Tips
- In a traditional house, surrounded by natural beauty, get a close look at Japanese farming and architecture
- Relax, while taking in the culture and aesthetic of the Okutama region
Travel for a couple of hours on the JR line out of Tokyo Station, and you'll find yourself at Mitake Station—the gateway to Mt. Mitake and Mitake Gorge, popular spots for hiking and climbing. A 20-minute stroll upstream along the paths by the scenic Tama River will take you to Seseraginosato Museum, nestled among zelkova, maple, oak, and cryptomeria trees.
The museum building was constructed with timber from a 150-year-old house. The vintage materials fit perfectly with the surrounding forest, resulting in a wonderful, relaxing space for visitors enjoying the collection. The museum retains many features of a traditional home of the period, such as an irori (sunken hearth). It gives a great feel for the local agricultural and architectural style.
Exhibits center on the work of artists and craftspeople from Tama and Okutama. Special exhibitions are held throughout the year. It's a chance to see a very different side of Tokyo from the big city: the history and culture of the nature-filled Tama area, through paintings, watercolors, calligraphy, photography, and other works of art rooted in the region. Unlike larger museums in the city, Seseraginosato Museum offers a peaceful atmosphere, where you can really take your time to enjoy the exhibits. Don't forget to be considerate of people around you as you enjoy a quiet, relaxing experience.
It isn't just the exhibits inside Seseraginosato Museum that are worth seeing. Take a look outside the window, and you'll find a lush, verdant landscape, accompanied by the gentle murmur of the flowing river, and the rustle of the wind. It soothes the soul. This is the perfect place to get a closer look at traditional Japanese culture, combining natural scenery with traditional architecture and local art. Why not venture out from the big city, to immerse yourself in the art and nature of peaceful, quiet Okutama?
A great view of autumn leaves from the balcony
