Yonago City Museum of Art

Located in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, this was the first public art museum established in the San’in region. It opened in 1983, born from the passionate efforts of local citizens. The museum serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions that showcase local artists, thematic exhibitions focused on regional connections, and displays from its collection—all aimed at sharing the richness of the area’s artistic heritage.

The museum holds around 1,900 works in its collection. Highlights include pieces by Kanji Maeda, a Western-style painter known for his unique Mae-kanbari technique; Yoshitaka Kiyama, a pioneer of narrative manga who also found success in the United States; sculptor Shindo Tsuji, who established the art form of ceramic sculpture; and photographer Shoji Ueda. Ueda's photographs, often staged against the backdrop of the Tottori Sand Dunes and vast skies, feature subjects arranged like objects, offering a fresh and captivating perspective on the natural beauty of the San’in region.

Right next to the museum is Fruits Café Saeki, a charming spot where you can enjoy fresh juices, parfaits, and fruit sandwiches made with seasonal fruit. It’s the perfect place to relax with a sweet treat after taking in the art.