Saka no Ue no Kumo, or “Clouds Over the Slope”, is a best-selling historical novel by the prominent novelist Ryotaro Shiba. The novel is focused on three main characters from Matsuyama City; Yoshifuru Akiyama, his brother Saneyuki Akiyama, and their poet friend, Shiki Masaoka. The museum was built around the theme of this novel.
The building was designed by the world-famous architect, Tadao Ando, and consists of one basement floor and four others at ground level. His architecture is inspired by the history and surrounding nature of the Matsuyama castle. This carefully designed museum blends in well with the landscape and does not overwhelm the neighborhood environment, especially ensuring no interruption of the view to the castle garden greenery from the street. All the halls on each floor are connected to one slope which allows visitors to gently stroll about, and have ample time for contemplation.
The exhibition presents information and details of Shiba’s novel and other Meiji period writings, as well as documents relating to the main characters.
A library lounge on the second floor is open for everyone without charge. The Museum café serves originally blended coffee, and other refreshments, as well as special weekend desserts. They also proudly serve all items on their menu using Tobe ware from Ehime prefecture.
Highlights
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The museum’s theme based on Ryotaro Shiba’s classic novel Saka no Ue no Kumo
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Designed by the world-famous architect, Tadao Ando
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The architecture fits beautifully into the surrounding environment
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Learn about the novel’s main characters and related events.