An artistic day off the coast of the Miura Peninsula inspired by Hokusai

When you think of ukiyo-e, what comes to mind is Katsushika Hokusai's masterpiece, ``Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji.'' ``Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji'' is a series of 46 ukiyo-e prints drawn by the genius artist Katsushika Hokusai, depicting various views of Mt. Fuji from all over the country. By the way, the reason why there were 46 paintings for ``Thirty-six Views'' is because it became so popular that he had to draw 10 more paintings than planned. I feel that such an anecdote reminds us of Hokusai's personality that he could not refuse when asked.

At that time, Mt. Fuji was a symbol of people's faith, so much so that ``Fujizuka'' resembling Mt. Fuji were built in various parts of Edo. Hokusai, who is said to have always had an interest in painting landscapes, may also have admired or had special feelings for Mt. Fuji. It was in this social climate that Hokusai created ``Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji,'' and it became a work that is said to have become so popular that it is said that the popularity of Japanese ukiyo-e might have changed if it had not been for ``Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji.'' Ta.

Among them, ``The Great Wave off Kanagawa'', commonly known as ``Fuji in the Waves,'' depicting large waves with Mt. As much as possible. ``The Great Wave off Kanagawa'' is said to be a depiction of the scenery that Hokusai saw while traveling around the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture.

This time, we will introduce museums and galleries on the Miura Peninsula where you can follow in the footsteps of Hokusai and feel the connection between art and nature.

 
 
Kamakura and Hayama, Museum of Modern Art

The Kanagawa Museum of Modern Art, which has two locations in a scenic and rich area overlooking the beautiful Sagami Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture, is recorded as Japan's first public modern art museum, the Kamakura Museum, which opened in 1951, and the Kamakura Museum, which opened in 2003. Both Hayama-kan halls opened in 2017, and exhibits are held four to five times a year, attracting many visitors. The picturesque landscape and the collection, which includes works by famous artists such as Matisse, Harue Koga, Naoya Hatakeyama and Picasso, make it the ideal place to immerse yourself in works of art both known and unknown. In this place where you can feel the scent of Sagami Bay, you can stand from the same perspective as Hokusai and his contemporaries and feel the flow of time and the beauty of nature.
 
 
Yamaguchi Houshun Memorial Museum

Houshun Yamaguchi, one of Japan's leading painters in the 20th century, was active in the field of Japanese painting. Like Hokusai, he draws inspiration from nature and vividly depicts Japan's four seasons, flowers, and wild animals. Mr. Yamaguchi's home in Hayama Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, has been converted into a quaint art museum, where you can see his collection of paintings and antiques up close. There is also an atelier designed by architect Isohachi Yoshida and a garden that reflects Mr. Yamaguchi's close relationship with the nature and life of Kanagawa Prefecture.
 
 
Enoura Weather Station

Although Odawara is not technically part of the Miura Peninsula, it is a quiet and historic area located on the west coast of Sagami Bay. There is also a notable facility designed and operated by Hiroshi Sugimoto, one of Japan's most famous contemporary artists.
Enoura, which overlooks the scenery of Kanagawa Prefecture such as Sagami Bay and the Miura Peninsula, which impressed Hokusai, is a facility designed to convey the essence of Japanese culture, and is a must-visit for those who love art and architecture. This is the place you want to eat. The Enoura Observatory, built on the site of a former tangerine orchard, is Mr. Sugimoto's love letter to Japanese culture and nature.
The Enoura Weather Station, which overlooks Chiba Prefecture's Boso Peninsula and Oshima Island, aims to be a beacon for art and culture, and consists of a gallery space, a Noh stage, a tea room, a garden, and office space. It's a beautiful place where you can spend a few hours by the sea and immerse yourself in centuries-old Japanese culture and traditions.