Kubota Itchiku Art Museum

The museum is dedicated to the work of Itchiku Kubota, the artist who revived the lost tsujigahana dyeing technique and elevated it to the level of fine art. The current exhibition, “With the Sunset in Siberia,” features 26 kimono inspired by nature and the passage of time. Among them, “Burning Sun” (1986) stands out as one of Kubota’s most personal works, created in memory of his time as a war prisoner in Siberia — a piece that symbolizes endurance and hope in the face of hardship. The exhibition is displayed in a single, spacious hall housed within a pyramid-shaped building. A small garden with moss, stones, and a water feature surrounds the structure, and a tearoom adjacent to it serves matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. A quiet, reflective place — ideal for slowing down and appreciating the harmony of color, light, and emotion.

At first I was going to skip this place and than changed my mind. I am so glad I have changed my mind as it was one of the most beautiful museum I have ever visited. It is a very small museum but full of amazing works by the artist. The kimono are so magnificent that I could have looked at them for hours. The gardens surrounding the museum is a unique gem. Don't miss this museum if you are in the area.

This was a somewhat last minute find, but we are so glad we came! The grounds and building alone are beautiful and interesting, and the kimono art was beautiful and very memorable. Worth the visit.

This was a incredible experience! The building and gardens were amazing to explore and the exhibit was beautiful. Highly recommend visiting if you are in the area. Photography is not allowed inside the exhibit area, but is permitted in the gardens. Also it is closed on Tuesdays so just keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Beautiful museum with an impressive collection! The garden is beautiful as well, and you can enjoy a great view from the café. The student fare is very appreciated (900¥ instead of 1500¥) 🙂

A very nice art museum of the artist and kimono designer Kubota Itchiku. The art works extend to the buildings and surrounding ground. The Kimono exhibition is the main part of the museum but be sure the walk the outside path for tranquility

Beautiful place. I think this is a must visit if you're around the Fujikawaguchiko area during Autumn. Also Itchiku Kubota's works are a masterpiece.

Sorry, but I think it’s a waste of money to come here since it’s a bit pricy for what I get. (unless you like kimonos🙂) They have more souvenirs shops than art pieces. And you can’t take photos when see the arts and kimonos. They also have 2 sort of cafe inside. The backyard wasn’t special to me, Because it was spring? 🤔 I see similar yard in many shrine and it’s free. (I still give offering tho 🙏🏻)

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum showcases the late textile artist's kimonos using a Tsujigahana dyeing technique. No photos are permitted in the exhibition room, but Itchiku Kubota's life work needs to be truly appreciated in person -- the textures, colors, and designs are so intricate and beautiful. The traditional tea room, where you can enjoy a hot cup of matcha tea and some confectionary, is a nice resting point and also used to be Itchiku Kubota's former workshop. The limestone rock base design for the museum and souvenir shop, and the lush gardens and ponds, are also a beautiful sight. I visited late October of last year, so the vibrant foliage of reds and yellows were slowly appearing, which made the surrounding backdrop even more attractive. I highly recommend a visit if you're in the Lake Kawaguchi area.

A museum with a style. They really did spent a lot of money to come up with the design. Entrance is 1300 yen and we got a nice wasabi gift for New Years which is worth 650 yen so basically it was a 50%off. This is supposed to be a Kimono Museum so I was really surprised when we got to the entrance. I can't decide whether it's Greek design or Roman. It was definitely not Japanese. When you get to the main entrance you will immediately be in the shop. A great way to call in customers. You will pass the shop going in and out of the museum. The next will be a series of accessories on display. The main exhibition is located in another building. You need to go out first of the modern building and into an old Japanese style building. It looks like a house that you can find in Shirakawago (if you have been there). It was beautiful. There are more than 10 kimonos on display. I was listening to the lady explaining to another customer, these Kimono were not made for wearing but more of an art. In the middle of the room is a raised platform where you can watch a 15 minute video on how they design the Kimono. It is also a great place to see the designs of the Kimono. It was very nice looking at it close but it is much better to watch it in a distance. Taking pictures inside is prohibited but outside in the garden is okay. It's definitely an interesting place to visit when you are nearby Lake Kawaguchi.