Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art

The Ikuo Hirayama Museum of Art is a museum that houses a collection of works by the Japanese-style painter Ikuo Hirayama, who was born in Setoda-cho, where the museum is located. Setoda-cho lies on Ikuchijima Island along the Shimanami Kaido route connecting Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture. After being exposed to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima in 1945, Ikuo Hirayama began creating works with peace as a theme. He is also known for leaving many works inspired by the Silk Road, the route by which Buddhism was introduced. The 60-piece series "Shimanami Kaido 53 Stations" is a set of watercolor paintings created in 1999 to commemorate the opening of the Shimanami Kaido. Because exhibits are rotated about four times a year, there may be times when "Shimanami Kaido 53 Stations" is not on display in the museum. In such cases, ceramic panel objects are installed at each sketched location, so it can also be enjoyable to cycle the Shimanami Kaido and visit them along the way. After viewing the artworks, it is also recommended to relax in the tea lounge while looking out over the Japanese garden. Be sure to try the menu items made with Setoda lemons.