Question 1

How do I get there from Sakata Station?

Accepted Answer

Take the Runrun bus university route from JR Sakata Station and alight at the Domon Ken Kinenkan stop (about 16 minutes), or take a taxi, about 10 minutes. By car it is conveniently placed about 5 minutes from Sakata IC on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway.

Question 2

Is the museum accessible?

Accepted Answer

Wheelchairs, pushchairs and four-point walking sticks are available to borrow. There are ramps inside and the corridors are wide and easy to move along. Accessible parking and multi-purpose toilets are also provided.

Question 3

Why does it have a Michelin rating?

Accepted Answer

It was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon in 2009, in recognition both of the quality of the photographs and of the museum as a space where nature, architecture and art come together.

Question 4

Are there other places to visit nearby?

Accepted Answer

Iimoriyama Park holds some of Sakata's finest scenery. Nearby are sights of the Shonai region such as the historic Sankyo Rice Storehouses with their zelkova avenue and black-painted warehouses, well worth visiting together.

Question 5

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

Open 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30). Closed on Mondays from December to March (open when Monday is a public holiday, closing the following Tuesday instead), over the New Year period and on exhibition changeover days. From April to November it also opens on Mondays.

Question 6

Is the display permanent or a series of exhibitions?

Accepted Answer

Domon Ken's major works (Pilgrimage to Ancient Temples, Muroji, Hiroshima, Children of Chikuho, Bunraku, Fubo and others) are shown in rotation by theme. As the display changes, you see different works depending on when you visit.

Question 7

What are Domon Ken's best-known works?

Accepted Answer

His major works include Pilgrimage to Ancient Temples (photographing Buddhist statues at more than 100 temples across Japan over 40 years), Muroji, Hiroshima (the daily lives of survivors 12 years after the bombing), Children of Chikuho, Bunraku and Fubo.

Question 8

How long does a visit take?

Accepted Answer

Viewing carefully takes about 1 to 2 hours. Spending time on the lakeside terrace and in the courtyard is also popular, and as different works are shown at each changeover, many visitors return.

Question 9

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

The price varies with the exhibition. Please check the official website for the current rate. Visitors with a disability receive a discount, and wheelchairs, pushchairs and walking sticks are available to borrow.

Question 10

What should I look for in the building?

Accepted Answer

The building was designed by Taniguchi Yoshio, the courtyard sculpture is by Isamu Noguchi, the nameplate and ticket design are by Kamekura Yusaku, and the landscaping and objects are by Teshigahara Hiroshi, so the whole museum is a work of art. The beautiful natural setting, with a pond in front, is another attraction.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

You can use the car park in Iimoriyama Park, which includes accessible spaces. It is about 5 minutes by car from Sakata IC, so access by car is good.

Question 12

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

It varies by exhibition. Please see the official website for details.

Question 13

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30).

Question 14

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 16 minutes on the Runrun bus university route from JR Sakata Station, alighting at Domon Ken Kinenkan. About 5 minutes by car from Sakata IC on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway. About 20 minutes by car from Shonai Airport.

Question 15

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

2-13 Iimoriyama, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture (in Iimoriyama Park)

Question 16

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 17

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Mondays from December to March (open when Monday is a public holiday, closing the following Tuesday instead), the New Year period, and exhibition changeover days.

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