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Hangamura Museum and Gallery: A Showcase of Sado's Print Art

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Discover Sado's artistic soul at Hangamura Museum and Gallery, showcasing woodblock prints in a historic Meiji-era courthouse.

The Hangamura Museum and Gallery in Sado, Niigata, displays a collection of woodblock prints and other print art, celebrating the woodblock engraving movement led by Shinichi Takahashi. Housed in the historic former Aikawa Summary Court, the museum offers a glimpse into the local art scene and Meiji-era architecture.

A brief summary to Hangamura Museum and Gallery

  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's schedule for monthly exhibitions and consider participating in a woodblock print workshop for a hands-on experience.
  • Visit the nearby time bell to experience a piece of Sado's history, as it chimes in the morning and evening.
  • Note that the museum is closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) and from December to February.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Aikawa district, the Hangamura Museum and Gallery is easily accessible by foot. As you walk through the town, look for the red-tiled roof of the former Aikawa Summary Court, which houses the museum. The walk offers a chance to appreciate the townscape of Aikawa. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Sado Island has a network of bus lines. From Ryotsu Port, take a bus towards Aikawa. Get off at a stop near the Aikawa district and follow the walking directions to the museum. Bus fares vary depending on the distance, with a short trip costing around ¥200-¥400. Check the local bus timetable in advance due to infrequent service.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available on Sado Island. From Ryotsu Port, a taxi ride to the Hangamura Museum and Gallery in Aikawa takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The estimated fare is between ¥4,000 and ¥6,000. There are also sightseeing buses available from Ryotsu Port and Ogi Port.

Discover more about Hangamura Museum and Gallery

The Hangamura Museum and Gallery is located in Aikawa Komeyamachi, Sado, and is dedicated to showcasing a diverse collection of print art. The museum's collection highlights the woodblock engraving movement spearheaded by the late Shinichi Takahashi, a woodblock print artist and high school teacher. Approximately 260 pieces are on permanent display, primarily featuring Takahashi's posthumous works and pieces by local Sado artists. Visitors can explore various printmaking techniques, including woodblock, copperplate, and silkscreen prints. The museum also hosts monthly exhibitions and woodblock print workshops for a fee. The museum is housed in the former Aikawa Summary Court, a building that retains architectural elements from the Meiji Period. The museum is closed on Mondays, or the next day if Monday is a public holiday and from January to the end of February. Near the museum, a time bell, cast in 1712 using Sado-produced bronze, chimes in the morning and evening. The bell, originally used to signal time in Aikawa until 1871, adds to the area's historical charm.

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