Izura Rokkakudo

Izura Rokakudo is a red-walled building standing on the cliffs of the Izura Coast, known as a place of contemplation for Okakura Tenshin. While working at the Ministry of Education, Tenshin became involved with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in 1904, which led him to focus on modern Japanese art. His contributions ranged widely, including the Japanese painting reform movement, preservation and organization of antiquities, and founding the Tokyo Fine Arts School—greatly advancing modern Japanese art. Tenshin grew very fond of Izura, and two years after his first visit he built this Rokakudo; three years later, he moved there with artists and family and devoted himself to creative work. The original building was washed away by the tsunami of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, but it was rebuilt in 2012 in its original form, becoming a symbol of recovery. The interior is closed to entry, but peering from outside, you can see the expansive sea through the large windows, creating a feeling almost like being inside the ocean. Access is about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Joban Line “”Otsuko Station.” Free parking is available for those driving.