Narukawa Art Museum

Opened in 1988, the museum focuses on contemporary Japanese painting and introduces its appeal to visitors. The museum gathers together about 4,000 masterpieces by the greatest masters of contemporary Japanese painting, including about 150 works by Kyujin Yamamoto, who led the postwar Japanese art world and was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit. There are about 40 works (including drawings) by Ikuo Hirayama as well. The museum does not have a permanent collection, but instead changes the displayed pieces three times a year, and holds a variety of special exhibitions. The occasional exhibitions present excellent works from the museum collections.

On the first floor of the building, there is an observation lounge where you can enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Ashinoko. The 50-meter-long glass windows offer a panoramic view of Lake Ashinoko and the surrounding mountains, and the beauty of the view is just like a picture.

After viewing, take a break at the tea lounge. At the ”Tea Lounge Kisetsu-fu (Seasonal Wind)", named after one of the most famous works by Kyujin Yamamoto, you can enjoy a cup of tea served in precious art-crafted vessels by Koji Ishii and Ryo Mikami while marveling at Lake Ashinoko. The menu includes light meals such as grilled sandwiches, mixed pizzas, and a limited-time variety of original sweets.

The last stop is the museum store, where you can find souvenirs. There are reproductions of works in the collection, as well as scarves and other decorative items based on the motifs of the works at the museum, so we hope you can find your favorite.