Blowing a horn on a fish (Photo: Elena Lisina)

The Stylish Sculptures of Ito

Modern art in a seaside park

Elena Lisina   - 2 min read

In Japan one can come across urban sculptures quite often, be it small ones of birds sitting on a fence or large spectacular ones.

I was most impressed by the stylish and abstract sculptures in the seaside park of the small town Ito in Shizuoka. It wasn’t a case of few single sculptures but the compound of figures that made up unique compositions and special space. The sculptures looked different from various points of view and were as interesting up close as they were from afar. Each figure was expressive and symbolic.

I arrived at the park at dusk and saw dark silhouettes of the figures against the grey sky. There were no people in the park and nothing distracted from viewing that 'sculptural exhibition.' The next day was sunny and bright, creating another perspective of the sculptures - this time they had become voluminous.

The sculpture park of Ito is located on the seaside of Sagami Bay of the Pacific Ocean where one can feast their eyes on the waves and small ships while listening to the cries of seagulls in the park. Popular in summer, in spring it is quiet and all yours.

Getting there

Take the JR Tokaido Line to Atami Station. Change there for the JR Ito Line to Ito Station.

Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina @shiroi.tenshi

I am interested in Japanese art, crafts, history and Shinto religion. Photography is my hobby, and there are many amazing places to capture in Japan.