The Denchu Art Museum introduces Hirakushi Denchu, the Ibara-born sculptor whose long career made him one of modern Japan's important wood-carving artists. The museum is compact, but it gives the town a cultural anchor that is not just scenery or nostalgia.
It is the easiest Ibara sight to reach from the city centre, so it works well before heading out toward Bisei or Narutaki Gorge.