Nakasendo Hiroshige Museum of Art, Ena

The Nakasendo Hiroshige Museum of Art stands as a dedicated showcase for the masterworks of Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), one of Japan's most celebrated ukiyo-e artists. Established in September 2001, the museum houses the remarkable Tanaka Collection, a comprehensive assemblage of Hiroshige's woodblock prints donated by local collector Haruo Tanaka. Located in the historic post town of Oi-juku along the ancient Nakasendo highway in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, this specialized institution preserves and presents the artistic legacy of Japan's Edo period.

The museum's collection focuses on "The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido", a series depicting the old Nakasendo road that Hiroshige created during his artistic prime. This collection represents one of the most significant assemblages of Hiroshige's landscape prints outside major metropolitan museums. In the late 1830s, Hiroshige traveled along the Nakasendo highway, contributing 46 designs to a series of 69 views of this historic route, making the museum's location particularly meaningful as it sits directly on the road that inspired these masterpieces.

Visitors can explore over 1,500 pieces of art through rotating exhibitions that change monthly, ensuring fresh perspectives on Hiroshige's extensive body of work. The museum's Ukiyo-e Education area on the second floor offers interactive learning experiences, including educational videos about ukiyo-e techniques and Hiroshige's artistic methods. The most popular attraction is the hands-on woodblock printing workshop, where visitors use simulated printing blocks to create their own ukiyo-e prints using traditional layered ink application techniques.

The museum is easily accessible, located just 5 minutes' walk from JR Ena Station. About 1 hour from JR Nagoya station on the Chūō line. By car, the museum is about 2 hours from Nagoya by National Highway No. 19 or 50 minutes by the Tōmei Expressway and the Chūō Expressway. Free parking is available for 90 minutes at the contracted Nakao Parking facility. Adult admission varies by exhibition type, with regular exhibitions typically priced at 520 yen and special exhibitions at 820 yen (group discounts available for 20 or more visitors). Every Wednesday and Friday Free Admission. Visitors with disability certificates receive free admission upon presentation at reception.