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Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture

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A museum born from a love of poetry, the Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture, might surprise you. It was founded by a video game legend. Hiroshi Yamauchi, the former president of Nintendo, poured his passion and over $20 million into creating this unique space. The Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture, or SAMAC as it’s known, isn’t about video games though. It’s a celebration of Japanese art and culture. The museum’s heart beats with the rhythm of the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. This famous anthology of 100 poems by 100 poets, compiled in the 13th century, is brought to life through interactive exhibits. You’ll find yourself immersed in the world of Waka poetry. SAMAC isn’t content with just preserving the past. It houses a stunning collection of Japanese-style paintings, many from the Edo and Meiji periods. These works, rarely seen by the public, offer a breathtaking glimpse into Japan’s artistic heritage. Before you leave, take a moment on the second floor. The view of the Oigawa River and the surrounding Arashiyama area is like stepping into a Japanese painting itself. The Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture is a testament to the power of art and the unexpected ways it connects us.

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