Itchiku Kubota Art Museum - Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Japan - Art Museums on Waymarking.com

After rediscovering a traditional technique for dying kimono, Itchiku Kubota made it his life's work to design and create a collection of kimono that is unparalleled in Japan. The museum in the Fuji Five Lakes area is also undoubtedly one of the world's most remarkable museums devoted to textiles.

The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is well known for its beautiful collection of kimono, but the first thing you'll notice as you enter the grounds of the museum is its garden. Visit in early November, when the contrast of dark green bamboo with fire-red Japanese maple leaves is quite remarkable.

As colorful as the garden is, however, nothing can prepare you for the profusion of colors on display in the museum's main exhibit. You will want to linger in the main exhibit hall to look at the fine details of each magnificent kimono on display.

The main building of the museum is made of Okinawan coral and limestone, designed in the spirit of Gaudi. But inside, the cypress structure is grand and, at once, cavernous and cozy. The wooden rafters of the structure provide a stark and stunning backdrop to the colorful and intricate kimono.

The museum and its garden were designed by Kubota himself, and the traditional tearoom is his former workshop. The site has magnificent views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji. Enjoy macha tea at the museum's cafe while viewing the well-appointed garden.

The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is accessible from Tokyo by train or expressway bus and then by local bus. The museum is located in southeastern Yamanashi, near the border of Shizuoka. From the JR Shinjuku Station, take an express train on the JR Chuo Line and change at the JR Otsuki Station for the privately-run Fuji Kyuko Line (JR Pass not accepted). The express train, Fujisan Tokkyu, takes just 45 minutes, but the regular train takes about an hour to reach the Kawaguchiko Station.

Alas, photography in the exhibition room is not allowed.

Source: (visit link)

Name: Itchiku Kubota Art Museum Location: 2255 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun 401-0304, Yamanashi Prefecture Phone Number: +81 555-76-8811 Web Site: [Web Link] Agency/Ownership: Public Hours of operation: April-November 09:30-17:00 (last entry at 1700); December-March 10:00-16:30 (last entry at 1600). Admission Fee: 1300 yen for adults; 900 yen for college and high school students; 400 yen for junior high and elementary students Gift Shop: yes Cafe/Restaurant: yes

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