Miho Museum: Art and Nature as One
Posted on March 2, 2021
Looking for a quiet interlude from the bustling city? Miho Museum is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and appreciate art and architecture. Built in 1997, the museum was designed by the renowned architect of The Louvre in Paris, I.M. Pei. The strong lines of steel and abundant glass contrast with the lush palette of the forest. The dynamic partnership of the manmade and natural results in a beauty which feels modern and ancient all at once. Though the museum is currently closed, it will reopen just in time for Sakura season on March 12 2021.
Photo By @ sharanovero
Though the museum is not day-trip distance from Tokyo, it is about an hour from Kyoto by car. Public transportation takes a bit longer at just under two hours, but the trip will give you time to unwind and leave your stress behind before you arrive.
Photo By @ mi__625y
The museum creates a frame for the natural beauty and diverse ecosystem that lie in the mountains of Koka in Shiga Prefecture.
Photos By @ icat0721
The entrance invites you to peer through a new lens, from outside in or inside out, nature is everywhere.
While the museum has a humble way of illuminating all that lies around it, if you sit for a moment and take in a corner as the afternoon sun melts like butter on the limestone, you might see the effortlessly smooth vision of I.M. Pei unfolding before you.
Photos By @ miiiiku_t
The museum is named after Mihoko Koyama, one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The museum houses Koyama’s personal collections of over two thousand antiques from around the world.
One of the most insta-worthy spots of your trip to Miho may be the breathtaking tunnel leading up to the entrance.
Photos By @ mi__625y
Though most tunnels are lined with concrete, I.M. Pei used panels of metal positioned at such an angle that the natural light at the beginning of the tunnel traverses throughout. The tunnel changes as the seasons do, turning red with the maple leaves or pink with sakura blossoms. Pei even placed small holes in the side panels to break up sound waves and prevent echoing. Walking through the tunnel might feel serene and calm.
Photos By @ miiiiku_t
There are so many fun opportunities for photos at every turn!
Photo By @ camera_68
You may even find yourself blending into the undergrowth completely for a moment before you go on your way.
Photo By @ yuri_110
Access: 桃谷-300 Shigarakicho Tashiro, Koka, Shiga 529-1814
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