Fodor's Expert Review Sen-oku Hakuko Kan Museum

The very fine Sen-oku Hakuko Kan museum exhibits ancient Chinese bronzes collected over three decades by Kichizaemon Sumitomo (1865–1926), the 15th head of the family behind the 400-year-old Sumitomo Corporation. Following the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1912, many of China's treasures appeared in foreign markets, enabling Kichizaemon to amass the largest collection outside China. The museum's strongest suits are objects crafted during the Shang and Zhou periods (1600–221 BC), though the holdings include more recent items such as ritual implements, musical instruments, mirrors, bells, and calligraphy. The museum closes in winter and when new exhibitions are being installed, so call or check website before coming.