Sagawa Art Museum

Sadly the one and only time I have ventured to the handsome Sagawa Art Museum was when a kind friend drove us from Kyoto to check out the works of world famous graphic artist MC Escher  - the exhibition was sensational by the way! Wandered my head through those impossible constructions for hours. 

If you don't have a Kyoto friend with a car to transport you for the hour's drive you can take the JR Kosei line from Kyoto station to JR Katata station then it's a 10 minute cab ride. 

It is definitely worth checking out what exhibitions are showing before you visit but there is a lovely permanent Raku ware (tea ceremony related ceramics) exhibit and a modern tea house deserving of a viewing - but the architecture and surrounds of the museum is worth a trip alone.  Take a look.

On the way to the Raku room there is a large space that runs under the waterway which is visible through a large perspex panel in the ceiling (above)-  which also allows an ethereal light into the room.  It seems to be a popular spot for a pic!

Guess which one belongs to me? .....
       

Above is a simple display of ikebana at the entrance to the Raku ceramic wing

I  love the imprint of wooden planks on the concrete walls  - so clever

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Peek into Takahama たかはま

Recently I visited friends in quiet and lovely Takahama in Fukui prefecture- its about a 2 hour trip from Kyoto whether you go by road or rail.  I recommend the train as the views on  route are quite stunning - green misty mountains, deep gorges, farm villages - you get the picture. I didn't get a chance to check out the old town area which looks very much lost in time - perhaps stuck in the 40's and a bit daggy, gritty, earthy - and  therefore very intriguing  to me - think crusty old shotengai (shopping strip arcades) with cranky shopkeepers and possible treasures to be found in second hand stores etc... that will have to wait until my return trip. I did however spend a relaxing time in my friend's home high in the mountain listening to the chattering monkeys, frog chorus and frequent birdcall. 

As we were driving we were able to stray a little off the beaten track and stop on route to visit one of the top 100 natural springs in Japan - with fabulous drinking water available to fill up your own containers. There is a lovely shrine and grounds to wander and a little joint to grab a bite to eat. 

Over the sprawling grounds and up a hill (past a rather large snake who eyed us curiously) we came across a beautiful hidden part of the shrine which exudes fantastic energy

Back down the hill are some unusual constructions, plus a sprawling flower garden, koi (carp) pond and more structured landscaping

I am used to seeing maybe one hydrangea bush or two in a garden but here they were almost growing wild! Stunning!

Lunch was a hearty, flavoursome oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice). Home cooking. 

The filling station...

Back on route we were able to see a little more of the countryside

This sweet little shop was full of super fresh local produce at great prices. 

The view from my friend's verandah.....peaceful.

dreamcatcher in the garden - above and below...well we think it was a monkey... possibly taken down by a bear or wild boar... very unusual thing for a city girl to witness...

Neighbouring farmer friends came a visiting armed with homemade miso - 1 year  old at the back and 10 years old (made by her grandmother and more quite medicinal) in the front.   After tea and traditional sweets we took a walk around the local area, visiting artist friend, Myong Hee Kim's, studio where she creates her wonderful works. 

The beautiful old farm building which is now home to a very creative space. 

Wonderful, inspirational vibrations

Myong Hee Kim

Thanks for a lovely weekend Myong Hee and Bob. xx