What to know
Hirayama Ikuo (1930–2009) was one of Japan's most celebrated painters working in the traditional Nihonga style. The Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art (平山郁夫美術館) is located on Ikuchijima Island, the artist's birthplace.
Two major themes run through Hirayama's career: peace and cultural exchange. As a student in Hiroshima in 1945, he witnessed the atomic bombing and suffered radiation effects. His other recurring theme is the transmission of Buddhism to Japan along the Silk Road.
The museum is modern and well-maintained, featuring three spacious exhibition halls, a tea lounge, and a museum shop. The permanent collection displays works from various periods of Hirayama's career, alongside special exhibitions.
The museum sits along the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, about 30 kilometers from Onomichi.
A ferry runs from Onomichi (Onomichi Ekimae Port in front of Onomichi Station) to Sawa Port or Setoda Port on Ikuchijima Island (40 minutes, 1500 yen one way, 500 yen for a bicycle, 6 boats per day). The museum is about a 15-minute walk from either port.
A local bus from Onomichi Station bound for Setoda Port stops in front of the museum (1 hour, 1050 yen one way, one bus every 2–5 hours).
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
- Closed
- Irregular closures between exhibitions
- Admission
- 1000 yen (~$6.4)
- English name
- Hirayama Museum
- Original name
- Hirayama Ikuo Museum
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.