Known for its old-world charms as a castle town during the Edo Period, Matsue would seem an unlikely host for a Tiffany art museum, but it pulls this off with an Asian flair that leaves its simplicity unspoiled.
The Louis C. Tiffany Garden Museum seems to open its gateway to the marvels of nature with its boardwalk overlooking the northern bank of the city's famous landmark, Lake Shinji, capturing the beauty of the prefectural capital's idyllic calm and lush foliage.
"I suppose it is the innate quietness of the city that fits perfectly with the museum's ambience and core theme, which is harmony with nature and art," said Yasumichi Hanagata, a special tourism planner for Matsue, in describing his city, otherwise known as the "Water City."