OkayamaTravel

The Beautiful Portraits of Takeji Yumeji, the Painter of the Taisho Era Romantic Spirit

About this spot

This museum celebrates Takeji Yumeji (竹久夢二), a painter and poet who symbolized the "Taisho Romantic" era, in his native Okayama. Located just minutes from Korakuen near the Horai Bridge (蓬莱橋), the distinctive building features red-brick-style walls and a round tower, resembling a charming Western-style cottage. The museum houses a precious collection of works including hanging scrolls and folding screens featuring the distinctive "Yumeji-style beauty" (夢二式美人)—graceful female figures with a melancholic charm—as well as watercolors, sketches, and decorated books. Exhibitions rotate by theme to keep discoveries fresh. The museum shop offers charming merchandise and postcards featuring Yumeji's designs, perfect for souvenirs. Keep an eye out for the museum's iconic black beckoning cat (maneki-neko) sculpture.

Tips

Just a short walk from Korakuen's main gate across the Horai Bridge, so the route back through the outer periphery of Korakuen from Okayama Castle is the clearest path. During exhibition changes, check the official website in advance to confirm the museum's open status. The calm atmosphere inside makes for a peaceful and quiet appreciation of the art.