Itami Juzo Memorial Museum

Itami Juzo Memorial Museum Review

Alongside Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki, the late Juzo Itami is regarded as one of Japan's most innovative and captivating directors. His films are known for their affectionate and absurdist look at mundane scenes of Japanese life. Each film starred his wife Nobuko Miyamoto as an everywoman lead countered by an off-the-wall supporting role, sometimes played by Itami himself. Best-known films include almost-a-Western Tampopo, centering on a bedraggled ramen-shop owner trying to make the perfect soup; and Ososhiki, the story of an idiosyncratic family coming together for a funeral. If you haven't seen them, they're musts for any Japan tourist; if you have, then you'll love the museum, curated by Miyamoto herself, showcasing video clips and objects from Itami's life. Tobe-bound buses from Shieki take 20 minutes to Amayama-bashi; backtrack two minutes to the museum.