What other travelers are saying about Karuizawa New Art Museum
This museum is incredibly interesting and highly recommended. Even if you don't have time for the full exhibitions, I strongly suggest you at least check out the gift shop! They offer a fantastic selection of creative and cultural products that brilliantly integrate art into everyday items.
A special note: The architectural art installation by Iwayama is currently only open for a limited time. If you plan to see it, make sure to check the operating hours and arrange your visit time well in advance to avoid disappointment.
A truly worthwhile visit for art and design enthusiasts
The museum specializes in post-war Japanese contemporary art, with a particular focus on avant-garde artists including members of the Gutai Art Association. The museum also features rotating special exhibitions that include both leading contemporary Japanese artists and international works, creating a global dialogue about artistic innovation.
The first floor is free for all visitors. To access the second floor exhibitions, admission fees are: Adults 2,000 yen, High school/University students 1,000 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 500 yen, and preschool children enter free. The museum is closed on Mondays (or the next weekday if it falls on a public holiday), with August being open every day.
From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station, then use local transportation to reach the museum located at 1151-5 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano. Alternative options include regular trains and highway buses. The Shinkansen is the fastest option, while express buses offer a more economical choice.
The museum building features an all-glass exterior with white pillars designed by architect Rikuo Nishimori. The white pillars are specifically designed to resemble a larch forest, creating harmony between the modern architecture and Karuizawa's natural forest environment. The building is a renovated former commercial space that opened as a museum in 2012.
The Karuizawa New Art Museum aims to reframe Japanese artwork into a global conversation on artistic innovation. The institution works to spread knowledge both domestically and internationally about exceptional Japanese art, particularly focusing on works created during Japan's post-war period. The museum actively collects and promotes Japanese avant-garde artists whose international reputation has grown significantly in recent years.
Frankly speaking it’s a little disappointing. The design of the museum is new and cool, however very limited pieces of exhibits, and the theme wasn’t attractive.
There’s a cafe on the ground floor where you can chill out and coffee was not bad, but wouldn’t visit again.
I was very happy to visit gallery today. They had the AYO exhibition, which was very colourful.
The gallery is very modern and and has other art collections as well as a good selection of art books.
They also have a cafe attached. I enjoyed my experience, well worth a visit.
The first floor is free, while the main exhibit on the second floor requires a fee. The docents went out of their way to be helpful and pointed out things I may have missed. I really enjoyed the whole experience. The shop and cafe are nice spots to check out as well.
Karuizawa New Art Museum Is located 10 minutes walk away from Karuizawa Station
First floor is Free Admission
And you need to pay to see the Second floor
Adult ¥1200
Senior & University students ¥900
Elementery & Junior ¥600
Free admission for PreSchool students
Admission 20 people group and above is a lot cheaper
Overall its a cool and modern Museum that I have ever been too
Cool interior and cozy space
They sell works of Japanese and Western artists and some interesting books
On the First Floor there’s Key’s Cafe
They have good Caramel latte
It’s worth the visit
