Guide
The Nariwa Museum is a unique complex in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, where fine art and natural history seamlessly converge. The museum was established to honor the legacy of Kojima Kojiro, a renowned Western-style painter from Okayama who played a pivotal role in supporting the collection of the Ohara Museum of Art. The current structure, completed in 1994, was designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. Built upon the stone walls of the Nariwa Jinya ruins—a designated historical site of Takahashi City—the building itself serves as a profound work of art that integrates with its historical surroundings.
The museum's roots date back to 1953 with the opening of the Nariwa Town Museum. Through various name changes and structural evolutions, it has evolved into the Nariwa Museum, serving as a guardian of local cultural heritage. The collection is particularly significant for its display of precious artifacts collected by Kojima Kojiro during his travels abroad, alongside the ancient plant fossils unearthed in this very region. The architecture by Tadao Ando emphasizes a deep harmony between the built environment and the natural landscape, creating a space that feels one with its surroundings.
The museum features three distinct exhibition areas. First is the 'Kojima Kojiro Painting Gallery,' which showcases his representative oil paintings, sketches, and even his original handcrafted furniture. Second is the 'Oriental Gallery,' featuring a stunning collection of ancient Egyptian art and other precious cultural treasures from the Orient and Europe collected by Kojima Kojiro. Third is the 'Fossil Gallery,' which houses hundreds of specimens, including approximately 100 species of world-class fossils, most notably the oldest plant fossils found in Japan from the Nariwa Group strata.
Surrounding the museum are the 'Flowing Water Garden' and the 'Still Water Garden,' both utilizing local groundwater. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, as the movement of water and the surrounding flora shift their expressions. We recommend visiting during bright daylight hours to fully appreciate the interplay of natural light with Ando's geometric architecture and the intricate details of the exhibits. Visiting during quieter times allows for a more meditative and deep observation of the art and fossils.
The facility includes a lecture room for deepening your understanding of the exhibits, a museum shop, and a museum cafe. After exploring the art and fossils, you can relax and enjoy a peaceful moment at the cafe. A key part of the experience is simply observing the architectural philosophy of Tadao Ando, from the structural-design of the building to the intentional placement of the gardens.
The museum is nestled in the lush natural environment of Takahashi City. The surrounding area retains a historical atmosphere, making it an excellent place for a leisurely stroll. The unique natural environment of the Nariwa region is deeply connected to the very themes displayed within the museum.
To fully enjoy the architectural beauty and the grounds, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please follow local signage regarding photography within the exhibition areas to protect the artifacts. For specific details regarding payments and services, we recommend checking the official website or inquiring on-site.