Himeji Museumof Literature –Sightseeing Highlights

Designed by world-renowned architect Ando Tadao, the HimejiMuseum of Literature offers a number of highlights. Enjoy adistant view of the Himeji Castle while strolling through the“Forest of Tales”.

■ Entrance① Gate area behind Otokoyama Hill; sense of harmony withnature② Approach to pathways③ Spot with a full view of the museum grounds■ South Building (South Wing)④ Angular design – a minimalist combination ofquadratic shapes（in contrast to the North Wing）⑤ Corridor style inner stairwell that invokes a sense ofextraordinariness⑥ Showers of light from above…skylights at every turn
⑦ Glass walls transmit light and scenery from outdoors;
sense of liberation■ By the Courtyard⑧ Stone wall with turtle shell pattern—follows design fromthe Hamamoto Residence⑨ Ramp surrounded by the sound of streaming water…main building gradually comes into view
⑩ View of the Himeji Castle over the green hill
⑪ Water from the pond descends a flight of steps in the image of a cascade⑫ Waterside resting area with view of artificial pond and garden landscape■ North Building (North Wing)⑬ Geometric building merging cubic and cylindrical shapes⑭ Three levels of dynamic interior space⑮ Exhibition space connects seamlessly in an ascending spiral⑯ Unique view of the White Heron (Himeji) Castle through the glass slits⑰ Open structure of pillars and beams; staircases in multiple directions⑱ Rooftop terrace with expansive view of the castle towers and town
⑲ Commune with nature at slope with view of green garden, bamboo forest⑳ Observation deck standing over the manmade pond; enjoy a distant view of theNagoyama Bussharito (stupa), a vibrant sunset, etc.
■ Bokeitei House（Hamamoto’s old residence）㉑ Constructed with wood in the Taisho Era（now a Registered Tangible Cultural Property）㉒ Hidden spot offering a sweeping view of the Himeji Castle, Ando’s
architecture, and the residence’s traditional Japanese-stylearchitecture.**view differs by season.

FeaturesandConstruction
Data◇ Feature 1
This site is located at the foot of Otokoyama Hill, approximately 500 meters
Northwest of the Himeji Castle. “Otokoyama Hill” —which houses theSenhime Tenmangu Shrine—forms a geographical pair with “HimeyamaHill”, upon which the castle sits. The architecture also reflects thisrelationship:
・Harmony between the buildings, history, and natural environment
・Correspondence between the Museum and Castle
・Contrasting geometric structures of the North and South Buildings
・Alignment of the North/South Buildings, along with its combination withthe pond and “Bokeitei House”, a National Registered Tangible CulturalProperty.

◇ Feature 2
The North Building (North Wing) is situated such that the Himeji Castle can be viewed from bothwithin and outside of the building. The design is that of an open cylinder encompassing one of twosquare shapes (each divided into 9 parts) that overlap at a 30-degree angle. The square shaped
parts measure 22.5m per side, while the cylindrical component has a radius of 20m. The embrace ofthe cylinder binds the spaces together, giving the overall structure a sense of completeness. The
pond as well as the sloped pathway are arranged to compliment this building’s placement.
The South Building (South Wing) stands in front of the artificial pond. Its overall design can bedescribed as an assembly of square and rectangular faces.
◇ Feature 3Constructed in the Taisho Era, “Bokeitei House” was originally the secondary residence of a Himeji
businessman named Hamamoto. It became a municipal property in 1958, and was used by citizens
as a recreational spot and wedding hall. During the construction of the museum, it was decided that
1/3 of the original property would be preserved and maintained alongside the new Western stylebuildings. This portion was renamed “Bokeitei” (“scenic bower”) by Urasenke’s 15th SEN Soshitsu(Grand Master), and came to be a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2009.1
1 Urasenke is one of the three main schools of Japanese tea ceremony.

The wooden structures from older times, paired with the museum building’s sleek and modern
design brings about a novel landscape.
◇ Feature 4
A work of architecture by ANDO Tadao, the Himeji Museum of Literature has received high praises
from architects both nationwide and abroad. It is currently listed in the Michelin Green Guide as
one of 8 recommended tourist attractions in Himeji City.

North Building (North Wing)

South Building (South Wing)

Year of Completion: 1991
Total Floor Area: 3,815 m2
Levels: 3 floors above ground,
1 floor below ground
Structure: Steel-Reinforced ConcreteYear of Completion: 1994
Total Floor Area: 2,533 m2
Levels: 2 floors above ground,
1 floor below ground
Structure: Reinforced Concrete

Bokeitei House

Year of Completion: 1991
Total Floor Area: 444 m2
Levels: single story
Structure: Wood withTile Roof