Unveiling the Enchanting Charm of Japan's Acclaimed Garden for Over Two Decades
Discover the captivating allure of the Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane Renowned for its breathtaking gardens, this hidden gem has been hailed as the most beautiful in Japan for over two decades
In Japan, gardening transcends beyond being a mere hobby; it is an art form infused with deep spiritual meaning.
Despite the widespread attention gardens receive on social media in Japan, the Adachi Museum of Art's garden in tranquil Shimane prefecture remains a hidden gem that holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. Located just a three-hour train journey away from Osaka, this captivating garden has consistently been recognized as the most beautiful traditional garden by the renowned US-based Sukiya Living magazine (formerly known as Journal of Japanese Gardening), holding this esteemed title for over two decades.
The museum and gardens, although receiving recognition from abroad, remain less recognized compared to those in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Numerous Western tourists visiting Japan may find themselves perplexed when exploring a Japanese garden, as they may not encounter a single flower. Japanese gardens prioritize various plant types, such as moss, trees, or even a carefully sculpted arrangement of rocks in a bed of sand. These gardens are not solely focused on vibrant and large blossoms; instead, they possess a more understated and intricate beauty.
According to Sophie Walker, author of "The Japanese Garden," gardens in Japan strive for a level of artistic excellence that is often lacking in Western gardens. The concept of "mitate" allows for the imagination to transcend reality. For instance, one can perceive a small rock as a vast mountain. This is what makes Japanese gardens so impactful - they rely on the viewer's perspective. The state of one's mind greatly influences the experience.
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A sense of place
The Adachi Museum of Art showcases paintings by Japan's top contemporary artists on its walls. However, instead of exploring the building, many visitors choose to devote their entire visit to gazing out the windows.
The gardens within the museum grounds, including a pine grove, rock garden, and moss garden, are designed to be admired rather than walked upon. These gardens were created as living works of art, utilizing trees and plants instead of traditional materials like oil and pastels.
In turn, the museum was designed to "frame" the garden, with its large picture windows specifically made to highlight the gardens most notable features.
A visitor stands in front of a "frame"-style window designed to center the garden.
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Takodori Adachi, the current director of the museum and grandson of founder Zenko Adachi, explains that while Japanese paintings may be challenging to appreciate, gardens, on the other hand, are accessible to everyone. Adachi emphasizes the importance of observing the Japanese gardens before the paintings as it allows for a better understanding of the artwork. The design of the art museum was specifically conceived to enhance the viewing experience, making it more effortless for visitors.
Signs in Japanese and English apologize for the potential presence of gardeners or maintenance workers working in the garden during the day, serving as a recognition of the human effort behind the garden's seemingly effortless beauty.
Reaching the museum is an adventure in itself. Shimane and its neighboring prefecture, Tottori, are the two least populous regions in Japan, forming a part of the rural Sanin area.
The uniqueness of the gardens lies not only in their contents, but also in their surroundings, Adachi elaborates. According to him, these Japanese gardens are intricately connected to the majestic mountains in the backdrop. While there are other Japanese gardens in Kyoto and various shrines, they tend to be comparatively smaller and more condensed. However, upon stepping foot into this museum, a profound sense of harmony with the mountainous landscape immediately envelops you.
"These particular Japanese gardens were specifically designed in relation to their location, making the charm of the Adachi Museum of Art unmatched anywhere else."
An alternative way to appreciate the scenery is by visiting one of the tea rooms within the museum. In these rooms, visitors can indulge in matcha and sweets while delighting in the picturesque views through specially designed windows that offer the most optimal angles.
The museum was founded in 1980 and is now run by Adachi's grandson.
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Making the journey
The glamorous high-speed Shinkansen trains of Japan are not available in this area.
Instead, travelers can embark on an express train from Osaka or Tokyo, taking them as far as Okayama. From there, they can transfer to a slower local train that meanders northward across the island of Honshu until they reach Matsue, the capital of Shimane.
To reach Adachi, travelers should take the local commuter train from Matsue to the smaller town of Yasugi. At Yasugi train station, a complimentary shuttle is available to transport visitors to the museum.
Due to its limited capacity of 28 seats, the bus may pose a problem during peak summer and spring travel periods, as queues form early in the day.
To ensure a reserved spot for the return journey, guests are required to collect a complimentary laminated ticket from the Adachi lobby. This is particularly important for those who have specific return train preferences. Conveniently located in a glass box just outside Matsue station, the Matsue tourist information center provides useful maps and train schedules available in both English and Japanese.
Courtesy Yamanashi Prefectural Government
In addition to selling postcards and other items featuring popular artworks, the gift shops at the Adachi Museum, located in separate buildings between the bus stop and the museum entrance, showcase Shimane specialties, particularly in the area of food and beverages.
Highlights of the region include a craft beer collection named after Lafcadio Hearn, a Greek-born writer who resided in Matsue for a significant portion of his life. Additionally, there is the option to indulge in soft-serve ice cream, infused with the flavors of wild pears sourced from the area. Another delightful treat is genji maki, which comprises mini crepe-like pancakes filled with red bean paste and rolled up into perfectly triangular shapes. With the exception of the soft serve, these products are conveniently pre-packaged in beautifully adorned boxes, making them an ideal choice for souvenirs.
At Adachi, meticulous planning extends to even the smallest details, including the merchandise available in the shops. The director of Adachi explains that the museum's fame would also contribute to promoting the local area. However, amidst the issue of overtourism in certain popular destinations, the museum currently serves as a peaceful sanctuary.
Mount Fuji is facing issues due to an excessive number of visitors. The consequences include the accumulation of garbage, erosion, and the presence of "reckless" hikers. As a result, there are concerns regarding its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Contact details for the Adachi Museum of Art in Japan are as follows: 320 Furukawacho, Yasugi, Shimane 692-0064. You can reach them at +81 854-28-7111.
