Guide
Yoro Tenmei Tempo Henchi is a massive, immersive art installation conceived and realized over more than 30 years by the world-renowned artist Shu Saso Arakawa and his partner, the poet Madeline Gins. Spanning an expansive area of approximately 18,000 square meters, the site is filled with mechanisms designed to shake your sense of equilibrium and depth perception. Here, the conventional concepts of horizontal and vertical are stripped away, creating a space where you can test the limits of your physical balance and rediscover the potential of the human body.
The project opened in 1995. It was designed as a space for architectural and artistic experimentation by Arakawa and Gins, where the art is not merely something to be observed, but something to be physically experienced through movement. Within the work lies the 'Path to Not Dying,' based on their central theme of survival and vitality. This unique cultural site, shaped by decades of conceptual development, attracts nearly 100,000 visitors annually from both Japan and abroad.
The installation is divided into two primary areas.
First is the main pavilion, the 'House of Extreme Similarity.' Characterized by a roof shaped like the silhouette of Gifu Prefecture, the interior features walls, desks, and ceilings arranged in a way that defies traditional orientation. This allows visitors to experience visual illusions and a complete sense of disorientation throughout the entire body. The ceiling area presents a world that feels like a complete inversion of the ground floor.
Second is the 'Elliptical Field.' This area consists of five distinct zones inspired by the Japanese archipelago. The terrain is highly undulating, featuring 148 winding paths where the floor gradually transforms into a wall, creating a sense of physical instability. The largest area also features the cultivation of 24 different types of medicinal herbs.
Additionally, the colorful 'Yoro Tenmei Tempo Henchi Memorial Museum' is a significant facility. The building's exterior colors are reflected in its interior, creating a surreal atmosphere through the interplay of natural light. The museum also hosts exhibitions of sketches and CG works.
The site is home to 24 types of medicinal herbs, which offer different appearances with the changing seasons. The way the light enters the structures and the shifting colors of the buildings provide a different experience depending on when you visit. Because of the outdoor fields, the visual experience changes significantly based on the weather and the angle of the sun.
The act of walking and maintaining balance is the art itself. By embracing the illusions and the sensation of instability—feelings rarely encountered in daily life—you can undergo a process of reconfirming your innate human senses. Immerse yourself in this world by adjusting your gait and balance to match the changing topography.
Yoro Tenmei Tempo Henchi is part of the larger Yoro Park. The park includes other installations by Arakawa and Gins, such as the 'Insect Mountain Range' and 'Fushimon,' creating a seamless blend of art and nature.
The site contains many depressions, slippery slopes, and uneven terrain. Because the ground can be unstable, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy athletic shoes (sneakers). If you are visiting with children, please keep a close eye on them at all times to prevent falls. In the event of an injury, a first-aid kit is available at the museum shop; please contact the staff for assistance. Coin lockers are available for 100 JPY (no change returned). Please note that the use of strollers or wheelchairs is limited; please consult with the museum staff regarding accessible routes.