Sesshu Memorial Museum 雪舟の郷記念館

Credited with creating a distinctly Japanese style of ink wash painting, known as sumi-e, the 15th-century Zen monk and artist, Sesshu, created many masterpieces, six of which are classed as National Treasures.

Known for his gardens, the one he created at Ikoji Temple is considered the best of his two.

The museum is just over a kilometer from Masuda Station.

There are bus stops within 500 meters of the museum, but the easiest way is to take a taxi from either the station or the Sesshu gardens nearby.

The museum is located right next to where Sesshu Toyo chose to spend his last days on Earth, and when he passed away at the age of 87, he was buried nearby.

After visiting the nearby gardens he created in the 15th century at Ikoji Temple and Manpukuji Temple , you can see a selection of his paintings. More importantly, perhaps you can get a feel for the man himself.

A lifelike bust of Sesshu and an assortment of his personal possessions complement the paintings on display.

Only a few of the museum's collection of Sesshu paintings are on display at any one time, but one that is often on view is his portrait of Masuda Kanetama, the Lord of Iwami who brought Sesshu to Masuda in 1478. Painted in 1479, it is an Important Cultural Property.

Though created in modern times, you will see the unmistakable influence of Sesshu in the delightful gardens surrounding the museum.