While browsing Google Maps one day, as my cartophilia has me do, a particular site in the area caught my eye. Mostly because I mistook it for my own name for a second, but also because I had never seen or heard of it before. A new art museum just outside of Hiroshima—could it really be? On a recent trip to Iwakuni, I decided to find out.
Simose Art Musuem, which opened in March 2023, is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s definitely worth the trek. It makes a great day trip from either Iwakuni or Hiroshima. From either city, you can take a train to Otake Station, and then shuttle, bus and walk, or taxi, the rest of the way.
Located on the Seto Inland Sea next to a small park, the view alone is priceless. Simose looks right onto Hiroshima Bay, with World Heritage Site Miyajima peeking back across the water. You can also see smaller islands, like Atatajima and Etajima.
The real draw, of course, is the museum’s contemporary design, which was conceived by architect Shigeru Ban. It’s so captivating, in fact, that Simose was awarded the 2024 title of World’s Most Beautiful Museum by Prix Versailles.
The entrance hall, exhibition hall, and admin building sit parallel to the sea, with a 190-m long glass corridor connecting them. Beyond this, eight movable shipping container-style galleries, encased in colored glass, are arranged on a water basin. And next to the galleries, is a beautiful garden inspired by the works of French artist Emile Gallé. The site also includes a French restaurant and an art hotel with five waterfront villas available for reservation.
In addition to the permanent collection, Simose puts on special exhibitions in the movable galleries that have become synonymous with the museum. When I visited, works from Meissen were on display.
The German porcelain manufacturer has been producing high-quality figurines, vases, and dinner services since 1710 and is considered one of the most famous in the world. This exhibit focused on figurines created in the mid-18th century, or the “golden age” of Meissen.
Meissen was actually inspired by Japan in a way. Augustus the Strong—Elector of Saxony, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania—fell in love with porcelain from China and Japan and developed the manufactory to realize his dream of making his own. Around 50 works were on display, including “Monkey Orchestra” and “Tailor on a Goat” by Johann Joachim Kändler, a sculptor who was instrumental in the development of the brand.
Be sure to check the website for current and upcoming exhibitions and events. Of course, there’s always the permanent exhibition on display. After wandering about, you can enjoy a coffee or light meal at the museum’s café. There’s also a small gift shop for souvenirs and a terrace for taking in the gorgeous view.
Visit Simose Art Museum
Simose is easy to get to from both Hiroshima and Iwakuni. From JR Hiroshima Station, take the Local Iwakuni on the Sanyo Line to Otake Station. It takes about 50 minutes. From JR Iwakuni Station, take the Local Shiraichi on the Sanyo Line and get off at Otake Station. It takes just 7 minutess.
From Otake Station, take the Koi Koi Bus (こいこいバス) and get off at Ogata Port or the YouMe Town stop. The museum is a 10-min walk from either stop. It costs ¥400 roundtrip. You can also catch a free shuttle bus to and from the museum. Check out this PDF for more info and timetables.
Hours: 09:30~17:00 (closed Mondays, New Year’s holidays, and exhibition change periods)
Admission: 2,000円 (includes special exhibition)
