Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa

⚠️ BEFORE you go to the museum, go to the free gallery at the bottom of the car park. They run a video with the artist explaining about his art, inspiration and techniques (Japanese only) but it will give you a better understanding of the art in the gallery. The building is worth a visit, the artwork is a plus. Not allowing photography is annoying, I would have loved to share the place with friends and family who are unable to visit. The garden around the gallery is lovely too.

Celebrating just one local artist, this small museum is mostly interesting for the architecture. The art sits in it nicely. Other reviews talk about the gardens, but they are very minimal. Not worth ¥1500. No internal photos allowed. Big car park, cafe, small museum shop.

You’re not allowed to take photos, but you get tickets on the machine in the front. The architecture was gorgeous and we enjoyed the collection inside. They also had a cool showing at the time that we also liked. Make sure to keep quiet though! There’s another gallery and store in the same plaza so be sure to explore.

Rather than the artworks, which I honestly found quite repetitive, I personally took more pleasure in the architectural spaces. They sinuously and elegantly craft areas between the surrounding forest and circular inner garden islands of carefully chosen plants, all enclosed by large glass panes.

This art museum was incredible. You can see the skill of the artist improving over time and the mix between architecture and art is like something I've never seen before. Incredible!

Architecture 5 stars Staffs attitude -100 stars

An incredible museum with a building (and architecture) to match. Worth a short detour. Easy parking and friendly staff. Tickets available at the door.

Amazing artworks and architecture