Guide
The Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art is located in Oyamazaki, Kyoto Prefecture. The facility was established in 1996 through the restoration of a British-style villa designed in the early Showa era by the businessman Shotaro Kaga. The museum is celebrated not only for its architectural value but also for its deep connection to the Mingei (Folk Art) movement and its collection of modern art, including Claude Monet's 'Water Lilies.' It offers a profound artistic experience where historical architecture and modern sensibilities converge.
The main building is a three-story, British Tudor-style villa completed in 1932. Shotaro Kaga meticulously designed every detail, from the architecture to the gardens and furniture. Although the building faced a period of neglect after the owner changed post-war, a preservation movement led to its rebirth as a museum in 1996. The core of the collection was gathered by Tamzaburo Yamamoto, the founder of Asahi Beer. Yamamoto was a major supporter of the 'Mingei Movement' led by Soetsu Yanagi, and the museum houses many works that reflect this artistic philosophy.
The museum is characterized by the contrast between the historic main building and contemporary structures. The main building features Exhibition Rooms 1 and 2 and the Yamamoto Memorial Exhibition Room on the first floor, while the second floor houses Exhibition Room 3, a cafe, and a terrace. Additionally, the 'Chikukan' (Underground Gallery), designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, houses works such as Monet's 'Water Lilies.' The adjacent 'Yamatekan' showcases contemporary art. The collection includes ceramics and textiles by Mingei masters like Kanjiro Kawai, Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, and Kenkichi Zenichi, alongside masterpieces by modern masters such as Claude Monet, Maurice de Vlaminck, Amadeo Modigliani, Paul Klee, and Isamu Noguchi.
The museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens that change its expression with every season. A visit during the cherry blossom season in April is highly recommended to witness the seasonal beauty. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Yodo River and the Kyoto basin. The exhibition spaces are designed to be enjoyed with natural light during the day, and the shifting scenery toward evening is also a significant draw.
Beyond viewing art, spending time in the museum's cafe is a highlight. The room facing the terrace offers a relaxing view of the Yodo River and the Kyoto basin. Here, you can enjoy sweets from the Regaloe Air Hotel in Osaka alongside Asahi Super Dry beer, creating a luxurious way to combine art appreciation with scenery and fine dining. You can also find original museum shop items, such as bags and stationery featuring Monet's 'Water Lilies' motifs.
The area around the museum is rich in history, with many temples and shrines nearby, such as Hoseki-ji and Yamazaki Shoten, making it ideal for historical strolls. The nearby Tennozan hiking course also offers opportunities for nature walks. While the museum is within walking distance of local stations, please note there are some slopes; using public transport or a shuttle service is more convenient.
Please follow all museum rules to protect the exhibits. While there is no specific dress code, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating the gardens and terrace. For payments, please check the available methods at the facility. The museum provides English-language guidance and an English-language official website for international visitors.