Private After-Hours Tour of Himeji City Museum of Art Near Himeji Castle With the Curator

Himeji Thrived as a Key Transportation Hub

Himeji has long thrived as a key transportation hub, connecting Kyoto and Osaka in the east to Kyushu in the west via the Saigoku Kaido road. Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure, began as a 13th-century fort and evolved into its iconic form under military leaders like Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Ikeda Terumasa.

The white, pristine Himeji Castle, still showing its beautiful form

Himeji Castle, nicknamed "White Heron Castle" for its resemblance to a heron with outstretched wings, is celebrated as a "masterpiece of wooden architecture" for its white plaster exterior and exceptional design. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it also houses the Himeji City Museum of Art, a national tangible cultural property and the venue for this exclusive tour.

A Red-Brick Building Converted from an Army Warehouse to a City Hall Then a Museum

Set against the iconic backdrop of Himeji Castle, the Himeji City Museum of Art occupies a striking red-brick building from the early 20th century, originally built as an army arsenal and clothing storehouse. After serving as Himeji's city hall from 1947 to 1980, the building was fully renovated and reopened as a museum in 1983. Few former military structures in Japan remain in use today, making this site especially unique.

Himeji Castle stands behind the red-brick museum

The red-brick building and garden, set against the towering backdrop of Himeji Castle, create a scene like a painting. Stroll through the garden to admire sculptures and other artworks on display.

The Curator Explains Modern and Contemporary Art from Japan and Abroad

Himeji City Museum of Art houses around 5,000 pieces, including modern and contemporary works from Japan and abroad, as well as local art. Its collection features paintings, sculptures, photographs, crafts, and more. The museum includes a permanent exhibition room, special exhibition room, collection gallery, and art library. This experience takes you through the permanent exhibition, showcasing French modern art by Monet and Matisse, and the Kunitomi Keizo collection, guided by the curator.

The curator offers a detailed explanation of each piece

The Kunitomi Keizo Collection Room features around 30 works donated by Dr. Kunitomi Keizo, a Himeji resident, to commemorate Himeji Castle's designation as a World Heritage Site. The collection, curated to reflect the flow of art history, includes pieces from naturalists and realists like Corot and Courbet to impressionists like Monet and Pissarro, Fauvist Vlaminck, and modernist pioneer Matisse.

The Kunitomi Keizo Collection Room displays about 30 works

Another highlight is the inclusion of works by important German artists alongside French ones. The curator's commentary reveals stories and insights not found in the captions or catalogues, helping you appreciate each piece on a deeper level.

Be Thrilled by a Variety of Art

Himeji City Museum of Art also features valuable works by renowned artists. Claude Monet's iconic "Sunrise," created in 1872 and housed in the Musée Marmottan in Paris, has a counterpart in the museum: "Sunset," painted two years later in 1874, on display in the Kunitomi Keizo Collection Room.

"Sunset" by Claude Monet

In a unique presentation, the museum displays both early and later works by Henri Matisse—"Landscape on the Suburbs of Nice," painted early in Matisse's career, and "Jazz," his celebrated cut-paper work that represents the pinnacle of his exploration of color and form.

"Landscape on the Suburbs of Nice," an early work by Henri Matisse

You can also get a glimpse into local art, including the "Shugai Thirty-Six Immortal Poets" collection and "Camellias" by Sakai Hoitsu, the younger brother of the Himeji domain lord. Hoitsu, who became a monk to escape the samurai life, later became a renowned Edo Rinpa painter.

“Camellia” by Sakai Hoitsu

Freely Stroll Through the Museum That Symbolizes Himeji’s Modern Culture

After the tour, enjoy free time to explore the museum at your own pace. It’s a rare luxury to experience art in a quiet, private setting.

View the works at your own pace

Take time to explore not just the art, but the architecture as well. The Himeji City Museum of Art, renovated from a former city hall, features a grand marble lobby from the 1980s. Another highlight is "Akebono of Art," a stained glass piece by local artist Etsuko Tachibana, which gently illuminates the stairway with light.

"Akebono of Art," stained glass by Etsuko Tachibana

Enjoy a Private Viewing of Art and Historic Buildings

Himeji City Museum of Art, once an army warehouse and city hall before becoming an art museum, symbolizes Himeji's modern culture. Recognized for its historical significance, it was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2003. The museum is also home to a spacious garden featuring 13 sculptures, which has become a popular spot for locals to relax.

A unique view of Himeji Castle, the red-brick building, and the sculpture park

With its striking red-brick building set against the backdrop of Himeji Castle, the garden and sculpture park create a one-of-a-kind landscape. The combination of beautiful scenery and art will leave you with lasting memories of your trip to Japan.