Japan Ukiyo-e Museum

(Source : Wikimedia Commons)

Japan Ukiyo-e Museum stores and exhibits a collection of about 100,000 pieces of ukiyo-e (Japanese wooden block prints), collected over the span of 200 years by five generations of the Sakai family from Matsumoto, and is one of the few Ukiyo-e Museums in Japan. The Sakai family operated a paper store and were as good as a patron to Hiroshige Utagawa. The collection of 100,000 pieces (35 are inspected) from early ukiyo-e to contemporary Sousaku-hanga (unique prints) are internationally praised and have displayed on ukiyo-e exhibitions around the world. This museum in a postmodern-style building that provides the luxury experience of seeing pieces by all the world-famous ukiyo-e artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige.

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Detailed English Explanation on Each Piece

Japan Ukiyo-e Museum has detailed explanations (including in English) on each piece, so that even visitors who aren't familiar with ukiyo-e can appreciate their appeal. That is why it was awarded two stars on the Michelin Green Guide and attracts many visitors from overseas. Another characteristic of the museum is that it changes its exhibitions every three months.

Enjoy the Colorfulness of Hiroshige's Ukiyo-e

At Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, there are many different ukiyo-e-themed special exhibits. Because the Sakai family played a patron-like role to Hiroshige Utagawa, there are many famous ukiyo-e pieces by Hiroshige Utagawa to be seen in the museum. Although they are replicas, you can see beautiful vivid colors as they are printed with a newly carved woodcut.

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Understand Japanese Media Culture Through Ukiyo-e

Japan Ukiyo-e Museum does not only display ukiyo-e, but also timeless exhibits around the subjects and topics depicted in the ukiyo-e. There are especially a lot of prints from the 19th century, a valuable collection that allows us to deepen our understanding of Japan's media culture.