6 Best Museums in Japan Where Art and Nature Collide
by Anna Jamieson | TRAVEL
© Alex Roman, Chichu Art Museum, Naoshima, from his book From Bits to the Lens
The mingling of nature and art is a key feature within Japanese culture. Many art galleries and museums — in major metropolises and more rural sites alike — rely on striking gardens or impressive natural landscape to complement their collections, and intensify the experience of their visitors.
Read on for our pick of 6 of the best museums in Japan where art and nature collide.
1. Hakone Open Air Museum
Take in fantastic sculpture, a little exercise, and a stunning 17-acre setting with mountain views at Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan’s first. With work by artists such as Miro, Rodin and Picasso, as well as modern masters and contemporary work, this wonderful sculpture park is the perfect way to view the verdant greenery of Hakone, whilst enjoying some culture too. Not to be missed — and there’s even a hot spring foot bath to enjoy once you’ve soaked up some culture.
Name: 彫刻の森美術館 (Chōkoku no Mori Bi-jutsu-kan)
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa (see on Google Maps)
Hours: 9am to 5pm (entry until 4:30pm). See more details here.
2. Chichu Art Museum
© Benesse Art Site Naoshima, Chichu Art Museum
The incredible Chichu Art Museum - featuring the works of Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria, and designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando – is not only blessed with gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea; it’s also home to a beautiful garden. The garden is inspired by Claude Monet’s in Giverny, France, which proved a source of pleasure and delight to the artist. Here, you can enjoy the bewitching blooms, including the water lillies that Monet is famous for. A fitting introduction to the man’s actual works on display inside.
Name: 地中美術館 (Chichū Bi-jutsu-kan)
Address: Naoshima, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa (see on Google Maps)
Hours: 10am to 6pm, closed on Mondays. More information here.
3. Miho Museum
© Miho Museum Veranda
The stunning Miho Museum ( should definitely be one to add to your bucket list if you’re looking for slice of nature with your art. This beautifully designed, light-filled space is inspired by Kyoto’s temples, with a collection of Asian, African and European artworks on display. Small but perfectly formed, the museum is nestled within the mountains of Shigaraki, Shiga prefecture. This is one of the best museums in Japan for enlightening architecture in an exhilarating setting. Find out all you need to know about the Miho Museum here:
Name in Japanese: ミホ美術館 (Miho Bi-jutsu-kan)
Address: 300 Shigarakicho, Koka, Shiga (see on Google Maps)
Open: 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays. More info here or see our article on the museum.
4. Nezu Museum
© Olivier Bruchez / Creative Commons, Nezu Museum Garden
Tokyo’s Nezu Museum may be located in the cosmopolitan hub of Omotesando, but it will transport you away from the city through its beautiful combination of glass, nature and meticulously curated exhibition spaces. Housing the private collection of Nezu Kachiro, the gallery’s garden proves a highlight for any visit — a charming complement to the new, modern building, finished in 2006. Stone lanterns, shady walkways, thought-provoking sculptures and ornate tea houses make up the garden’s serene ambiance. A must for any art or nature lover in Tokyo.
While you're in Tokyo, have you had a chance to visit the Roppongi art triangle?
Name in Japanese: 根津美術館 (Nezu Bi-jutsu-kan)
Address: 6-5-1 Minamiaoyama, Minato, Tokyo (see on Google Maps)
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (entrance closes at 4:30pm), for more information click here.
5. Kubota Itchiku Art Museum
© Juuyoh Tanaka / Creative Commons, Kubota Itchiku Art Museum Entrance
Set against the spectacular backdrop of Five Likes at the foot of Mount Fuji, the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum stands in the hills along the northern coast of Lake Kawaguchiko, exhibiting varied art works, objects and textiles affiliated with the artists Kubota Itchiku. The mingling of kimonos and textiles are a beautiful juxtaposition with the museum’s natural surroundings. Don’t miss the incredible Symphony of Light, a huge work made up of 80 kimono, which together forms a stunning picture of Fuji San itself.
Name in Japanese: 久保田一竹美術館 (Kubota Itchiku Bi-jutsu-kan)
Address: 2255 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi (see on Google Maps)
Hours: 9:30am to 5:30pm (April through November), 10am to 4:30pm (December through March). More transport information available here.
6. Omiya Bonsai Village
Finally, for a more literal cohesion of art and nature, check out the brilliant Omiya Bonsai Museum in Saitama. The superb art museum, dedicated exclusively to bonsai trees, teaches visitors about the fascinating history of the plant and its different styles, with informative English descriptions and audio guides to help its visitors appreciate the subtle art of the bonsai.
Name: 大宮盆栽村 (Ōmiya Bonsai Mura)
Address: 2-24-3 Toro-cho, Kita Ward, Saitama City, Saitama (see on Google Maps)
Hours: 9am to 4:30pm, closed Thursdays. See more information here.
Have you visited any of these glorious locations? Or are there others you would add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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TRAVEL | April 26, 2024