Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum

What to know

Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) was a celebrated Japanese American artist, sculptor, and landscape designer. Though born, educated, and based in the United States, he maintained a workshop in Japan and spent extended periods working there during the final years of his nearly 65-year career. His major works include bridges at Hiroshima Peace Park, Moerenuma Park in Sapporo, the garden at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, and an influential line of modern furniture.

Noguchi's Japanese home and workshop were in Mure, a small town near central Takamatsu renowned for its stone masonry. After his death, the workshop became the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, showcasing his art and living spaces. The museum is accessible only via guided tours by prior appointment.

The one-hour tour begins at Noguchi's workshop, a relocated Edo Period (1603-1868) storehouse, with tools arranged as if he might return. Outside, nearly 150 stone sculptures, many unfinished, dot the yard. A dozen finished pieces are displayed in a large Meiji Period (1868-1912) warehouse that Noguchi relocated and restored. The largest artwork, "Energy Void," is a 3.6-meter-tall sculpture of black Swedish granite, around which the building was constructed.

After the workshop and warehouse, the tour crosses the street to Noguchi's home, a relocated Edo Period merchant house that he redesigned for comfort while preserving traditional Japanese aesthetics. Finally, visitors ascend the hill behind his home to the gardens he designed for his 80th birthday.

From Takamatsu-Chikko Station, take a train to Kawaramachi Station (5 minutes), then transfer to the Kotoden Shido Line to Yakuri Station (20 minutes). The total journey is about 30 minutes and costs 390 yen, with trains every 10-20 minutes. From Yakuri Station, it's a 20-25 minute walk to the museum (not straightforward). Alternatively, a taxi from the station takes 5 minutes and costs around 850 yen.

Another option: take a local train from Takamatsu Station to Furutakamatsu Minami Station. The one-way trip takes 20 minutes, costs 330 yen, and runs once or twice per hour. From the station, it's a 30-40 minute walk (not straightforward). A taxi takes about 10 minutes and costs around 1200 yen.