Panduan
The Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum is a prestigious art institution located in Oyamazaki, Kyoto Prefecture. The museum was established in 1996, centered around the restoration of a beautiful British-style villa designed by the industrialist Shotaro Kaga during the early Showa era. It is celebrated not only for its architectural significance but also for its profound collection, which includes works deeply connected to the Mingei (Folk Art) movement and modern masterpieces such as Claude Monet's 'Water Lilies.' The museum offers a space where historical architecture and contemporary sensibility seamlessly blend to offer a deep connection to art.
The main building is a three-story English Tudor-style villa completed in 1932. Shotaro Kaga meticulously designed every detail, from the architecture to the gardens and furniture. Although the building faced periods of neglect after the war due to changes in ownership, a preservation movement led to its rebirth as a museum in 1996. The core collection was amassed by Tamzaburo Yamamoto, the founder of Asahi Beer Co., Ltd. Yamamoto was a major supporter of the Mingei movement led by Soetsu Yanagi, and the museum houses many significant works that reflect this cultural heritage.
The museum's structure is characterized by the contrast between the historic main building and modern architectural additions. The first floor of the main building houses Exhibition Rooms 1 and 2 and the Yamamoto Memorial Exhibition Room, while the second floor features Exhibition Room 3, a cafe, and a terrace. A standout feature is the 'Chikyu-kan' (Underground Museum) designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, which hosts exhibitions including Monet's 'Water Lilies.' Additionally, the 'Yamate-kan' is adjacent for contemporary art. The collection includes ceramics and textiles by Mingei masters such as Kanjiro Kawai, Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, and Kenjiro Tomimoto, alongside works by modern masters like Maurice de Vlaminck, Amadeo Modigliani, Paul Klee, and Isamu Noguchi.
The museum is surrounded by a beautiful garden that changes its expression with every season. A visit around April is highly recommended to enjoy the cherry blossoms. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Yodo River and the Kyoto basin. The exhibition spaces are designed to be enjoyed with natural light during the daytime, and the changing scenery toward the evening is also a significant attraction.
Beyond viewing art, the cafe offers a delightful experience. The room facing the terrace provides a stunning view of the Yodo River and the Kyoto basin. Here, you can enjoy premium sweets from Riga Royal Hotel in Osaka along with Asahi Super Dry beer. This allows for a luxurious way to combine art appreciation with scenic views and fine refreshments. Additionally, the museum shop offers unique items, such as bags and stationery featuring motifs from Monet's 'Water Lilies.'
The area around the museum is rich in history, with many temples and shrines such as Hoshaku-ji and Yamazaki Seiten nearby, making it ideal for cultural walks. The nearby Tennozan mountain also offers hiking trails for nature lovers. While the museum is within walking distance from the station, there is a slight incline, so using public transportation or a shuttle is more convenient.
Please follow museum etiquette to protect the artworks and ensure a safe environment. While there is no specific dress code, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating the gardens and terraces. For payments, please check the available methods at the facility. English-language guidance and an English official website are available for international visitors.