Excursion Arts and crafts in shimane tour at Sakaiminato

Visit the Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall, dedicated to Abe Eishiro, a Living National Treasure renowned for his mastery of washi making and experience hands-on Japanese paper crafting. Continue to the world-renowned Adachi Museum of Art, home to Japan’s most celebrated gardens and an exquisite collection of modern Japanese paintings.

Your artistic journey begins at the pier, where you board a comfortable coach for a scenic one-hour drive through the serene landscapes of the San’in region. As you travel past coastal views, forested hills, and traditional countryside, your guide shares insight into Shimane’s cultural heritage and the deep artistic traditions that await.

Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall

Your first destination is the Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall, located in the peaceful Yakumo district. This site honors Abe Eishiro, a nationally celebrated master of traditional washi (Japanese handmade paper). Here, you’ll explore displays of traditional tools, learn about the painstaking papermaking process, and gain insight into an art form cherished for centuries.
The highlight of your visit is a hands-on washi-making experience, where you’ll create your own sheet of handcrafted paper—a unique and meaningful keepsake of this timeless craft. Restrooms are available, and the terrain is flat with several small steps.

Adachi Museum of Art

Next, enjoy a relaxing 25-minute transfer to the Adachi Museum of Art, internationally renowned for its museum-view gardens, which are consistently ranked the best in Japan. Designed as “living paintings,” the six gardens are masterfully arranged to be viewed from large picture windows within the museum. Seasonal colors, precise trimming, and meticulously composed landscapes create a living harmony of stone, moss, water, and plants. Inside, the museum features an exceptional collection of modern Japanese art, including the works of Yokoyama Taikan, alongside ceramics, calligraphy, and other traditional crafts. Photography is allowed in gardens but strictly prohibited for artworks.

After 90 minutes immersed in art and beauty, re-board your coach for the one-hour scenic return to the pier, carrying with you a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistic spirit of Shimane.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall & Washi Paper Experience, and the Adachi Museum of Art.

Note

Please Note: This tour includes approximately 800 meters (0.50 miles) of walking and several steps; it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Comfortable clothing, sneakers, and sun protection are recommended. At the Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall, several steps are present at the entrance. Photography is allowed at both venues, though no flash is permitted inside the Memorial Hall, and no photographs of artworks are allowed at the Adachi Museum of Art. Shopping time is available at the museum’s gift shop, where credit cards are accepted. Water is not provided on the coach. Local fried rice crackers are offered as a snack during the tour.
The gardens at Adachi Museum are viewed exclusively from inside the museum—walking through them is not permitted. Tour order may vary depending on operational conditions. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.