Hirayama Ikuo Museum

The Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art (平山郁夫美術館), located on the serene island of Ikuchijima along the Shimanami Kaidō, is dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of one of Japan’s most esteemed painters, Hirayama Ikuo (1930–2009). A master of the Nihonga style, Hirayama is especially known for his evocative depictions of Silk Road landscapes and Buddhist heritage sites. His artistic vision was profoundly shaped by his experience as a young survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945—an event that instilled in him a lifelong commitment to peace, healing, and the preservation of cultural memory. These themes recur throughout his work, particularly in pieces that explore the transmission of Buddhism from India to Japan.

The museum itself is a bright and thoughtfully designed space that encourages quiet reflection. It features three spacious exhibition halls where visitors can explore a wide range of Hirayama’s works—from early studies to his mature masterpieces. Rotating exhibitions and thematic displays offer deeper insight into his creative process and international efforts to safeguard cultural heritage. Enhancing the experience are a tranquil tea lounge, a well-curated museum shop, and serene views of the surrounding island landscape. A visit to the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art offers not only aesthetic enjoyment but also a moving journey through history, resilience, and the enduring power of cultural dialogue.