Adachi Museum of Art: A Harmonious Blend of Japanese Gardens and Art
In early August 2015, I visited the Adachi Museum of Art. Pictures of its gardens always appear here and there on the internet, and I was always moved by the beauty of this not old, but old-appearing garden. I set it on my garden bucket list.
Before sharing my very own experience in the museum, let me tell you some basic information in advance.
History of the Adachi Museum of Art
The museum was founded in 1970 by Adachi Zenko, who was then 71 years old. Adachi started as a charcoal merchant when he was 14 years old. He established a greater business later, which gave him the possibility to start collecting paintings. He was addicted to art and Japanese gardens from his youth on. When he planned the museum, it was clear that he wanted to combine showing his paintings and presenting Japanese gardens. To him, both are connected to each other. People who are interested in Japanese gardens will also recognize the beauty in paintings and vice versa when both forms of art are displayed next to each other. So it is no coincidence that there are so many beautiful gardens in the Adachi Museum of Art.
Reception Garden: A Warm Welcome
There are several gardens on the museum’s grounds, which represent different styles. Even before entering the museum, the visitor is welcomed by the “Reception Garden” (歓迎の庭 – kangei no niwa). This Reception Garden already introduces the beauty of Japanese gardens to the visitor. We find a stream made of sand with some rocks set into the scenery. The banks are covered with beautiful moss, and Acer will give the colorful touch in autumn. On the right side of the entrance, we see a more open space with gravel, but in a similar design style. This garden can be seen from the inside too, which gives a new viewing angle to it.
Dry Landscape and Moss Gardens: Serenity in Design
The main garden is the Dry Landscape Garden, which is connected to the Moss Garden (苔庭 – Koke niwa). Both gardens are the first ones to be seen when entering the museum. I went straight to the windows to watch the gardeners working at the pines. The care for pines is one of my favorite works. I would have loved to join them!
Juryu-an Tea House Garden: A Taste of Tradition
The next garden is the garden of the tea house Juryu-an (寿立庵). It was named by Sen Soshitsu, a tea master of the Urasenke School. The house and garden were built in imitation of Katsura Rikyu’s Shokin-tei (松琴亭) in Kobori Enshu’s style. It can only be visited when applying for having tea there. A short explanation and demonstration and tea cost 1,500 yen. But there is also a small garden in front of the house with a small waterfall feature, which can be enjoyed without entering Juryu-an.
Café Midori: Refreshments with a View
The next room to be entered is the lobby, from where one can see the Moss Garden and the Dry Landscape Garden. One can sit down and watch the garden in peace.
The best view one has is from the café called “Midori” (翆). It has an easy pricing system. Every drink costs 1,000 yen.
Children’s Art and Living Paintings
In front of the Café Midori is the section for art for children. I think it is a nice idea to also include this type of art in a museum. It is seldom seen elsewhere. Around the corner is one of those windows, showing a “living painting.” This is one specialty of the Adachi Museum of Art. There are several places making use of this form of garden presentation. I really love it! Through this window, one can see…
But I think it is nice that even the surroundings of the waterfall mirror the White Gravel and Pine Garden. When designing it, Adachi used almost only stones from Tottori Prefecture, but also some from Shikoku. Left of the waterfall, he used Akamatsu (Red Pines) to express the female part and used Kuromatsu (Black Pines) to express the male part to the right. It is a garden that would not be able to be built today in the same form because many rocks were used that would be impossible to quarry these days.
Art Exhibitions: A Journey Through Japanese Masterpieces
After this garden, the exhibition rooms follow. I looked at every painting, as I am fascinated by the Japanese ink paintings. But actually, I was in a hurry and rushed through the last part of the exhibition. Yes, the Adachi Museum of Art gardens were not the only gardens I visited this day. Three others followed. If you want to visit the Adachi Museum of Art, you can be sure that Shimane is no waste of time. There are quite some other gardens around, and Yamaguchi Prefecture with even more gardens is not far!
The Adachi Museum of Art Garden Guide
This eBook offers insights into the design, symbolism, and art collection of the Adachi Museum of Art.
Perfect for garden lovers and cultural travelers.
Learn more before you visit—or revisit from home.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours:
- April – September: 9:00 – 17:30
- October – March: 9:00 – 17:00
Annex Closing Dates 2025:
- May 26 – June 6
- June 23 – 24
- October 23 – 24
- November 17 – 18
Admission Fees (Effective April 1, 2025):
- Adults: 2,500 yen
- University Students: 2,000 yen
- High School Students: 1,000 yen
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: 500 yen
Group discounts are available for 20 or more people.
Access:
- Free shuttle bus service from JR Yasugi Station, JR Yonago Station, ANA Hotel Yonago, Tamatsukuri Spa, and Kaike Spa.
Parking:
- Free parking lot for 400 cars and 30 buses.
RJG’s Amazon Picks:
My Life in Japanese Art and Gardens: From Entrepreneur to Connoisseur – Adachi Zenko
“True to my zodiac, I’m a reckless, charging, wild boar kind of man. Rushing ahead without looking right or left has often left me with honorable—or maybe not so honorable—scars on my shins and shoulders.”—Adachi Zenko
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With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.
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With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.
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