The Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi City, Japan has been recognized as the number one Japanese garden for an impressive 21 consecutive years since 2003. This prestigious accolade has been awarded by Sukiya Living Magazine: The Journal of Japanese Gardening, and further supported by a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
The museum, sprawling across 41 acres, was established in 1970 by its founder, Adachi Zenko, as a tribute to his hometown. It serves as a unique blend of art and traditional Japanese gardening, where visitors are guided along a path that seamlessly merges these two elements. While guests are unable to access the gardens directly, they are treated to a curated experience within the museum that simulates the viewing of a painting in the style of the Rinpa School.
One of the defining features of the Adachi Museum of Art is the meticulous maintenance of its gardens. Every leaf and branch is carefully pruned to achieve a sense of uniformity and intentional design, eliminating any traces of natural randomness. The museum is open 365 days a year with a dedicated team of seven full-time gardeners who ensure the pristine upkeep of the grounds.
Aside from its renowned gardens, the Adachi Museum boasts an impressive collection of art, including works by Japanese masters such as Yokoyama Taikan and Kitaoji Rosanjin. The art exhibitions are rotated to reflect the changing seasons, offering visitors a dynamic experience with each visit.
For a more interactive and immersive Japanese garden experience, guests can explore Yuushien Gardens located on Daikonshima Island, approximately 24 kilometers away. Here, visitors can wander through meticulously maintained greenery and embrace the sensory delights of a traditional Japanese garden at their own pace. Yuushien Gardens also features a unique indoor section dedicated to the cultivation of the iconic Japanese peony flower, ensuring a year-round bloom regardless of the weather.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adachi Museum of Art continues to attract visitors from around the world, maintaining its reputation as a haven of tranquility and artistic beauty in the heart of Japan.
