Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum is located in Sakaide city, Kagawa prefecture. A pathway stretches in a straight line from the front of the museum. Actually there is one secret hidden in the composition of this photograph… but let’s save that for later!

Before you enter the museum, your eyes are drawn to the beautiful outer wall. According to the museum’s superintendent, this natural stone from the United States is called “Vermont green”.  Even with just the wall, this makes a picture.

Now let’s enter the exhibition room on the first floor. The exhibition at the time of making of this report displayed works depicting landscapes of Kyoto and Nara.

“Akisai” (‘Autumn colors’), lithograph

The contrast between the red, yellow and blue is so beautiful that I was spontaneously impressed: “Was Japan this vivid”. In addition there are landscapes depicting the changing of the four seasons that have a unique touch.

By the way, Kaii Higashiyama was born in Yokohama and grew in Kobe. So why was the art museum built in Kagawa prefecture? Actually, Kaii’s grandfather was from Hitsuishi-jima Island, which is located in the Seto Inland Sea. After Kaii’s death, his family felt a connection with his Seto Inland Sea roots, and apparently with their donation of artworks, Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum was built nearby the Great Seto Bridge at a location with a view of Hitsuishi-jima.

After the first floor, let’s enjoy the exhibition on the second floor as well. Now then, a wonderful place is waiting for us after this.

With a magnificent view of the Great Seto Bridge, “Na-gi-sa” is the art museum’s prided cafe. Actually, the one who suggested the “light gray” color for the Great Seto Bridge is said to have been Kaii Higashiyama! At the very far end of the bridge you can see Hitsuishi-jima Island.

“Meika Amamo”, the museum’s original version of ‘manju’ (moist cake), includes a green laver and ‘shio an’ (salty anko) to remind you of the Seto Inland Sea.

After satisfying both your mind and your stomach, you can head to the museum shop. We found some lovely ball pens with illustrations of Kaii’s works enclosed within.