Guide
Nichido Museum of Art, located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a premier institution with a lineage rooted in Japan's most prominent art dealers. Established in 1972 by Nihei and Koshi Hasegawa, the museum houses a collection of over 3,000 works, including significant pieces of Western modern art and Japanese modern and contemporary art. A particularly rare and historically significant treasure is the collection of "palettes" (the boards used by artists to mix paint) used by famous painters from both Japan and abroad.
The museum's history is deeply intertwined with the Hasegawa family, who were renowned art dealers in Ginza, Tokyo. The museum was established in Kasama to commemorate the golden wedding anniversary of the founders, the Hasegawa couple. Beyond the main building, the museum features a unique annex called "Shunpu Manri-so." This 300-square-meter thatched-roof house was once the residence of the legendary artist and gourmet Kitaoji Rosan. Originally relocated from Kamakura, Kanagawa, this building serves as a cultural hub that preserves the lifestyle and artistic philosophy of the era in which Rosan lived.
The most remarkable exhibit is the "Palette Collection," a one-of-a-kind display of over 340 artist palettes. Visitors can trace the footsteps of Japanese Western-style painting masters such as Yuichi Takahashi, Ryusei Kishida, and Yuzoru Saito through these physical artifacts. The Palette Pavilion displays these precious palettes alongside significant modern and contemporary Japanese paintings. Additionally, at the Shunpu Manri-so annex, you can experience the space where Kitaoji Rosan lived, witnessing the seamless fusion of ceramics, cuisine, calligraphy, and painting that defined his artistic life.
While the museum exhibits are available year-round, the surrounding Kasama area is particularly beautiful during the spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November). These seasons offer a perfect backdrop for a peaceful artistic retreat. We recommend visiting during the bright daylight hours to enjoy the natural light in the exhibition rooms. The thatched-roof structure of Shunpu Manri-so is especially enchanting under the soft, warm light of the afternoon sun.
Visiting the museum offers more than just viewing art; it is an immersion into a historical way of life. At Shunpu Manri-so, you can understand the architectural structure and daily lifestyle of the era through the preserved exhibits. The museum also serves as a base for an extended art tour, as the nearby Kasama Art Flower Park and the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum offer a wealth of artistic experiences within the Kasama area.
The area surrounding the museum is a hub for arts and culture. Within the Kasama Art Flower Park, you can explore the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum and Kasama Kogei no Oka (Kasama Craft Hill) to experience local pottery culture. Other nearby landmarks, such as Kasama Inari Shrine and various local museums, make for a fulfilling cultural walking route.
To protect the precious artworks, a quiet and respectful environment is required inside the museum. Regarding attire, please avoid overly revealing clothing or large accessories that might accidentally touch the exhibits. Payments at the reception and gift shop can be made via cash or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.). While English signage and descriptions are available, we recommend reviewing details in advance for a deeper understanding. Please follow local instructions regarding photography, as it may be restricted in certain areas. As there are some steps and uneven surfaces within the facility, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.