Rias Ark Museum, Tohoku Travel Guide

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Discover art, local history, and moving tsunami remembrance at Kesennuma's Rias Ark Museum.

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Rias Ark Museum

Perched on a hill overlooking Kesennuma, the Rias Ark Museum is a striking blend of contemporary art and local history, with a strong focus on the impact of the 2011 tsunami. The museum's architecture itself is noteworthy, resembling a ship sailing along the coast.

A brief summary to Rias Ark Museum

138-5 Akaiwamakisawa, Kesennuma, Akaiwamakisawa, Miyagi, 988-0171, JP
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Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rias Ark Museum.

Allow ample time to explore both the art and history exhibits, especially the moving tsunami memorial.
Pick up the English guide at the entrance for detailed explanations of the exhibits.
Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and events.
Enjoy the panoramic views of Kesennuma Bay from the museum's hilltop location.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Kesennuma Station, the Rias Ark Museum is approximately 2.5 km southwest. While the Kesennuma Line is now a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route , you can take a BRT bus from Kesennuma Station towards the museum. Check the BRT bus schedule at Kesennuma Station for the most up-to-date timings. A one-way bus fare is around ¥200-300. Alternatively, local buses also operate in the area.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available at Kesennuma Station. A taxi ride to the Rias Ark Museum will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between ¥1,500 and ¥2,000. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver beforehand.
Walking

For those who enjoy walking, it is possible to walk to the Rias Ark Museum from Kesennuma Station. The walk is approximately 2.5 km and will take around 30-40 minutes. Be aware that the museum is located on a hill, so the final part of the walk will be uphill. Follow the main road southwest from the station, and then follow the signs to the museum. There are no unavoidable tolls or special transport tickets required when walking.

Discover more about Rias Ark Museum

The Rias Ark Museum is more than just an art gallery; it's a repository of local memory and a testament to the resilience of the people of Kesennuma. Established by Miyagi Prefecture, the museum's name reflects its mission: "Rias" refers to the region's distinctive coastline, while "Ark" evokes the image of Noah's vessel, safeguarding cultural heritage through turbulent times.The museum's collection is divided into two main areas. One half showcases contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs by artists connected to the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions. The other half focuses on the history and culture of Kesennuma, with exhibits detailing the local fishing industry, traditional ways of life, and the region's relationship with the sea.A particularly moving exhibit is the "Documentary of the East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and History of Tsunami Disaster". This permanent display features photographs and salvaged items from the 2011 disaster, offering a poignant reminder of the tsunami's impact on the community. The museum also served as a refuge and distribution center for local residents after the earthquake.The museum building itself is an architectural landmark, designed by Osamu Ishiyama and awarded a prize by the Architectural Institute of Japan in 1995. Its three-story structure includes a rooftop garden and facilities such as the Ark Gallery, Exhibition Room, Community Exhibition space, Workshop, and High Definition Gallery. From its hilltop location, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kesennuma Bay.