Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
In 1994, a dyeing artist, Itchiku Kubota (1917-2003),built the museum in its perfect location with a majestic view of Mt.Fuji and the serene Lake Kawaguchi. The museum permanently exhibits Itchiku Tsujigahana works with the two main themes of "trinity of humans, nature, and art" and "the center of new culture and art." The whole museum, including the garden, buildings, and furnishings, represents "the world of Itchiku."
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- RamadamaNew Providence, New Jersey2,262 contributionsNice little museumI enjoyed the museum and spent a little over an hour viewing the art. I particularly liked that they displayed their cherry blossum pieces while the cherry blossums were blooming. Just makes you realize that people have been enjoying these trees every years for centuries.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 6, 2023
- Libby in CincinnatiCincinnati, Ohio1,221 contributionsLovely kimonos...good if you are near there.The kimonos are beautiful, but I would only visit if you are in the area. The gardens in back are pretty. You can sit down for a bite to eat or get something to drink in their little cafe. The exterior of the front looks like something Gaudi designed.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 10, 2023
- Holly RSunnyvale, California8 contributionsAn appreciation of kimonos as an art formI gave this 5 stars as someone who loves unconventional expressions or art/creativity with a deep respect for people with grit and passion in a single craft. If you like art, are curious how things are made, and attention to minute detail, I’d recommend this experience. The kimonos Itichku Kubota made are magnificent. A 20 minute video (in English, but ask an aide) helps orient you the process of manufacturing a kimono which set the tone for our visit. The gallery itself is just one room with 25 of his work. Nothing is behind glass, so you can get really close to inspect and marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship. We spent a few minutes admiring the detail and symbolism of the kimonos and were finished by 1.5 hrs. A few callouts/warnings: - no pictures are allowed of the kimonos - be sure to ask an aide to see the English video, which is in a different room of the main exhibitVisited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 14, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
358 reviews
Excellent
251
Very good
81
Average
14
Poor
7
Terrible
5
Libby in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH1,221 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
The kimonos are beautiful, but I would only visit if you are in the area. The gardens in back are pretty. You can sit down for a bite to eat or get something to drink in their little cafe. The exterior of the front looks like something Gaudi designed.
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg B
Brisbane, Australia94 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
The work that goes into these beautiful creations is remarkable, the results even more so. Take the time to watch the short doco video on how the Kimono are made. The gardens are also a nice place for chill time.
Written August 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BaronVonCount
Avalon Beach, Australia211 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
A kimono museum didn't sound that appealing, and I would probably never have visited if it hadn't been for a friend's persistent raving about the Itchiku Kubota over many years. For that I am grateful because this is one of the finest museums I have ever seen. Right from the moment you see the massive old gate at the bottom, to the high quality gift shop it is clear that this museum is exceptional.
Very easily reached by the Kawaguchiko Red and Green bus line, the Gaudiesque building, designed specifically for the collection, has many whimsical features of great beauty, such as the entrance vestibule with dozens of glass orbs set into the vaulted ceiling, which was quite beautiful, but would have been spectacular if the candelabra on the walls were actually lit. It would have been too hot on the day I visited, but no matter as the kimono collection housed in a huge room with its heavy wooden beams creating an impressive structure, is a peerless work of art.
The kimonos are too large to be actually worn and are really just the canvas for many extraordinary feats of tie-dyeing that bear no resemblance to the tie-dyed t-shirts of my childhood, instead utilising high quality natural dyes and painstaking fabric twisting and dyeing. The colours and textural results are mesmerising. Don't miss the little video presentation of the recently-deceased Kubota - a truly great artist.
There is also an atmospheric cafe with gardens and bush surrounding which, while pricey, is a very high quality tea and wagashi experience.While I was there many people wandered in, looked at the prices then left, which was a shame as the value was not that bad. Overall one of my favourite museums anywhere.
Also, just 5 minutes down the road is the Momiji-tei restaurant, which uses its homemade miso to great effect in preparing delicious, reasonably-priced, classic washoku cuisine.
Very easily reached by the Kawaguchiko Red and Green bus line, the Gaudiesque building, designed specifically for the collection, has many whimsical features of great beauty, such as the entrance vestibule with dozens of glass orbs set into the vaulted ceiling, which was quite beautiful, but would have been spectacular if the candelabra on the walls were actually lit. It would have been too hot on the day I visited, but no matter as the kimono collection housed in a huge room with its heavy wooden beams creating an impressive structure, is a peerless work of art.
The kimonos are too large to be actually worn and are really just the canvas for many extraordinary feats of tie-dyeing that bear no resemblance to the tie-dyed t-shirts of my childhood, instead utilising high quality natural dyes and painstaking fabric twisting and dyeing. The colours and textural results are mesmerising. Don't miss the little video presentation of the recently-deceased Kubota - a truly great artist.
There is also an atmospheric cafe with gardens and bush surrounding which, while pricey, is a very high quality tea and wagashi experience.While I was there many people wandered in, looked at the prices then left, which was a shame as the value was not that bad. Overall one of my favourite museums anywhere.
Also, just 5 minutes down the road is the Momiji-tei restaurant, which uses its homemade miso to great effect in preparing delicious, reasonably-priced, classic washoku cuisine.
Written January 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ken_yLondon
London63 contributions
Mar 2017 • Family
This place is such a rip-off: 1300 yen entrance fee for an adult, and there is only one exhibition room (the size of one medium exhibition room of National Gallery in London) only with around 20 kimonos. OK the Kimonos are beautiful, but we saw far better ones in shops and museums elsewhere in Japan, for free or a fraction of the entrance fee of this museum. There was another smaller exhibition room with a very good view of Lake Kawaguchi, but you have to pay 500 yen more to get in!
Also, the Kimono are not authentically Japanese according to my Japanese friend who came with us. She has got very good knowledge of Kimonos and told us Mr Kubota was famous for its untraditional and innovative Kimono designs. Incidentally we found lots of Indonesian / South Pacific furniture in his studio (his favourites), but we felt it is such a mix-up with everything oriental - would you fancy an English-style décor in an Italian museum?
The garden is, as other reviewers commented, very beautiful, but the best bit is from the gate to the entrance of the museum, so you don't need to pay. We would recommend visiting only this part - other places are not worth it.
Also, the Kimono are not authentically Japanese according to my Japanese friend who came with us. She has got very good knowledge of Kimonos and told us Mr Kubota was famous for its untraditional and innovative Kimono designs. Incidentally we found lots of Indonesian / South Pacific furniture in his studio (his favourites), but we felt it is such a mix-up with everything oriental - would you fancy an English-style décor in an Italian museum?
The garden is, as other reviewers commented, very beautiful, but the best bit is from the gate to the entrance of the museum, so you don't need to pay. We would recommend visiting only this part - other places are not worth it.
Written May 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie L
Leichhardt, Australia916 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
I wasn't expecting this based on the reviews, but I really enjoyed this small museum.
The buildings and surrounding gardens are worth a visit on their own, the main building is built like a pyramid using thousand year old beams. The gardens and water features are very relaxing and beautiful to walk around. The whole place has a lovely sense of peace about it.
Then there is the art. The artist spent decades researching a particular way of dying material to create these amazing scenes on kimonos. It was his life's work and watching the video to see how he did it was key to understanding the achievement he made.
It's not a cheap museum but worth a visit if you like to hear about artists who really pushed themselves to achieve their vision.
The buildings and surrounding gardens are worth a visit on their own, the main building is built like a pyramid using thousand year old beams. The gardens and water features are very relaxing and beautiful to walk around. The whole place has a lovely sense of peace about it.
Then there is the art. The artist spent decades researching a particular way of dying material to create these amazing scenes on kimonos. It was his life's work and watching the video to see how he did it was key to understanding the achievement he made.
It's not a cheap museum but worth a visit if you like to hear about artists who really pushed themselves to achieve their vision.
Written June 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kerrmcilwraith
Long Melford, UK25 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
A great museum showcasing some of the most beautiful Kimonos to date. They had on show a short video showing the process of advanced kimono dying which was very interesting, as well as a small tea room at the book overlooking a beautiful forest waterfall. The museum itself is split across 2 rooms and you get to walk through the gorgeous garden. All of the staff were extremely accommodating. Costing approximately £4 for entry it was a great hour out of my day to relax. After visiting the gallery there's an amazing onsen directly behind the museum which I recommend visiting before heading back to the station!
Written February 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tembo45
Kealakekua, HI81 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
I did not expect to enjoy seeing hand dye-tied silk kimonos with scenes of Japan but this place is extraordinary. The introductory video in English helped us understand that Kubota is no longer living but had an amazing career as an artist. The display is wonderful but photography is not permitted and I wanted to take photos of the kimonos.
The teahouse is a great place to end the tour with a beautiful view of the forest and a pool behind the museum. The building itself is a work of art that seems to rise from the ground as a natural wonder. We walked the trail behind afterward and enjoyed the beautiful outdoor scenery with many Japanese maples turning red in the fall. I would go back and enjoy it again.
The teahouse is a great place to end the tour with a beautiful view of the forest and a pool behind the museum. The building itself is a work of art that seems to rise from the ground as a natural wonder. We walked the trail behind afterward and enjoyed the beautiful outdoor scenery with many Japanese maples turning red in the fall. I would go back and enjoy it again.
Written July 24, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terrycwou
Hong Kong, China89 contributions
Nov 2019
Amazing visit for a traditional art soon to be lost. Beautiful house and gardens with a cafe. We visited during autumn red leaves season. Great souvenir shop.
Written November 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abbie C
London, UK84 contributions
Oct 2019
This museum offered a very special and serene experience, away from Fujikawaguchiko's tourist trail. We really loved seeing the intricate textile works of Itchiku Kubota, a perfect combination of art and culture, as well as wander the lovely museum grounds. The cafe area was also gorgeous and would make a perfect spot for unwinding with a tea. Friendly service by museum staff was a plus!
Written October 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
quin88
Oakham, UK337 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We visited this museum whilst staying in Kawaguchiko and it is easy to get to on the tourist bus. The kimonos are stunning and really are works of art. It is only a pity that whilst you cannot take photos, there are no prints that you can buy. There are views from the tearoom of Mount Fuji.
Written June 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hitomikobuchi
Yangshuo County, China
足が悪い母を是非連れて行きたいのですが、どうでしょうか？杖をついたり、手押し車があれば行けるのですが。
いっこ丸
21 contributions
美術館まではゆるい上り坂です。
階段がたくさんありますが、杖をついて歩けるのであれば大丈夫です。
車イスは…バリアフリーではなかったと思います。はっきり覚えていません。
本当に美しくとても素晴らしいので、頑張って行ってほしいです。
絶対にDVD上映を観て下さい！
Jleongsa
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2 contributions
What is the entrance fees for adults and the opening hours and days?
cairo408
Honolulu, HI12 contributions
There are different hours depending on the season: April-November 0930-1700 (last entry at 1700); December-March 1000-1630 (last entry at 1600). Admission fees are: 1300 yen for adults; 900 yen for college and high school students; 400 yen for junior high and elementary students. Also, there is a discount for groups of more than 15 people.
If you go to Mr. Kubota's direct website (per Trip Advisor, I am not able to post it here), it also gives you a brief history of him and a photos of his magnificent kimono. I hope you make a trip here...although it is a small museum, his kimono are works of art!
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Claim your listingItchiku Kubota Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Itchiku Kubota Art Museum:
- Private Car Tour to Mt. Fuji Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone Lake Ashi (From $1,143.09)
- Mt. Fuji Highlight Private tour from Kawaguchiko (public transportation) (From $450.00)
- Barrier-Free Private Mt. Fuji Tour for Wheelchair Users (From $1,136.87)
- Japan Discovery Tour (12 Days) (From $3,637.10)
- Full Day Mt.Fuji Chartered Taxi Tour (From $203.84)
- Hotels near Itchiku Kubota Art Museum:
- (0.02 mi) Condominimum Hotel Sanroku
- (0.08 mi) FUFU KAWAGUCHIKO
- (0.18 mi) Shuhokaku Kogetsu
- (0.26 mi) Lavista Fuji Kawaguchiko
- (0.25 mi) Lake Villa Kawaguchiko
- Restaurants near Itchiku Kubota Art Museum:
- (0.04 mi) Itchiku An
- (0.24 mi) Momijitei
- (0.27 mi) Gelateria Angela
- (0.34 mi) Konohana Museum Olson-san-no-ichigo
- (1.50 mi) Ramen Kaneyuki
- Attractions near Itchiku Kubota Art Museum:
- (0.11 mi) Notenburo Tensui
- (0.16 mi) Momiji Tunnel
- (0.16 mi) Maple Corridor
- (0.60 mi) Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
- (0.34 mi) Kawaguchiko Sarumawashi Theater
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum Information
Excellent Reviews | 251 |
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Very Good Reviews | 81 |
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum Photos | 491 |