Shikian is where the Meiji-era haiku poet Masaoka Shiki spent his final years. He moved here in 1894 and lived with his mother and sister, pushing forward with innovations in haiku and tanka while battling illness. Until his untimely death at the age of 34, this small hut was the center of his creative activities and also functioned as a cultural salon where many literary figures gathered.
The current Shikian was reconstructed in 1950 after being destroyed by air raids. However, the atmosphere strongly retains the essence of its past. The garden is planted with loofahs that Shiki loved, allowing visitors to enjoy the changes in nature throughout the seasons. The exhibition room introduces Shiki's final years and the people he interacted with, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Meiji literature.
Visiting Shikian is a valuable opportunity to touch the essence of Meiji literature. Consider the spirit of Shiki, who devoted himself to haiku and tanka innovations even from his sickbed, and embark on a journey to discover a new facet of Japanese literature.