Nestled in the dense, green hills of Shigaraki about an hour’s drive from Kyoto is one of Japan’s least-known architectural gems. In the 1970’s, Mihoko Koyama, wealthy benefactor and the leader of a religious organization (dare I say, cult) Shinji Shumeikai, commissioned world-renowned architect I.M. Pei to design a bell tower for the religion’s headquarters - in fact, the bell tower can be seen from the Miho Museum.
Advance reservations are currently required to visit the Museum. For the time being, the restaurant is closed; the cafe is open but its hours/menu are limited.
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