moon” (1991)
Tadayoshi Sato: “Hat, Summer” (1972), “Swiss Hat Mina” (1972), “Button” (1969)
Raku Kichizaemon’s works: “Black Raku Tea Bowl with a burnished surface, Mei Shinoshu” (2002), “Black Raku Tea Bowl with a burnished surface, Mei Kaiichi” (2003).
Bonbong Bell (National Treasure): This bell is dated 858 (the 2nd year of the Ten’an era) in the early Heian period and was located in the west tower of Mt. It is characterized by its unique linear shape and unrounded style, and was designated as a National Treasure in 1953. It is currently in the collection of the Sagawa Art Museum.