The Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art is located in Yamaguchi City, and has been operating since 1979.

A visit here is a great way to connect with the prefecture in a deeper way, since the majority of the works on display are from artists that have some link to the region.

The first thing you'll notice on arrival at the museum is the outdoor scenery showcased by the lobby's large windows. It's a particularly beautiful sight in the spring months, when many of the trees are blossoming. The beauty continues in the form of the exhibits on display, with works from the likes of Sesshu Toyo, the most prominent sumi-e (ink and wash) painter of the Muromachi Period (1336 - 1573).

He is revered as one of the greatest Japanese artists of all time, and spent many years living in Yamaguchi. Along with the ink and wash styled paintings by Toyo and others, you'll find oil paintings, sculptures, and photography exhibits. The museum does a great job of connecting with the local community, and often holds events like lectures, gallery tours, and even workshops which are designed for both parents and children to participate in.

There is also an on-site cafe and gift shop which can be accessed without a museum ticket. At present the cafe is closed out of an abundance of caution regarding the novel coronavirus, but status updates are provided on the Japanese language version of their website. The museum is closed every Monday, unless the Monday falls on a public holiday - in which case you're in luck!
 

Getting there

By Public Transport:

The Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art is located approximately 15 minutes on foot from Yamaguchi Station, served by the JR Yamaguchi Line.

Alternatively, if you head to the JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station (served by the Sanyo Shinkansen), take the Bocho Bus bound for Yamaguchi, and alight at the Bijutsukan-mae stop. The ride time from the station to the museum is approximately 30 minutes.

By Private Vehicle:

By car, the museum is around a 15 minute drive from the Yamaguchi IC of the Chugoku Expressway. Parking is available for around 200 vehicles at the neighboring Kameyama Park.