Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum (Kanagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | Highlights, Access, and Featured Works Explained in Detail
The Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum, located in Yugawara Town, Ashigara Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture, is an art museum beloved as a cultural and artistic hub of Yugawara, known as a hot spring resort. The museum features works by painters with deep connections to Yugawara, displayed in a charming building renovated from a long-established traditional inn, making it a cultural facility worth visiting in conjunction with hot spring tourism.
This article provides detailed explanations of everything you should know before visiting, from the museum’s history and exhibition contents to highlights, access methods, and surrounding tourist attractions.
History and Overview of Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum
Circumstances of Opening and Transitions
The Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum opened in 1998 (Heisei 10) as the “Yugawara-Related Art Museum.” The museum’s greatest feature is that it was created by renovating a long-established traditional inn. The building, with its charming atmosphere characteristic of the hot spring resort town of Yugawara, took on a new role as an art museum.
In its early years, the museum focused on displaying works by painters with connections to Yugawara, but in October 2006 (Heisei 18), it faced a major turning point. The “Hiramatsu Reiji Gallery” was established to display works by painter Hiramatsu Reiji, who is active at the forefront of the Japanese painting world. With this, the museum changed its name to the current “Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum” and reopened following a renovation.
Architectural Features of the Art Museum
The red brick building blends seamlessly into the landscape of the hot spring district, presenting a calm and composed appearance. The warm and inviting spatial design characteristic of a renovated traditional inn creates a sense of nostalgia and comfort for visitors. The interior is divided into two exhibition spaces: the “Hiramatsu Reiji Gallery” and the “Permanent Collection Gallery,” each with its own distinct appeal.
Within the museum grounds is a Japanese garden-style garden where water lilies discussed below are cultivated in a pond. The harmonious integration of the building and garden creates a luxurious environment where visitors can appreciate not only art but also nature in all its seasonal beauty.
Exhibition Contents and the Charm of Collected Works
Highlights of the Hiramatsu Reiji Gallery
The Hiramatsu Reiji Gallery is a dedicated exhibition space for the permanent display of works by contemporary Japanese painter Hiramatsu Reiji. Hiramatsu Reiji is also known for having served as the cover illustrator for the monthly magazine “Bungeishunju” for many years and continues to be active at the forefront of the Japanese painting world.
Hiramatsu’s works employ traditional Japanese painting techniques while fusing contemporary sensibilities and color sense, creating a unique worldview. In particular, his works featuring water lilies as a motif are known as homage to Claude Monet, creating a beautiful expression where Eastern and Western aesthetics intersect.
The gallery includes a recreated corner of the artist’s studio, offering a glimpse into the painter’s creative environment and process. Actual art materials and tools used by the artist are on display, providing a valuable opportunity to understand how the works were created.
Permanent Collection Gallery | Painters with Connections to Yugawara
The Permanent Collection Gallery displays works from its collection by painters with deep connections to Yugawara. As an ancient hot spring resort beloved by literati and artists, Yugawara has been visited by many artists who conducted creative activities there or lived there for extended periods.
Takeuchi Seiho
The master of modern Japanese painting Takeuchi Seiho spent his later years in Yugawara. As a representative painter of the Kyoto painting tradition, Seiho established his unique style by fusing realistic expression with Oriental spirituality, and his works form an important part of the museum’s collection.
Seiho was skilled in animal paintings, particularly known for his works depicting cats, dogs, monkeys, and other creatures. His later works, created in the natural environment surrounding Yugawara, reflect his mature technique and serene state of mind.
Yasui Sotaro
Yasui Sotaro, a leading figure in the Japanese oil painting world, also has deep connections to Yugawara. After studying in France, he established his unique realism, exerting significant influence on Japan’s oil painting world.
Yasui’s works are characterized by careful observation of their subjects and a desire to capture their essence. Whether in portraiture, still life, or landscape painting, his steady composition and restrained color palette are striking, evoking deep emotion in viewers.
Miyake Kokki
Miyake Kokki, known as a pioneer of watercolor painting, is another painter who loved Yugawara. Active from the Meiji through Showa periods, he greatly contributed to the popularization and development of watercolor painting in Japan.
Miyake’s watercolors are characterized by transparent colors and delicate brushwork, expressing Japanese landscapes with poetic sentiment. Many of his works depict the Yugawara landscape, allowing viewers to feel the charm of the hot spring resort.
Yabe Tomoe
Works by Yabe Tomoe, a central figure in proletarian art who evacuated to Yugawara during World War II, are also held in the collection. With works addressing social themes, they form a valuable collection for understanding the art movements of the early Showa period.
Temporary Exhibitions and Special Displays
In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts temporary and special exhibitions. These include themed retrospectives of artists with connections to Yugawara as well as thematic exhibitions, offering new discoveries with each visit.
Exhibition contents may change seasonally, so it is recommended to check the official website for the latest exhibition information before visiting.
Monet’s Water Lilies | Garden Highlights
A hidden gem of the Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum that captivates many visitors is the water lilies cultivated in the garden pond. These water lilies are propagated from the varieties that were cherished by Impressionist master Claude Monet, who created numerous masterpieces depicting them, in his garden at Giverny.
Best Viewing Season and Appreciation Tips
The water lilies are at their best from July through August, when they display beautiful blooms. The sight of the same variety of lilies that Monet depicted blooming in Yugawara is deeply moving. Hiramatsu Reiji has also created many works featuring water lilies as a motif, and viewing his paintings in the gallery followed by seeing the actual lilies in the garden creates an inspiring dialogue between art and nature.
The area around the pond is accessible for strolling, allowing visitors to enjoy the garden’s changing appearance throughout the seasons. The early morning hours in summer, when the water lily flowers open, are particularly beautiful.
Seasonal Garden Landscapes
Beyond the water lilies, the garden is planted with vegetation that displays different faces in each season. Visitors can enjoy fresh greenery in spring and crimson foliage in autumn. A leisurely stroll through the garden during an art appreciation visit provides refreshment for both body and mind.
Interior Facilities and Services
Café and Rest Areas
The museum includes a café where visitors can relax after viewing the exhibitions. From the windows, one can gaze upon the garden while enjoying tea or light refreshments in the lingering mood of the art viewing experience.
The café menu features items using local Yugawara ingredients as well as seasonal specials, offering new discoveries with each visit. Coffee enjoyed while overlooking the garden is particularly delightful.
Museum Shop
A museum shop is located within the facility, offering exhibition catalogs, postcards, and original merchandise for purchase. The shop carries items featuring motifs from Hiramatsu Reiji’s works, books about painters with connections to Yugawara, and more, making it ideal for souvenirs or mementos of your visit.
Basic Information and Access
Hours and Closed Days
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays (open if a holiday, closed the following day), year-end and New Year holidays, exhibition changeover periods
*Hours and closed days may change; it is recommended to verify the latest information on the official website before visiting.
Admission Fees
General: 600 yen
Elementary and Middle School Students: 300 yen
Group Discount: Available for 20 or more people
Disability Discount: Available (requires presentation of disability handbook)
*Fees may change during temporary exhibitions.
Access by Train
The nearest train station to the Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum is JR East Tokaido Main Line “Yugawara Station.”
Access from Yugawara Station:
- By Bus: Board an Izu Hakone Bus toward “Oku-Yugawara” or “Fudotaki” from Yugawara Station and get off at “Bijutsukan-mae” (Art Museum) bus stop (approximately 5 minutes). The museum is a short walk from the bus stop.
- By Taxi: Approximately 5 minutes by taxi from Yugawara Station.
- On Foot: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Yugawara Station. A leisurely walk while enjoying the ambiance of the hot spring district is also recommended.
Access by Car and Parking
By Car:
- Approximately 40 minutes from “Atsugi IC” on the Tomei Expressway via the Odawara-Atsugi Road
- Approximately 40 minutes from “Numazu IC” on the Tomei Expressway via National Route 1
Parking: Free parking lot dedicated to the museum available (limited spaces; use nearby paid parking during crowded periods)
Address and Contact Information
Address: 〒259-0314 Miyakamichinoji 623-1, Yugawara Town, Ashigara Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Telephone: 0465-63-7788
Official Website: Art Museum page on Yugawara Town’s official website
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting the Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum, exploring nearby tourist attractions in conjunction allows for a deeper experience of Yugawara’s charms.
Yugawara Hot Spring
Numerous traditional inns and day-bathing facilities are within walking distance of the museum. Relaxing in a hot spring after art appreciation is a luxurious experience unique to Yugawara. This historically significant hot spring, mentioned in the Manyoshu (ancient Japanese poetry collection), has slightly alkaline water that is considered gentle on the skin.
Manyoe Park
A park in the heart of the Yugawara hot spring district where plants mentioned in the Manyoshu are cultivated. The walking trail along the Chitose River is ideal for strolling, with particularly beautiful scenery during the fresh green spring and autumn foliage seasons. The park features a foot bath where visitors can easily enjoy the hot spring.
Fudo Waterfall
A 15-meter waterfall historically known as a training site for monks. The waterfall area, filled with negative ions, is ideal for forest bathing. It is approximately 10 minutes from the museum by bus.
Yugawara Plum Grove (Makuyama Park)
A famous plum viewing site where approximately 4,000 plum trees bloom from February through March. During the “Plum Celebration” period, the location draws many visitors. If visiting Yugawara during plum blossom season, combining a visit to the art museum with this attraction is recommended.
Hoshi-ga-yama Park (Satsuki no Sato)
A scenic viewpoint overlooking Sagami Bay where azaleas are at their peak from late May through early June. On clear days, views extend to the Izu Peninsula and Izu Island. This scenic spot is not to be missed.
Manazuru Peninsula
Located in the neighboring town of Manazuru, this peninsula is notable for its beautiful coastline and abundant nature. The views from Manazuru Cape and a walking trail around the cape are recommended.
Recommended Visiting Tips and Notes
Best Seasons to Visit
The Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum can be enjoyed year-round, but here are particularly recommended periods.
July–August: Monet’s water lilies are at their best. This is a precious season to view the garden’s lilies.
Autumn (October–November): The fall foliage season brings beautiful garden scenery, and the entire hot spring district is enveloped in autumn atmosphere.
Spring (March–May): The season of fresh greenery when visitors can also enjoy plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and other flowering attractions nearby.
Estimated Visit Duration
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough museum visit. Including café breaks and garden strolls, 2.5 to 3 hours of total time is recommended.
Photography
Photography of the displayed artworks inside the museum is generally prohibited. However, photography of the garden and building exterior is permitted. When photographing, please be considerate of other visitors.
Barrier-Free Information
As the museum is housed in a renovated traditional inn, there are some areas with steps. Those wishing to visit in a wheelchair are advised to contact the museum in advance to discuss accommodations. Staff will provide support to the extent possible.
Yugawara and the History of Art
The reason Yugawara has been cherished by so many artists lies not only in its appeal as a hot spring resort but also in its abundant natural environment and convenient access from Tokyo.
A Hot Spring Resort Beloved by Literati and Artists
From the Meiji era through the Showa period, Yugawara was known as a retreat visited by many literati and artists. Famous writers such as Natsume Soseki, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Tazaki Fujiwara, and Junichiro Tanizaki visited Yugawara and engaged in writing activities.
Painters, too, were enchanted by Yugawara’s nature and hot springs. Just as Takeuchi Seiho spent his later years there, many painters chose Yugawara for extended stays to dedicate themselves to creative activities.
The Environment Supporting Creation
The temperate climate, beautiful nature, quality hot springs, and optimal distance from Tokyo—these elements stimulated artists’ creative drive and provided the foundation for producing numerous masterpieces. The Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum stands as an important cultural institution preserving and transmitting the deep connection between Yugawara and the arts to the present day.
Conclusion | Experience the Fusion of Art and Hot Springs at Yugawara Museum
The Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum is a hot spring town’s unique art museum displaying works by painters with deep connections to Yugawara in a charming building renovated from a long-established traditional inn.
The Hiramatsu Reiji Gallery features works by a painter active at the forefront of contemporary Japanese painting, while the Permanent Collection Gallery displays masterpieces by painters representative of modern Japanese art including Takeuchi Seiho, Yasui Sotaro, and Miyake Kokki. The collection is complemented by Monet’s water lilies in the garden and nature in all its seasonal beauty.
With convenient access—just about 5 minutes by bus from JR Yugawara Station—the museum is easily visited along with hot spring tourism. After art appreciation, visitors can relax at the adjoining café, unwind at nearby hot spring facilities, or experience the luxurious lifestyle unique to Yugawara.
When visiting the hot spring resort of Yugawara in Kanagawa Prefecture, be sure to stop by the Machitachi Yugawara Art Museum and enjoy the special experience of art and hot springs in harmony. Checking the museum’s official website for the latest exhibition information before your visit will allow for an even more fulfilling viewing experience.
