Ozu Yasujiro Memorial Museum (Mugeiso)

The Ozu Yasujiro Memorial Museum, known as Mugeiso, is a traditional thatched-roof farmhouse located in the highland resort of Tateshina in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture. Yasujiro Ozu (1903–1963) was one of Japanese cinema's most respected and innovative directors, creating 54 films in total. The director began visiting Tateshina in the 1950s after completing his masterpiece "Tokyo Story," and the cottage served as both his creative workspace and a place to entertain friends from the film industry.

At Mugeiso, Ozu perfected scripts for six of his most influential films: Tokyo Twilight, Equinox Flower, Good Morning/Floating Weeds, Late Autumn, The End of Summer, and An Autumn Afternoon. The director used Mugeiso alongside his close collaborator, screenwriter Kogo Noda, hosting gatherings with notable figures including actors Keiji Sada and Chishu Ryu, and director Kaneto Shindo. Ozu famously declared that at his villa, "the water, sake, and air are all delicious," expressing his deep affection for the location.

Visitors can explore the studio and living spaces, including the kitchen and bath, to experience the retro atmosphere of the traditional farmhouse. The museum offers opportunities to gather around the traditional sunken fireplace and talk with a guide known as a hijiroban, who shares stories about Ozu's daily life in Tateshina and rare insights into his creative work. A promenade called Ozu's Walking Trail, approximately 4 kilometers long, has been developed through the sparse forests of Tateshina, reflecting the director's favorite pastime of taking multiple daily walks through the area.

The museum is situated in Poolhira, the central area of Tateshina highland. Access to the area begins with the Limited Express Azusa from Shinjuku Station to Chino Station, taking approximately 120-130 minutes. From Chino Station, visitors can reach Tateshina by bus or rental car, with the scenic Venus Line providing the main driving route through the highlands. Mugeiso is located approximately 0.5 miles from nearby accommodations such as Tateshina Shinyu Onsen. The museum is mainly open on weekends during the summer, and admission is free.