Idemitsu Museum of Arts (Moji)

This art museum mainly showcases the art collection gathered during the lifetime of Sazo Idemitsu, founder of Idemitsu Kosan. Built in Moji, where Sazo had strong ties through founding “Idemitsu Shokai” and serving as chairman of the chamber of commerce, the museum features a brick-style exterior that blends in beautifully with the atmosphere of the Mojiko Retro district.

The collection focuses on Japanese calligraphy and painting, along with Chinese and Japanese ceramics. In particular, the collections of Sengai Gibon (a Zen monk and painter from the Edo period) and Ko-Karatsu ware produced from the late 16th century to the mid-17th century are among the finest in Japan. Many works by artists from the same era, with whom Sazo developed close ties, are also on display. There is no permanent exhibition; instead, the museum hosts 5–6 themed exhibitions each year featuring selected works.

The museum also includes the “Idemitsu Founding History Archive Room,” which introduces Sazo Idemitsu’s life through historical materials and traces his legacy.