Shimane Art Museum
A captivating art museum renowned for its award-winning Japanese garden and stunning sunset views over Shinji Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Catch the magical sunset
Shimane Art Museum
Best Time
Catch the magical sunset
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A captivating art museum renowned for its award-winning Japanese garden and stunning sunset views over Shinji Lake.
"It is a living work of art itself, offering breathtaking sunsets and a serene lakeside ambiance."
🌅 Stay for the Sunset
The museum often stays open past sunset. Don't miss the spectacular views over Shinji Lake!
🖼️ Explore Rotating Exhibits
Exhibitions change, so there's always something new to see, even on repeat visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shinji Lake Sunset
Lakeside grounds
Witness breathtaking sunsets over Shinji Lake, a truly magical experience that enhances the museum visit.
Hokusai Collection
Exhibition halls
Explore an extensive collection of Hokusai's works, with rotating displays offering new discoveries.
Lakeside Sculpture Lawn
Outdoor grounds
Enjoy art amidst nature on the sculpture lawn, offering a unique blend of creativity and scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Art and Nature: A Dual Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Stay for the Sunset
The museum often stays open past sunset. Don't miss the spectacular views over Shinji Lake!
🖼️ Explore Rotating Exhibits
Exhibitions change, so there's always something new to see, even on repeat visits.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Grounds
The outdoor areas and lake views are as captivating as the art inside. Great for families!
🚗 Free Shuttle Bus
A free shuttle bus runs from Yasugi Station, making access easy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Stay for the Sunset
The museum often stays open past sunset. Don't miss the spectacular views over Shinji Lake!
🖼️ Explore Rotating Exhibits
Exhibitions change, so there's always something new to see, even on repeat visits.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Grounds
The outdoor areas and lake views are as captivating as the art inside. Great for families!
🚗 Free Shuttle Bus
A free shuttle bus runs from Yasugi Station, making access easy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Shimane Art Museum for its stunning lakeside location and the breathtaking sunsets over Shinji Lake, often calling the grounds a 'living work of art.' The extensive Hokusai collection and the meticulously maintained, award-winning garden are also major highlights. Some visitors note that while the art collection is deep, only a portion is displayed at any given time, which might be a slight disappointment for those traveling from afar specifically for certain pieces.
"The facility had a wonderful variety and depth of art on display. The lighting and accessibility enhanced the sensory experience. A captivating collection and a wonderful facility. Highly recommend a visit. It took us two hours to take in the exhibits and I could sit and enjoy the ambience of the back of the property for hours as well! It is a living work of art itself."
Anita Y
"After passing through Matsue previously, I vowed to return in order to visit the Adachi and welcomed the opportunity to include visiting the Shimane Art Museum as well. I suspect its collection is a little overshadowed by it's stunning location and architecture but deserves equal recognition. I appreciated how the European paintings exhibited echoed the view of Lake Shinji outside, but it was the special Hokusai exhibition that frankly impressed. Not only does the Shimane Art Museum contain one of the largest Hokusai collections in Japan, the Nagate Seiji bequest allows it an exceptional breadth and depth. Consider yourself lucky, as I did, if you catch an exhibition featuring this personal collection -- the extensive display of woodblock-printed books (origins of manga!) very much expanded my appreciation and understanding of the master. The architecture of the museum deserves a separate write-up -- there's a generosity of spirit as embodied by it's art library loge and that they allow photography that's matched by the kind people who work there."
dlk
"Architecturally beautiful building at a waterfront setting. Spacious interiors with excellently curated exhibits. Like all museums, it is important yo check what exhibits are currently on display. Only the permanent exhibit was available on the date that we attended, but it was still well worth the visit and the very reasonable entrance fee."
Ed Ebinger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is accessible via a free shuttle bus from Yasugi Station, making it convenient for visitors.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum, which is helpful if you are driving your own vehicle or a rental car.
Absolutely! Many visitors combine a trip to the Shimane Art Museum with other attractions in Matsue, such as Matsue Castle, making it a perfect day trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is ¥2300. However, visiting the grounds and enjoying the lake view is free.
The museum is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it often extends its hours to accommodate sunset viewing. It's best to check their official schedule for specific closing times, especially around sunset.
Advance booking is generally not required for general admission. You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Yes, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, including extensive collections like Hokusai's works. These exhibitions can change, offering new experiences for repeat visitors.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse collection of Japanese art, including silk paintings, woodcuts, and ceramics from the 16th to 20th centuries. It's particularly known for its extensive Hokusai collection.
Yes, the museum offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially the stunning sunsets over Shinji Lake and the meticulously maintained gardens.
Most visitors spend around two hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and the surrounding grounds. However, you could easily spend longer enjoying the ambiance and the lake views.
The large grounds around the museum are a good spot to go with children, offering space to explore and enjoy the scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a restaurant that offers great views over the lake, making it a pleasant place to dine.
While there are dining options within the museum, the surrounding area might have local eateries. It's worth exploring nearby options if you prefer something different.
📸 📸 Photography
The prime photography spots are undoubtedly the areas overlooking Shinji Lake, especially during sunset. The meticulously landscaped gardens also provide beautiful backdrops.
Photography policies can vary for special exhibitions, but generally, non-flash photography is permitted in some areas. It's always best to check the signage within the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The meticulously maintained Japanese garden also provides stunning compositions, with its carefully placed rocks, water features, and lush greenery. Remember to check the museum's policy on photography inside the galleries, as flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Award-Winning Garden and Art Collection
This recognition highlights the meticulous design and serene beauty that complements the artistic displays within the museum. The garden is a living masterpiece, designed to be viewed from within the museum's galleries, creating a harmonious blend of indoor art and outdoor nature. The museum's art collection is extensive, featuring works from the 16th to the 20th centuries, including silk paintings, woodcuts, and ceramics. It is particularly noted for its significant collection of works by the renowned artist Hokusai. While not all items are on display at once, the rotating exhibitions ensure that visitors can discover new pieces with each visit.
Experiencing the Sunset Over Shinji Lake
Many visitors find that the ambiance of the lake and the surrounding grounds is as captivating as the art itself. The museum's design intentionally integrates the natural beauty of the landscape into the visitor experience.
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