Tour Announcement: Discover the works of Japanese painter, Sesshu Toyo, on a cycling tour around Yamaguchi City

Date published: 15 January 2024

Enjoy a mesmerizing cycle tour on January 21, 2024, with expert guide Tetsushi Morita, exploring the Zen-inspired art of Sesshu Toyo in Yamaguchi City. Visit Jyoei-ji Temple's tranquil garden, a Sesshu masterpiece, and marvel at his influential ink paintings at the Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art. This day-long adventure combines artistic discovery with the serene beauty of Yamaguchi's landscapes.

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Tour Outline

Embark on a cycle tour to see the works of Sesshu Toyo, a Muromachi period (1336 - 1392) monk and painter who revolutionized Japanese ink painting and solidified his place as the most famous ink artist in Japanese art history.
Jyoei-ji Temple is believed to have been the villa of feudal lord Ouchi Masahiro, who had Sesshu build the ornate garden. This masterpiece of a Japanese garden is akin to a landscape painting, overflowing with calm serenity and the spirit of Zen.
The Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art houses works by Sesshu and the Unkoku School, which succeeded Sesshu's style of painting. It also exhibits many works by artists associated with Yamaguchi Prefecture.

‘Suiboku-ga’ Ink Painting and Sesshu Toyo

Suiboku-ga (ink painting), in which pictures are painted using many shades of ink, originated in China during the Tang dynasty (7th to early 10th century).

The art form was introduced to Japan through Zen Buddhism in the mid-Kamakura period (1185-1333), where it flourished as a creative expression of Zen. Buddhist monk Sesshu was the most prominent Suiboku-ga master of the Muromachi period (1336 – 1573).

He was born in Okayama, Kyoto, and then moved to Yamaguchi (known as Suo Province at the time), where he received the patronage of the feudal Ouchi clan.

At the age of 48, he traveled to China, where he honed his skills, and after returning to Japan, he expanded his activism to various parts of the country. He has six works that have been designated as national treasures - the most of any individual Japanese painter.

All of these were painted when Sesshu was in his mid-60s, showcasing an incredible creativity that did not wane until his final years.

* A portrait of Sesshu, "Coloring on Silk by Sesshu Toyo", copied by Unkoku Toeki.

* Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art, which houses works by Sesshu and the Unkoku School, which succeeded Sesshu's style of painting.

Tour Guide, Tetsushi Morita (Profile)

Tetsushi Morita, previously leading the President's Office and Michelin Guide Division at Nihon Michelin Tire Co. Ltd., is an acknowledged expert for the Japan Tourism Agency's extensive sightseeing promotion initiative. His expertise lies in researching and conveying the appeal of Japanese culture and history to Westerners. He also designs and organizes tours across Japan, catering to the rising interest in adventure tourism.

Tour Date and Time

・Sunday, January 21, 2024, meeting at 8:45 AM
・Departure at 8:45 AM - Return at 5 PM

Cost

・5,000 yen

The following items are included in the above tour fee:
・Charter bus fee (Tsubame Kotsu)
・Guide fee
・Lunch
・Cost of one accompanying tour guide

Items not included in the above tour fee:
・Meals not listed in the itinerary
・Personal expenses such as phone communication fees, spending money, etc.

Meeting place

In front of "Orizuru Clock" outside the central ticket gate on the 2nd floor of JR Hiroshima Station at 8:45 AM

Precautions

・Please wear comfortable clothes for this cycling tour.
・Lunch (packed lunch) will be provided once during the day.
・In case of inclement weather, the tour may be changed from cycling to bus/walking.

How to apply

Application Form

Or scan this QR code to access the reservation link

OR Please apply directly to the tour conductor at the meeting place on 21st Jan.
The trip fee will be collected at Hiroshima Station on the day of the trip.

Contact

TOBU TOP TOURS Co.,LTD. HIROSHIMA Branch　　　　
6-11 Hondori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 730-0035, Japan
TEL: 050-9002-5442 / FAX: 082-542-1333
Mail: yuki_nakamoto@tobutoptours.co.jp

Area
Yamaguchi
Category
Other Historic Sites
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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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