Many artists live along the Kumano Kodo, some of them having chosen the beautiful mountainous area as an inspirational retreat so you may make unexpected artistic encounters along the way!
For art enthusiasts or simply those looking to fit in a brief cultural break, there are many places along the Kumano Kodo where guests can enjoy both national and local art.
Private Galleries
Small, private galleries in Tanabe feature individual as well as public exhibitions regularly, and they are usually free.
Gallery Yuriisu ギャラリーユリイス
Gallery Yuriisu is run by a local architectural CG perspective creator and wood artisan who has been gathering a community of local artists over the recent years.
“Yuriisu” means rocking chair, a piece of furniture favored by the owner and echoed in the warm-lit, smooth curving ceiling of the room.
He and his wife have started an Instagram account in English to help promote local art to international visitors.
Exhibition Information: Solo and group exhibitions, twice a month, days vary.
Annual exhibitions: “F0展(F0-sized canvas public exhibition)” in early-mid December or “Oritoiro” (indigo-dyed fabric exhibition) in early January.
Gallery Hours: 11:00 to 18:00 during exhibitions
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/78LmT9CP32jrmhfn9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gallery_yuriisu2019/
SOUZOU Café
The café displays local art and holds events, with an atelier at the back where the owner gives art classes, and offers some international light dishes (tortilla, pasta, pizza and some sweets).
“Souzou” means “to imagine” in English.
There is a small permanent exhibition of artworks by local artists, including the owner who also runs painting classes in the atelier next to the café called Mojike House もじけハウス. The name translates as “broken house” as a place where breakthrough art might flourish.
Although the gallery is not open regularly, the café with a selection of local artwork and the warm lit tatami rooms makes for a relaxing break right in the middle of this traditional residential area.
Exhibition Information: Small permanent exhibition of local artists. Occasional art exhibitions and local events.
Gallery Hours: 11:00 to 17:00, Thursday to Saturday
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVjvyZ654ZYXv2SC8
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souzou_cafe/
Gallery Juen 寿苑
Located close to the Tokei-jinja parking, Juen is a private gallery that features exhibitions of local art and craft.
The owner would be delighted to have more foreign guests visit the gallery. It is located right on the way from Tanabe station to Tokei-jinja Shrine, so feel free to stop by and see if there is anything on display.
Exhibition Information: About 20 events a year, irregular intervals.
Gallery Hours: vary
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nZkGyKcoqzzjhrrG8
Kinan Cultural Hall 紀南文化会館
Tanabe City’s Kinan Cultural Hall, located right in front of Ogigahama beach, regularly features exhibitions by the Tanabe Art Association 田辺美術協会 and other arts and crafts groups in the ground floor hall.
Entry is free and will give you an opportunity to see original local artworks and sometimes even meet the creators.
Exhibition Information:
https://www.kinanbunkakaikan.jp/event/
Public Art Museums
For permanent collections and special exhibitions of national and local art, visit the Tanabe City Museum of Art or Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Art Museum.