🗺️ Little Blue Museumちいさな藍美術館

In 2005, the indigo dyeing artist Hiroyuki Shindo transformed his accommodation into a private art museum, open to the public. The location is in the "Miyama thatched village" in the northern area of Miyama Town, which is listed as an important preservation district for traditional buildings. The museum's thatched-roof building was constructed in the 8th year of the Kansei era (1796) and was originally the residence of the Nakano Hachirōemon family. The first floor features a dirt floor and a northern workshop filled with indigo dyeing vats, allowing visitors to not only observe a traditional indigo dyeing workshop but also view a display area for Hiroyuki Shindo's works. On the second floor, the attic space showcases approximately 300 pieces collected by Shindo since his student days, including selected works such as tie-dye from Indonesia and Nigeria, as well as work clothes from the Edo period, along with indigo dyeing materials. There is also a museum shop where visitors can purchase a few indigo dye pieces as souvenirs. Additionally, there are several noteworthy attractions, including "Senki," which consists of seven wooden beams arranged in a cross on the roof, weeping cherry blossoms that bloom in mid-April, seasonal flowers in the courtyard, and the "Aizen Well," where delicious spring water can be enjoyed. It is recommended to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery in the "thatched village," which retains Japan's original landscapes.

The private art museum of indigo dye artist Hiroyuki Shindo. The building was constructed in the 8th year of the Kansei era (1796) and is a thatched-roof farmhouse. The indigo dye workshop inside is open for visits. It showcases indigo dye materials from around the world. The building and the garden, along with other attractions, are worth seeing.