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The Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum is a premier art destination located in Oyamazaki, Kyoto Prefecture. The facility was created by restoring and preserving a British-style mountain villa designed in the early Showa era by industrialist Shotaro Kaga, officially opening in 1996. The museum is celebrated not only for its stunning architecture but also for its profound collection of Mingei (folk art) and modern masterpieces, including Claude Monet's iconic 'Water Lilies.' Visitors can experience a deep sense of artistic immersion within a space where historical elegance and contemporary sensibility seamlessly blend.
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 even the furniture. Although the building faced a period of decline after the war due to changes in ownership, a dedicated preservation movement led to its rebirth as a museum in 1996. The core of the collection was gathered by Tamesaburo Yamamoto, the founder of Asahi Beer Co., Ltd. Yamamoto was a major supporter of the 'Mingei Movement' championed by Soetsu Yanagi, and the museum houses many significant works rooted in this cultural context.
The museum's structure is characterized by the contrast between the historic main villa and modern architectural additions. The first floor of the main building houses Exhibition Rooms 1 and 2, along with the Yamamoto Memorial Exhibition Room. The second floor features Exhibition Room 3, a cafe, and a terrace. Below ground, the 'Chikukan' (Underground Gallery), designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, hosts masterpieces such as Monet's 'Water Lilies.' Additionally, the adjacent 'Yamatekan' showcases contemporary art. The collection includes ceramics and textiles by Mingei masters like Kanjiro Kawai, Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, and Kenkichi Tomimoto, alongside modern art giants such as Claude Monet, Maurice de Vlaminck, Amedeo Modigliani, Paul Klee, and Isamu Noguchi.
The museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens that change with the seasons. A visit during April, when cherry blossoms are in bloom, is highly recommended. From the terrace, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Yodo River and the Kyoto Basin. The exhibition spaces are designed to be illuminated by natural light during the day, creating a beautiful atmosphere, while the shifting light toward evening offers a different kind of charm.
Beyond viewing art, the museum's cafe offers a luxurious way to relax. The rooms facing the terrace provide a panoramic view of the Yodo River and the Kyoto basin. Here, you can enjoy high-quality sweets alongside a refreshing glass of Asahi Super Dry beer. This combination of art, scenery, and gastronomy offers a truly indulgent time. Additionally, the museum shop offers unique items, such as bags and stationery inspired by Monet's 'Water Lilies.'
The area around the museum is rich in history, with many ancient temples and shrines nearby, such as Hokushaku-ji and Yamazaki Seiten. It is an excellent area for historical walks. The nearby Tennozan mountain offers hiking trails for nature lovers. While the museum is within walking distance from the station, there is some elevation, so using public transport or a shuttle is convenient.
Please follow museum etiquette to protect the artworks. While there is no strict dress code, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating the gardens and terrace. Please check the official website for current payment methods. English-language guidance and an English website are available to assist international visitors.