Riding a flying carpet may be impossible in real life, but after a visit to Yufuin Trick Art Meikyukan Museum, you’ll have pictures proving you did. The museum was created by Masashi Hattori, a Japanese artist who specializes in optical illusion paintings. On a gloomy Yufuin day, when outdoor activities offer only sodden jeans, spend an hour going from painting to painting, letting the tricky techniques warp your understanding of space.
Before going to the photo opportunities, start with the quiz set up by the creator, which tests you on which optical illusions are visible in certain paintings. Observe a reproduction of the Mona Lisa from one angle, where it looks completely normal then walk to the other side of the frame and notice the face turn to follow you. Watch an “illusion movie,” which harnesses the power of animation to create more brain-bending images.
Continue on to the large works, which are periodically renewed by the artist as he develops new ideas. Bring a friend or two to take advantage of the works that make it seem as though you are a tiny human in a frying pan held by the other person or a giant and a dwarf trapped in the same room.
Check the event schedule, always very full, which has even more opportunities for optical fun.
Yufuin Trick Art Meikyukan Museum is located just off Yufuin’s main street, not far from Yufuin Floral Village. Reach the museum in 10 minutes on foot from Yufuin Station or Kinrin Lake. Rent a bicycle from the town’s train station or hire a rickshaw. Parking can be difficult to find, especially in peak tourist season of autumn and early winter, but there are several metered lots within walking distance.
The museum is open daily during regular business hours however, it may close unexpectedly due to weather complications. Call ahead to check, if needed. There is an admission fee, with discounts for children under 15 years old.
