Art Meets Nature in Perfect Harmony at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

Visit this world-class art museum in the heart of Yamanashi's forests

The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, which is nestled amid the beautiful natural setting of the Akamatsu Forest and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a must-visit for any appreciator of art and nature. Boasting sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the placid waters of Lake Kawaguchi, the museum was both founded by and exhibits the works of the celebrated Japanese textile artist Itchiku Kubota (1917-2003), known for reviving the lost dyeing art of tsujigahana (a traditional Japanese fabric dyeing technique, translated literally as "flower at the crossroads") in contemporary times.

Based around the themes of "trinity of humans, nature, and art" and "the center of new culture and art," the museum consists of two buildings, both striking examples of architecture in their own right. Though the “Symphony of Light”—Itchiku's life work—is the main feature, the aesthetic sensibilities of the artist are also conveyed through the exquisite Japanese garden, the buildings and the furnishings, which are all designed to exist in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings.

Visitors can go for a stroll to enjoy the scenery in all seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to gorgeous foliage in the fall, or take in the splendor from the museum's tea room while enjoying a delicious cup of green tea and Japanese sweets.

Access: From the Yaesu South Exit of Tokyo Station, take the JR Bus Kanto for Kawaguchiko Station (about 2 hours); transfer to the Fujikyu Bus for the Kubota Itsuchiku Bijutsukan stop (about 20 minutes).

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum