Private After-Hours Viewing of National Treasure Swords with a Curator in an Okayama Museum

Okayama, the Land of Sunshine and the Birthplace of the Legend of Momotaro

Located in western Honshu, Okayama is known for its many clear days, earning it the nickname “Land of Sunshine.” Overlooking the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, it’s also famed for its sweet Muscat grapes and scenic island views. At its heart lies Okayama City, a historic castle town and long-standing crossroads of travel and trade.

Dominating the skyline is Okayama Castle, known as Ujo or “Crow Castle” for its striking black facade. Nearby, Korakuen Garden—one of Japan’s three great landscape gardens—welcomes visitors with vistas shaped by tradition and the changing seasons.

Okayama Castle, a landmark steeped in history and a proud symbol of the city

The city is rich in heritage, from the elegant corridor of Kibitsu Shrine to the ancient Tsukuriyama Kofun burial mound. It is also known as the birthplace of the legend of Momotaro, recognized as part of Japan Heritage, a designation given to culturally significant stories and sites by the Japanese government. Streetcars glide past modern shops and old shrines alike, offering a charming way to explore a city that lives in the present while honoring its past.

After the museum visit, take a gentle walk along the riverside and let the quiet charm of Okayama linger with you

An Art Museum in a Castle Town with Over 9,000 Masterworks, Including National Treasures

The Hayashibara Museum of Art sits beside the moat of Okayama Castle, offering a view of its towering keep. It was the lifelong dream of Ichiro Hayashibara (1908–1961), a local entrepreneur with a deep passion for Japanese art. Though he passed away before it came to life, his family and friends carried on his vision, and the museum opened its doors in 1964. In 2024, the museum celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Today, it houses around 9,000 works—swords, paintings, calligraphy, Noh masks and costumes, ceramics, and metalwork—with a special focus on the furnishings once owned by the Ikeda clan, lords of the Okayama domain. Its holdings also include three National Treasures and 26 Important Cultural Properties.

Step through the grand Nagayamon gate and into a beautifully tended garden

The museum’s celebrated “Japanese sword” exhibitions—featuring blades with over a thousand years of history—continue to draw devoted enthusiasts and growing international interest. The main building was designed by Kunio Maekawa, a leading modernist who trained under Le Corbusier. Many visitors come not only for the collection but also to admire the architecture, which combines the charm of old Japan with modern design.

In this serene setting, each piece can be appreciated slowly and mindfully. More than just an exhibition, the museum draws you deeply into the mood, spirit, and refined aesthetics of each era.

The museum grounds occupy the former site of the Ninomaru Mansion Taimensho, once part of Okayama Castle

Enjoy Japanese Sweets and Matcha in a Private Tea Room

In this experience, you'll be welcomed with a bowl of matcha in Chikumeian, a thatched-roof tea room normally closed to the public. Savor seasonal Japanese sweets as you gaze out over the peaceful garden. The soft scent of wood and stillness inside the tea room create a calm, otherworldly space—an escape from daily life. Let your body absorb the Japanese sense of Ma—the pause between things—while enjoying the soft light and sounds that filter through.

The teahouse’s narrow layout evokes an “other world,” offering a silence distinct from the main building

After tea, take your time to wander the museum and tsubo-niwa (courtyard garden), where the breeze rustles the leaves and a small bamboo grove adds a touch of greenery. Every corner of the Hayashibara Museum of Art, from the architecture to the garden paths, becomes part of the experience. As the seasons shift, so too does the atmosphere—inviting quiet reflection and awakening the senses.

Rest and refresh with matcha and seasonal wagashi in a serene setting

Savor Masterpieces in a Private, Contemplative Setting

This exclusive Wabunka experience offers a private, after-hours tour guided by a knowledgeable curator. In the museum’s hush, you’re free to appreciate each work at your own pace, enriched by thoughtful commentary that brings the pieces to life. The Hayashibara Museum of Art curates its exhibits seasonally, ensuring that each visit offers new insights and fresh encounters with Japanese aesthetics.

Expert commentary offers glimpses into the refined lives of aristocrats

The collection includes National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties—such as the "Tachi Sword" by Yoshifusa and the “Rakuchu Rakugaizu Folding Screen,” which vividly portrays Kyoto’s temples, changing seasons, festivals, and scenes of daily life. Even pieces not currently on display are introduced through high-quality images and reference materials, offering deeper context and a fuller appreciation of importance in history.

Thoughtful spatial and lighting design enhances each artwork’s presence

Explore Every Exquisite Detail With Cutting-Edge Technology

In the museum lobby, a 4K touch panel allows you to view high-resolution images of key works up close. You can zoom in on intricate brushwork, color nuances, and even the reverse side of swords—details often missed by the naked eye. The museum also houses all 36 volumes of the renowned picture scroll “The Tale of the Heike,” whose battle scenes and poignant finales are captured in delicate, expressive strokes. Even those unfamiliar with the tale will feel the emotional pull of Japan’s historical narrative.

Director Taniichi Takashi brings artworks to life through deep knowledge of art, history, and literature

From swords and calligraphy that express samurai aesthetics to the traditional teahouse and insightful stories shared by the curator, every element deepens your connection to Japanese culture. The calm of the private setting invites reflection and inner stillness. Why not take time not just to view art, but to savor the spirit of Japanese culture—awakening the senses, stirring the mind, and gently restoring the heart?

A serene space where silence becomes part of the art itself