Nasu Stained Glass Museum

The Nasu Stained Glass Museum stands as one of the largest stained glass museums in Japan, located in the resort region of Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture. The museum building was designed to replicate an English Cotswolds manor house, constructed from honey-colored limestone that creates an atmospheric European setting amid the natural landscapes of Nasu's highlands.

The museum's primary collection features antique stained glass pieces from the 1800s, including notable works by renowned artists. Among the highlights are pieces by William Morris, including "Rose Window" and "Two Angels", as well as works by German glass artist Richard Lee, who incorporated the Tiffany method into his creations. The centerpiece is the St. Raphael Chapel, where stained glass panels cover entire walls, depicting biblical scenes. The chapel features a ceiling height of 14 meters and a 14-meter-long aisle, and hosts an 1886 pipe organ with daily live performances that complement the visual displays.

Visitors can experience both the static beauty of the glass artworks and the musical heritage of the museum. A German-made antique music box over 100 years old plays on the hour, while pipe organ concerts occur throughout the day. The St. Gabriel Chapel hosts weekend concerts featuring various instruments. For hands-on engagement, the museum offers daily stained glass workshops where participants can create straps and ornaments, with sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes. The museum also includes a café serving British tea and meals, plus a shop selling stained glass lamps and souvenirs.

The museum is accessible from Nasu-Shiobara Station, approximately 20 minutes by car, or via the Nasu Highland Loop Bus (six daily departures) from Nasu Highland Yuai no Mori roadside station to the museum stop. Free parking is available for visitors driving. Admission costs ¥1,300 for adults, ¥800 for junior high school students, and ¥500 for elementary school students, with reduced rates for persons with disabilities. Note that the museum has multiple steps and stairs throughout due to its period architecture design, which may present accessibility challenges.