Kiyoharu Art Colony – Where Art, Architecture, and Nature Converge

Located in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, the Kiyoharu Art Colony is a unique cultural site where art, architecture, and nature harmonize. Established on the grounds of a former elementary school, the colony has grown into a creative hub involving internationally renowned artists and architects.

La Ruche – The Artist’s Tower Surrounded by Cherry Blossoms

The first structure built in the colony was La Ruche, modeled after the famous Parisian artist atelier of the same name. This circular building has served as a place for creation and exchange among artists. In spring, it is beautifully framed by blooming cherry blossoms, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the colony.

Kiyoharu Shirakaba Museum – Preserving the Spirit of the Shirakaba School

Next came the Kiyoharu Shirakaba Museum, which preserves the legacy of the Shirakaba (White Birch) literary and art movement of early 20th-century Japan. The museum houses works and documents related to figures such as Yanagi Sōetsu, Mushanokōji Saneatsu, and Kishida Ryūsei. It offers deep insights into the intersection of modern Japanese art and literature.

Chashitsu Tetsu – A Tea House Rooted in Local Timber

Architect Fujimori Terunobu’s Chashitsu Tetsu is supported by an 80-year-old cypress tree that once grew within the colony grounds. Its whimsical yet organic design contrasts with the serene interior, embodying both playfulness and the spirit of traditional tea culture. It is considered one of the most distinctive contemporary tea house designs in Japan.

Art Museum of Light – Experiencing Art Through Natural Illumination

Designed by Tadao Ando, the Art Museum of Light is remarkable in that it uses no artificial lighting. Visitors view artworks solely under natural light, which shifts throughout the day and seasons. This ever-changing interplay of light and shadow makes the museum itself part of the art-viewing experience.

Visiting Information

The Kiyoharu Art Colony is not only a place to appreciate artworks and architecture, but also a site where nature and culture interact across the seasons. Located about two hours from Tokyo by train, it can be combined with trips to Kiyosato or the Yatsugatake Highlands, making it an ideal cultural excursion.