Kubota Itchiku Art Museum — Attraction in Fujikawaguchiko

The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum is an absolute gem and a must-see if you’re in the Lake Kawaguchiko area. While the admission price is a bit higher than most museums, it’s well worth it for the experience you’ll have here.

The main attraction is the breathtaking collection of kimonos by artist Itchiku Kubota, who revived and reimagined the ancient tsujigahana dyeing technique. The level of artistry in each piece is astonishing—the colors, textures, and designs seem to leap from the fabric with depth and emotion. His “Symphony of Light” kimono series, inspired by nature and the changing seasons, is particularly awe-inspiring and something you won’t soon forget.

Equally impressive are the museum’s surroundings. The building itself blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with natural materials, and the gardens are simply spectacular. You’ll find peaceful walking paths, waterfalls, and even a hidden cave tucked into the hillside, adding to the sense of wonder. The setting enhances the spiritual and artistic impact of the exhibits, making the entire visit feel immersive and reflective.

Photography inside is not permitted, which only adds to the sacred, almost reverent atmosphere of the gallery spaces.

If you’re interested in art, textiles, Japanese culture, or simply want to be inspired, the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum offers a truly unique and moving experience. Highly...

No photos allowed inside. No shoes either. But if you are somehow in the area, on a road trip, this is an amazing side excursion to spend an hour or two, to learn about and marvel at the master of kimonos!

He was the sole living artist to present his works at the Smithsonian. It takes him, and his small team, an entire year to make one kimono! He masterpiece is a series of kimonos, all lined up side by side, taking up the entire main hall, portraying the local hillside landscape: One set for each of the 4 seasons. No one knows the price of one of his kimonos. Only dignitaries and the rich and powerful can request him to make a kimono.

This museum was actually the artist's house. Stroll through his estate. Visit his cave where he placed a Buddhist statue. Watch a short video about the artist and his works. Make a reservation at the tea house to sit and drink matcha green tea and a sweet cookie, all while watching the manmade waterfall garden. Little birds fly in and out the holes along the waterfalls stone faces. It's very tranquil and peaceful.

I would have never dreamed about visiting this place if it wasn't included as part of our tour itinerary. But if you're in the area, and you appreciateJapanese arts and craftsmanship,...

During my trip to Lake Kawaguchiko, I visited the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, a place I'd heard was both artistic and peaceful. The museum, nestled in the northern hills overlooking the lake, had an impressive collection of elaborately dyed kimono created by the artist Itchiku Kubota using a revived ancient technique called tsujigahana. While the museum itself was interesting, I have to admit—it wasn’t quite as striking as I had expected. The kimono were beautiful, of course, but the overall experience felt more calm than captivating. What truly stayed with me, though, was something much simpler: the matcha*experience offered in a small tea space within the museum grounds. Sitting in the quiet wooden room, I was served a bowl of freshly whisked matcha. The flavor was deep and smooth, slightly bitter but soothing. The view of the surrounding garden, the silence broken only by soft footsteps and rustling leaves—it felt almost like a moment of Zen. That single cup of tea, in that quiet space, ended up being one of the most memorable moments of the trip. It reminded me that sometimes, it’s not the grandeur of a place that moves you, but the stillness it allows...