A Day at the Hikaru Museum in Takayama: Where Lacquer Art Shines

#springitinerary **📍 Takayama, Gifu Prefecture** **📅 Saturday Morning, Sunny & Crisp** Stepping into the quiet streets of Takayama feels like entering an old Japanese woodblock print. The air is fresh, the mountains loom in the distance, and the scent of miso and grilled Hida beef lingers in the air. But today, my destination isn’t just the famous morning markets—it’s the **Hikaru Museum**, a hidden gem dedicated to the breathtaking lacquer art of **Hikaru Yamada**. ### **🖼️ The Museum: A Glimpse into Golden Elegance** Tucked away in a traditional-style building, the museum is intimate yet striking. The moment I enter, I’m greeted by **lacquerware so radiant it seems to glow**—bowls, boxes, and screens adorned with delicate **maki-e (gold/silver powder designs)**. - **✨ Highlights:** - A **gold-lacquered folding screen** depicting seasonal flowers, shimmering under soft lighting. - A **black lacquer sake cup** with a dragon coiled around it, so detailed it looks alive. - A special exhibition on **Edo-period lacquer techniques**, showing how these masterpieces were made. The craftsmanship is unreal—every stroke of gold tells a story. ### **🍵 Tea & Reflection in the Garden** After the exhibits, I relax in the small **Japanese garden** behind the museum. For **¥500**, I enjoy **matcha and a traditional sweet**, sitting by a tiny koi pond. The tranquility here is a perfect contrast to Takayama’s bustling markets. ### **🚶♀️ Exploring Nearby: Old Town & Hida Beef** Since the museum is compact (about **1 hour** for a thorough visit), I spend the rest of the day wandering: - **🏮 Sanmachi Suji (Old Town):** Cobblestone lanes lined with sake breweries and antique shops. - **🍢 Hida Beef Skewers:** A must-try from the **Miyagawa Morning Market**. - **⛩️ Takayama Jinya:** A 17th-century government house with tatami rooms and samurai history. ### **📝 Final Thoughts** The **Hikaru Museum** is a **must for art lovers**—it’s small but unforgettable. Pair it with Takayama’s old-world charm, and you’ve got the perfect day trip. **🌟 Rating: 4.5/5** (Wish it had more English descriptions!) **💰 Admission: ¥800** (Worth every yen) **Next stop—Shirakawa-go?** Stay tuned! ✨