The metrics Japanese authorities use to determine superlative lists always fascinate me—gardens are no exception.
Colloquially, it’s known that the “top 3 gardens” in Japan are Kenroku-en, Koraku-en and Kairaku-en, in Kanazawa, Okayama and Mito, respectively. However the “Journal of Japanese Gardening” (which, let’s be fair, seems to be an authority) has named a different garden as is best one, every year since 2003 no less.
In this post, I’m going to focus primarily on how to get to Adachi Museum of Art, whether or not you end up agreeing with the Journal’s judgment. (Though I will be sprinkling in some of my own opinions, don’t you worry!)
Should You Stay Overnight in Yasugi?
There simply aren’t that many Yasugi hotels available, even if you decide you want to stay here. Properties such as Shokinan and Saginoyusou are perfectly fine, to be sure. However, there are simply more (and, arguably, better) options on either side of Yasugi in the larger cities of Matsue to the west, and Yonago to the east.
Beyond this, I would say that in spite of all there is to do in Yasugi beyond the museum (and do trust, I’ll explain some of that in a minute), you really don’t need to sleep here. You can come early from Yonago or Matsue, stay as long as you’d like and go back as late as you like. To put it another way, your decision comes completely down to personal preference—I’m agnostic.
How to Reach the Adachi Museum of Art
Fly to Yonago, train to Yasugi
If you’re originating in Tokyo, you can fly ANA from Haneda Airport Terminal 2 to Yonago Kitaro Airport, code YGJ. Upon arriving here, ride the JR train to Yonago Station, where you can transfer to another train and continue on to Yasugi Station from there.
Fly to Izumo, train to Yasugi
Another way to access the Adachi Museum of Art from Tokyo (or even Osaka, since there are flights from Itami Airport) is to fly JAL to Izumo Airport, code IZO. Since this airport is closer to Matsue, it’s best to get a shuttle bus to Matsue Station, then ride a JR train to Yasugi from there.
Go all the way to Yasugi by train
If you’re already in western Japan, it’s easy enough to go all the way to Yasugi by train. Specifically, you’ll want to make your way to Okayama (likely via Shinkansen), then transfer to the Yakumo Limited Express. These hourly trains will take you directly to Yasugi, albeit in more than two hours one-way.
Bus from Yasugi to Adachi Museum of Art
Once you you arrive at Yasugi Station, the most economical way to reach the Adachi Museum is to take a bus. These tend to come 3-4 times per hour, with at least one of these departures timed to meet the arrival of the Yakumo in either direction.
Adachi Museum or Art by taxi or private car
If you don’t want to wait for a bus or simply prefer a taxi, there’s usually at least one waiting at Yasugi Station; tell him you want to go to A-daa-chi Bi-jutsu-kan (足立美術館). Alternatively—and this should go without saying—you can drive a rental car (or your own private car) from anywhere in Japan to the museum.
Other Things to Do in Yasugi (Besides the Art Museum)
Adachi Museum of Art is the most famous place to visit in Yasugi, but it’s not the only game in town:
- Just next door to the museum, as the Yasugibushi Theater, you can watch regular performances of the traditional Yasugibushi dance.
- Although it shares little in common with its more famous cousin in Kyoto, Kiyomizudera temple is a tranquil and beautiful spot to visit, particularly if you have a rental car (or lots of time).
- The Wakou Museum, which is close to Yasugi Station, tells the history of iron and steel production in the area. This was interesting to me, since my dad works in the steel industry!
Of course, you could be like most people and simply visit the museum on a day trip from Yonago or Matsue, without paying any mind to everything else to do in Yasugi. No judgment!
Other FAQ About Visiting Adachi Museum of Art
How do I get to the Adachi Museum of Art?
The Adachi Museum of Art is accessible via regular buses from Yasugi Station. That’s the good news. The bad news? Reaching Yasugi Station requires you to get to Japan’s remote Shimane prefecture, which requires a long train ride from most of western Japan, and at least one flight from points in the east.
How do I get to Adachi Museum of Art from Osaka?
To reach Adachi Museum of Art from Osaka, you first need to ride a Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama. Here, change to a Yakumo Limited Express train bound for Izumo and get off at Yasugi, where you can catch the next bus to the museum.
How do I get to Adachi Museum of Art from Kyoto?
To reach Adachi Museum of Art from Kyoto, take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Okayama. Here, transfer to the next Izumo-bound Yakumo Limited Express and disembark at Yasugi. There, you can board a shuttle bus to the museum.
The Bottom Line
I tried to be intentional with this post, focusing primarily on how to get to Adachi Museum of Art, and not on whether it’s actually the best garden in Japan. I personally don’t think it is—am I allowed to that that?—though the doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting. Indeed, the town of Yasugi (where you find it) is a hidden gem, even within the context of Japan’s hidden-gem-of-hidden-gems, the San’in region. Like any plant in any garden, the Adachi Museum of Art is but one player in Yasugi’s symphony of beauty. Hire me to plan your Japan trip, and I’ll ensure it integrates flawlessly into the rest of your itinerary.
