Northern Culture Museum, History museum in Sōmi, Japan
The Northern Culture Museum is a historic mansion in Sōmi that houses over 6,000 objects from Japan, China, and Korea across 65 rooms. The building displays traditional Japanese architecture with characteristic elements from the period of its construction.
The mansion was originally built as a residence for the Itō family, the largest landowners in Niigata. Construction began in 1882 and was an elaborate project that extended over several years.
The museum displays artworks from Japan, China, and Korea throughout the mansion's rooms. The collections reflect artistic traditions that visitors encounter while walking through the building.
The museum is about 20 minutes by car from JR Niigata Station or accessible by bus from Niigata Station's Bandai Exit. Plan enough time to explore the many rooms and displays at a relaxed pace.
The estate's garden was designed after Kyoto's Ginkakuji Temple and displays visible changes with cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, autumn leaves, and winter landscapes. This natural progression makes each visit a different experience depending on the season.
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