About
The Steel Hut (foreground) and Silver Hut buildings overlooking the Seto Inland Sea
The Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture stands as a landmark achievement in contemporary Japanese architecture, representing the first museum in Japan dedicated to the work of a single architect. Located on a scenic promontory on Omishima Island along the Shimanami Kaido, the museum opened in 2011 and consists of two striking buildings designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Toyo Ito himself. 🔗
Toyo Ito is recognized as one of the leading figures in contemporary Japanese architecture, having received the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2013 for creating "timeless buildings" infused with "spiritual and poetic" qualities. 🔗 The Pritzker jury praised his work for projecting "an air of optimism, lightness, and joy" while being "infused with both a sense of uniqueness and universality."
His architectural philosophy combines elements of minimalism with an embrace of technology, merging traditional and contemporary elements of Japanese culture. Ito has defined architecture as "clothing" for urban dwellers and seeks to "simultaneously express the physical and virtual worlds." 🔗 His works characteristically evoke imagery from the natural world, reflecting his belief that "all architecture is an extension of nature."
Cultural & Historical Significance
Ito's influence extends beyond his built works—his office has served as a training ground for a new generation of Japanese architects, including Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa (who founded SANAA and won the 2010 Pritzker Prize), both of whom cited Ito as a major influence. 🔗
The Buildings: Steel Hut and Silver Hut
The museum comprises two distinct structures, each representing different phases of Ito's career and architectural philosophy:
The Steel Hut is the primary exhibition space, a dramatic black polyhedral structure composed of four distinct volumes joined together like geometric building blocks. 🔗 This nearly windowless building has a stoic monumentality where all walls stand diagonally with no clear distinction between roof, wall, and floor. The design creates a mysterious, sculptural presence where visitors may feel as if they are inside a sphere. The complex angular form showcases Ito's projects through models, drawings, and multimedia presentations.
The Silver Hut is a reconstruction of Toyo Ito's former Tokyo residence, which won the Architecture Institute of Japan Award in 1986. This lighter, more open structure features distinctive vaulted metal roof vaults, porthole windows, and extensive use of glass and perforated aluminum screens. 🔗 Inside, brightly-colored triangular skylights illuminate the space along with furniture designed by Ohashi Akira and a library filled with project documents. The Silver Hut functions as a workshop and event space, embodying Ito's earlier explorations of lightness, transparency, and the ephemeral nature of architecture.
Rather than a static display of past achievements, the museum serves as a dynamic space for architectural exploration, workshops, and the nurturing of young architects. It provides a dedicated educational environment to study Ito's evolving design philosophy and creative process in depth.
The museum is situated within the broader Setouchi art island context, contributing to the Seto Inland Sea's reputation as a hub for contemporary art and architecture. Toyo Ito has been actively involved in revitalizing Omishima Island, including redevelopment projects for the historic Oyamazumi Shrine approach and conversion of vacant houses into community spaces. 🔗
Visiting Information
Access: Exit at Omishima IC (Interchange) from the Shimanami Kaido Expressway. The museum is approximately 25 minutes by car to the southwestern coast of Omishima Island. 🔗 The museum is located in the Urado area along with two other art museums (Tokoro Museum and Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum).
Parking: Small free parking lot with approximately 7 spaces (including one handicap space) beside the Silver Hut. Parking is shared between the three museums in the cluster. Can fill up on busy days, but street parking nearby is generally available. 🔗
Route Context: This is a major detour from the main Shimanami Kaido route (30+ minutes off the expressway). The museum is located on a scenic hilltop with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. Access involves navigating through Omishima's mandarin orange groves and coastal roads.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum closes the following Tuesday instead); December 27-31 for year-end holidays
Admission:
- Adults: ¥840
- Students: ¥420
- Group rates (20+ people): ¥670
- Combined ticket available for all three museums (Toyo Ito, Tokoro, Ken Iwata) at a discount
- 3-Museum Pass and 5-Museum Pass options available
Best Time to Visit:
- Mid to late afternoon offers the best light, with "golden hour" before sunset making the structures glow with dramatic shadows
- Weekday mornings or late afternoons are quietest
- November is an excellent time with cool, crisp, sunny weather and mild Seto Inland Sea climate
Typical Duration:
- Toyo Ito Museum only: 30-45 minutes
- Recommended trio visit (all three museums): 60-90 minutes
- Combined with Oyamazumi Shrine: 2-3 hours total for Omishima cultural experience
The Experience
Steel Hut (Main Exhibition Building):
- Explore the dramatic polyhedral interior where walls, floors, and ceilings blur together
- View comprehensive overview of Ito's work through architectural models, drawings, and multimedia presentations
- Experience how the nearly windowless structure creates a contemplative, sphere-like environment
- Study the evolution of Ito's design philosophy from conceptual innovation to executed buildings
Silver Hut (Workshop and Archive):
- Tour the reconstruction of Ito's former Tokyo residence and Architecture Institute of Japan Award winner
- Experience the light-filled interior with vaulted metal roof and triangular skylights
- Browse the architectural library and project document archive
- Appreciate the contrast between the heavy Steel Hut and the light, transparent Silver Hut
Outdoor Spaces:
- Walk the paths connecting the two buildings through the natural landscape
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands
- Photograph the buildings against their dramatic coastal setting
- Observe how the architecture integrates with the natural environment
Photography:
Photography permitted for personal use both inside and outside. No commercial photography without permission. No tripods or large camera bags that could obstruct pathways.
Best Shots:
- Exterior: Sharp geometric lines of the Steel Hut contrasting with the natural seascape
- Approach path: Wide shots capturing both buildings against the Seto Inland Sea backdrop
- Interior: Looking out through strategically placed windows and openings that frame the sky, sea, and islands
- Golden hour: Late afternoon light making the structures glow dramatically
Practical Visiting Tips
Driving Considerations: Located 4 km/15 minutes west of Omishima IC on Shimanami Kaido. Access via iconic Tatara Bridge. On-site parking available (can fill quickly on busy days). Allow time to navigate through Omishima's coastal roads to reach the museum.
Route Integration: Major detour (30+ minutes) from main Shimanami Kaido route. Best for travelers with flexible schedules who appreciate contemporary architecture. The reward is experiencing world-class architecture in a serene, uncrowded coastal setting.
If Short on Time (30 minutes):
- Focus exclusively on the Steel Hut
- Walk around exterior to appreciate dramatic polyhedral form
- Enter to experience how it frames sea views
- This captures the core architectural experience
Recommended Visit (60-90 minutes):
- Explore both Steel Hut and Silver Hut thoroughly
- Visit adjacent Tokoro Museum for contrast in architectural approach
- Take break at Tokoro Museum cafe with panoramic views
- Purchase combined ticket for best value
Extended Cultural Experience (2-3 hours):
- Complete trio of museums (add Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum)
- Drive to nearby Oyamazumi Shrine (15 minutes) to see Toyo Ito's shrine approach redevelopment
- Experience integration of contemporary architecture with ancient cultural heritage
Culture Day (November 3) Considerations:
- National holiday celebrating culture, freedom, and peace
- Many museums across Japan offer free admission on this day
- Confirm with museum website if special Culture Day programs or free admission apply
- Potential for higher visitor numbers due to holiday, but remote location keeps crowds manageable
Weather Preparation:
- Wear layers for November coastal weather
- Bring windbreaker for exposed coastal location
- Comfortable walking shoes for navigating slopes and paths between buildings
- Rain gear if forecast is uncertain (museum experience still excellent on overcast days)
Value Assessment:
Some visitors find the museum "quite expensive for the limited amount on offer" given the small exhibition spaces. However, the combined ticket with adjacent museums provides better value, and the buildings themselves—as works of architecture—are the primary attraction rather than traditional exhibits.
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/beppu-to-osaka-ferry-route/toyo-ito-museum.md