Report of Ms. Annaliese Marie (from USA)

From March 6,2013, six international students from Waseda University in Tokyo went on a three days tour to Shimane Prefecture. Each of them chose and wrote a report about three favorite spots from the tour.

 

The Shimane Art Museum was by far my favorite destination of the day. I enjoyed the variety of art that the museum had to offer. Each room seemed to have a different kind of art on display including pottery, western style paintings, traditional Japanese paintings, modern art, wooden sculptures and photography. I enjoyed that the museum displayed both Japanese and non-Japanese works of art.  As a viewer, it gave me an interesting perspective of each piece, as I could compare a single work of art from one culture and one time period to a different work of art from another culture and another time period.I can’t really say exactly which exhibit is my favorite within the museum but I can say that I love that there are comfortable seats in some of the rooms. These seats, if I remember correctly, are primarily in the rooms displaying traditional Japanese art painted on the long horizontal canvases or folding screens. It was extremely relaxing to sit down and enjoy the painting within the quiet and tranquil atmosphere that the Shimane Art Museum has to offer.

Besides the art and the peaceful atmosphere that Shimane Art Museum has, this museum is probably the best place to watch the sun set. It was a highlight to go outside and take many pictures along the lake shoreline in front of the museum.  Since it was winter season and the weather was fairly chilly, it was also a wonderful feeling to be able to go back inside and enjoy the sunset from behind Shimane Art Museum’s giant glass walls that overlook Lake Shinji.

 

 

The Horikawa Sightseeing Boat is the best way to not only enjoy a beautiful view of Matsue Castle but to also relax and learn about the great history that lies on the canals’ shores. My friend and I arrived at the boat that we took our sightseeing tour on, around 9:30 AM. The people working at the Horikawa Sightseeing Boats were all very kind and greeted us with warm welcomes. We were lucky enough to be the only two people taking the tour at the time so we got the boat all to ourselves. Our boat driver was a very nice lady. She pointed out places for us to visit, taught us some simple Japanese phrases and sang a beautiful Japanese song for us. When we could not understand what she was saying she would turn on an audio that would explain the history behind some of the buildings that rested on the canal shores.

The Boat goes all around the Matsue castle and it really is a peaceful and relaxing experience but you won’t get too bored because the boats awning occasionally lowers to go under a few very low bridges. The lowering of the boats awning was one of my favorite parts of the ride. I think children would find this quite fun. Other than the beautiful views of Matsue Castle and other sites that are rich with history, on a sunny day boat goers can spot several turtles basking in the sun.

 

 

 The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art is a museum not like any other I’ve experienced. Besides having the distinction of being the only quilt art museum in Japan, the museum itself is located in a traditional 200 year old Japanese dwelling. The quilts are made from kimonos that date as far back as 200 years ago.  The ikebana (beautiful flower arrangement), antique quilts, and the manner in which both are displayed in the setting of a traditional Japanese house are blended superbly.

I’m so glad I had this experience and highly recommend this museum to all as a way to introduce oneself to the world and art of quilts. Although I enjoy museums in general, I had not expected to love this venue as much as I did. Before visiting this museum, I never saw beauty in quilt works. However, breathtakingly beautiful, the quilts on display at the museum are not like any others I have ever seen. Displays of the quilts were artfully arranged and the historical significance within the quilts brought their stories to life. If you are able to visit this museum, I would advise you to sit down for some tea and completely enjoy the experience of being in such a remarkable venue holding such unique works of art. The gift shop also offers wonderful cards decorated with kimono fabric, a great way to send a piece of Japan back home to your family and friends.