What are the opening hours of Tateshina Highland Art Forest Sculpture Park?

The park is open from 8:00 to 18:00. These hours apply throughout the operational period, though visitors should note that the park may have seasonal variations or closures during winter months when snow conditions affect accessibility in the highland area.

Is admission to the park free?

Yes, admission to Tateshina Highland Art Forest Sculpture Park is free. Visitors can explore the entire two-kilometer walking path and view all sculptures without paying an entrance fee, making it an accessible cultural attraction in the Nagano region.

What is the best season to visit the sculpture park?

The park offers different experiences across all seasons. Summer provides comfortable walking conditions with lush greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage that complements the sculptures. Winter transforms the setting with snow-covered landscapes, and spring brings fresh growth. The highland location at 1,000 meters elevation means cooler temperatures even in summer, so visitors should dress appropriately regardless of season.

How long does it take to see the entire sculpture collection?

It takes approximately two hours to view the complete artwork collection along the walking path. The park features benches at intervals for rest, allowing visitors to take their time appreciating both the sculptures and surrounding natural scenery at their own pace.

Can I bring my pet to the park?

While specific pet policies for Tateshina Highland Art Forest Sculpture Park are not widely documented, visitors planning to bring pets should contact the Resort Hotel Tateshina complex directly or check with local tourism offices for current regulations. Many outdoor parks in Japan have restrictions on pets, so confirming beforehand is recommended to ensure a smooth visit.

Tateshinakogen Art Forest Sculpture Park

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Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Tateshina Highland Art Forest Sculpture Park is located in the highland region of Nagano Prefecture, positioned at approximately 1,000 meters elevation adjacent to Lake Tateshina. The park integrates contemporary sculpture with the natural environment of the Yatsugatake mountain range, creating a synthesis of art and nature that reflects Japan's tradition of harmonizing human creativity with landscape design.

The park features more than 70 works of art by Japanese sculptors displayed along a two-kilometer walking path. Most pieces on exhibition are by Seibo Kitamura, the renowned sculptor born in 1884 who created the famous 10-meter-tall Peace Statue in Nagasaki Peace Park. The sculptures are distributed throughout moss-covered forests and around the lakeside, with the natural setting changing dramatically across seasons. The park's layout encourages contemplative walking, with benches positioned at intervals for rest and observation.

Visitors typically require approximately two hours to view the complete collection. The terrain features gentle paths suitable for most fitness levels, though the highland environment means cooler temperatures even in summer. The proximity to Lake Tateshina provides scenic water views that complement the sculptural works. The park operates as part of the Resort Hotel Tateshina complex but maintains separate access for day visitors.

Admission to the park is free. Access from JR Chino Station requires boarding the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Line bus and disembarking at Tateshinako-mae bus stop, followed by a five-minute walk. The bus service operates multiple times daily from Chino Station. For travelers arriving by car, the park is approximately 30 minutes from Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway, with parking available at the resort complex. The location is accessible as a day trip from Tokyo, which is approximately two hours away via limited express train to Chino Station.

Traveler reviews

Extremely beautiful!

Thanyalak

May 3, 2025

I went there on Sunday, October 19, 2025. It was open to the public free of charge. According to the Chino Tourism Guide, "Approximately 70 works, mainly by Kitamura Seibo, are on display across an area of approximately 10,000 sq. m." I saw two sculptures near the entrance. The sculptures matched perfectly with the scenery of the lake and trees.

Although it was a time of light snowfall, I enjoyed a stroll looking at the sculptures standing in the quiet, leaf-covered landscape. I would like to imagine the sculptures scattered across flat land, but in fact many of them were dotted around terraced slopes, with many ups and downs. The sculptures and their backgrounds were amazing, and as it was the season of fallen leaves, the scenery with the lake in the background and the sculptures standing against the lonely, wintery landscape seemed even more beautiful. There are benches and gazebos, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. The restrooms were closed to prevent freezing, so the only one available was the one at the roadside station. Although it was a weekday, there were many people walking their dogs and walking around.

This outdoor art museum is located on the grounds of the resort hotel Tateshina in the Tateshina Plateau in Chino City, on the shores of Lake Tateshina. There is a lawn area with flowing water and a walking course through the forest. The approximately 67,000m2 site exhibits approximately 70 works by renowned Japanese sculptors, including Kitamura Seibo's "Statue of World Federation Peace" and "The Shogun's Grandson." I often stop by here on my walk around the lake from the Venus Line Tateshina Lake Roadside Station. At night, the tree's illuminated decorations are beautifully reflected on the lakeside. Depending on the season, the museum is decorated with Asian skunk cabbage, Japanese azalea, mountain azalea, Japanese rhododendron, and yellow Japanese rhododendron, as well as plateau flowers such as snowdrops and primrose.

Tateshina Highlands Art Forest Sculpture Park was a wonderful spot where you could enjoy nature and art at the same time. It even had a slightly Ghibli-esque atmosphere! Because of its high altitude, the air was clear, and as you walked along the paths, sculptures of all sizes appeared among the trees, making you stop and admire them each time. The lawn area was also spacious, allowing for a relaxing experience. The free admission and ample parking were welcome bonuses. Located near Lake Tateshina, the park offers a truly healing experience where seasonal scenery and art harmonize beautifully. It's a park I would definitely like to visit again.