A Place of Relaxation on the Seto Inland Sea

Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture. Here, nestled at the foot of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and overlooking the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, the world of one Japanese painter unfolds in Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum.

Kaii Higashiyama (1908–1999) is one of the leading Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) artists of post-war Japan. Throughout his life, he focused on landscape painting and rarely depicted people; yet, his works evoke a deep sense of human endeavor within the scenery. He was drawn to landscapes born from the interaction between people and nature over long periods. For his subjects, he chose not only natural scenery but also old port towns, the historical landscapes of Kyoto, and foreign cityscapes. What is so captivating about his works, painted across Japan and around the world? The answer lies within this museum.

Kaii’s Memories and the Deep Bond with Kagawa

The location of this museum holds a special meaning for Kaii Higashiyama. Hitsuishijima, one of the islands visible from the museum, is his grandfather's birthplace. Kaii, who grew up in Kobe, a major port city on the eastern edge of the Seto Inland Sea, said that the Setouchi region was an important part of his early childhood memories.

After receiving a donation of works from the artist’s surviving family, Kagawa Prefecture decided to build the museum on this site overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Furthermore, the color of the Seto Ohashi Bridge (light gray), chosen to blend with the surrounding scenery, was based on a suggestion made by Kaii Higashiyama himself. The connection between the painter and the Setouchi region runs deeper than mere family ties.

Moreover, Shamijima Island, where the museum stands, is famous as the place where Kakinomoto no Hitomaro—a renowned poet from the Man'yōshū, Japan's oldest poetry anthology—composed a chōka (long poem) around the 7th century. History and culture are deeply rooted in this land that has been cherished by local people since ancient times.

Philosophy and Beauty of Yoshio Taniguchi's Architecture

The building was designed by the architect Yoshio Taniguchi (1937–2024), known for his mastery of museum architecture. Guided by the philosophy that "the building is merely a frame to enhance the artworks," he created a quiet, meticulously measured space that never overpowers the exhibits.

The design is detailed down to the finest points, including stone walls covered with Kaii’s favorite blue-green color, exhibition rooms connected by a vaulted ceiling, and the breathtaking sea view that unfolds after viewing the artworks.

A stone monument designed by Yoshio Taniguchi's father, Yoshiro Taniguchi, is coincidentally located near the museum. This miraculous chance—where father and son, two generations of architects, have left their mark on this place—is another story that enriches the museum's history.

Where Art and Landscape Intersect

At Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum, you can simultaneously experience Kaii Higashiyama's art and the Setouchi landscape linked to him.

Visit the 1st and 2nd floor galleries to view Kaii's landscape paintings in sequence. Once fully immersed in Kaii's world, descend the stairs to the lounge, where you will be met with a magnificent panorama of the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, numerous islands including Hitsuishijima, and the Seto Ohashi Bridge. This is an unparalleled experience where the scenery itself feels like a landscape painting.

Warm Hospitality in an Open Community Space

Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum is not a large museum. However, its small scale allows for a warm spirit of hospitality and intimacy that is attentive to every visitor. The staff’s deep admiration and knowledge of his work enhance the exhibitions.

The ground-floor café is open to the general public and offers local Japanese sweets (wagashi). Parking is convenient and free of charge. This comfortable atmosphere is cherished by locals enjoying tea on weekdays, families on weekends, and tourists on bus tours to visit larger museums including the Ohara Museum of Art and the Otsuka Museum of Art. Most of all, this friendly café offers the luxury of relaxing with a splendid view of Hitsuishijima and the Seto Ohashi Bridge in the Seto Inland Sea, where Kaii’s grandfather was born and raised.

A Museum Loved Across Generations

To allow more people to enjoy the full range of Kaii’s artworks, the museum rotates its exhibitions six times a year. Two of these are special exhibitions that feature not only Kaii Higashiyama's works but also various other Nihonga and related artworks. This ensures that visitors can always discover something new with each visit. More than 20 years after its opening, the museum is continually renovating, including switching to LED lighting, in order to improve art preservation and the viewing environment.

Come see for yourself how the landscapes painted by Kaii Higashiyama resonate with the natural scenery around the museum and beyond. This museum is a special place where you can connect with the life of Kaii Higashiyama, the beautiful Setouchi seascape, and exchange with the people who live here. Why not make this art journey into Setouchi part of your own travel mindscape?