Adachi Museum: Tranquil haven with exquisite traditional Japanese gardens and artistry.
The Adachi Museum, recipient of the prestigious award for the most beautiful traditional garden by the US-based Sukiya Living magazine for over two decades, remains relatively obscure compared to the more renowned gardens in Kyoto and Tokyo. Contrary to Western expectations, Japanese gardens, like the ones at Adachi, often eschew colorful blooms in favor of emphasizing diverse plant life such as moss, trees, or meticulously arranged rock formations. These gardens engage with a subtler aesthetic, encouraging visitors to appreciate them as living art where imagination plays a crucial role.
Sophie Walker, the author of “The Japanese Garden,” highlights the concept of “mitate,” where viewers are encouraged to perceive elements within the garden differently, inviting individual interpretation and mental engagement. The Adachi Museum’s design frames its gardens akin to paintings, with the architecture strategically showcasing the natural beauty outside.
Takodori Adachi, the museum’s current director, underscores that the gardens’ appeal isn’t solely in their content but also their integration with the surrounding mountains, fostering a sense of unity and uniqueness. The museum’s remote location in the Shimane prefecture adds to its allure, requiring travelers to embark on a journey, deviating from Japan’s bustling tourist spots.
To access the museum, travelers need to navigate a specific route involving a combination of trains and shuttles, emphasizing the serene seclusion of the location. Despite its relative anonymity, the museum’s gift shops offer unique local products, including craft beer, ice cream flavored with regional wild pears, and other specialty items, meticulously curated to reflect the essence of Shimane.
The museum serves as an oasis in Japan, providing respite from the challenges of overtourism faced by more famous destinations like Mount Fuji. As such iconic locations grapple with the environmental and social impacts of mass tourism, the Adachi Museum stands as a serene haven, highlighting the beauty of traditional Japanese gardening and artistry while preserving a sense of tranquility amidst a bustling world.
