The Miho Museum in Shiga Prefecture is well worth the ride out there to see. The museum was designed by I.M. Pei to house the private collection of the founder of the Shumei religion, Mrs. Mihoko Koyama (known as “Miho”). You take a little tram through a hill from the reception area and across a small ravine. 80% of the museum is underground out of respect for nature (an emphasis of Shumei). Of course, to build it underground, the entire hill in which it has been placed was removed and put back after construction. The entrance area affords a view of the Shumei headquarters and a belltower. The collection is a tight overview of artifacts of the ancient world from not only Japan, but also Egypt, West Asia, Greece, Rome, South Asia, China and Islam. The modest size of the museum and attractive display make it an enjoyable place to visit. Photography is not permitted in the galleries, but you can find more photos and info at miho.or.jp, including on the medieval Japanese lacquerware exhibit on show during our visit.
