About
Sano Art Museum, nestled in a tranquil corner of Mishima City, is a place where the changing seasons of nature and art harmonize. Established in 1966 (Showa 41) through a donation from businessman Ryuichi Sano, the museum was born as the culmination of his many years of art collection. Inside, approximately 2,500 diverse works of East Asian art and crafts are housed, including Japanese swords, ceramics, gilt bronze Buddhist statues, ancient sutras, Japanese paintings, Noh masks, ornaments, and dolls. The Japanese sword collection, in particular, features many masterpieces and is highly regarded among sword enthusiasts. (sanobi.or.jp)
Within the museum grounds stretches the “Ryusen-en” strolling garden, created in the early Showa period. This garden features a pond-circuit style that incorporates spring water from Mt. Fuji, delighting visitors with seasonal flowers throughout the year. In spring, elegant weeping cherry blossoms bloom in profusion; in summer, irises create a cool atmosphere. In autumn, wax trees and maples turn brilliant colors, and in winter, a dignified beauty pervades the tranquil scene. Within the garden stands a Japanese-style house built with carefully selected materials, preserving the architectural techniques and design of the early Showa period. (sanobi.or.jp)
The museum building was designed by architect Yoshihide Okuma, who established the prototype for Japanese homes during the postwar reconstruction period. While pursuing the rationality and functionality characteristic of modernist architecture, the design also evokes the Japanese aesthetic, taking inspiration from traditional castles. In 2013, the museum underwent renovations, and a permanent exhibition room was added. This made it possible to display National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, allowing visitors to view valuable swords at any time. (touken-hiroba.jp)
Sano Art Museum centers its activities around exhibitions, holding about six per year with a diverse range of themes such as swords, dolls, paintings, and picture books. The museum also places emphasis on educational outreach, offering year-round courses, events related to exhibitions, and outreach classes to nearby schools to foster familiarity with the arts. (sanobi.or.jp)
Within the museum grounds is “Mishima Baikamo-no-Sato,” located along the clear Gotengawa stream in Mishima City. Here, Mishima baikamo, a plant that produces delicate white flowers resembling plum blossoms, is cultivated. Preferring the cold, pure spring water from Mt. Fuji and sunlight, this plant blooms throughout the year, delighting visitors. Conservation activities are conducted by the NPO Groundwork Mishima and the Mishima Yusui Association, making it a symbol of environmental preservation. (sanobi.or.jp)
Sano Art Museum is located at 1-43 Nakata-cho, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, about a 17-minute walk from the south exit of JR Mishima Station and a 5-minute walk from Izu Hakone Railway Mishima-Tamachi Station. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00 (last admission at 16:30), and is closed on Thursdays (open if a national holiday), during the year-end/New Year holidays, and during exhibition changeover periods. Admission is 1,100 yen for adults and university students, and 550 yen for elementary, junior high, and high school students. There are also 50 free parking spaces, making access by car convenient. (mishima-kankou.com)
Sano Art Museum is a space where art and nature are fused, offering visitors tranquility and inspiration. While enjoying masterpieces of Japanese swords and the seasonal beauty of the gardens, you can spend a richly fulfilling time.