Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum was opened in October 1994 by Itchiku Kubota himself. Standing at the foot of Mt. Fuji with views over Lake Kawaguchi, it has the concept of “a trinity of people, nature, and art” and “a base for transmitting new culture and art.” Its highlights can be grouped into three: the “exhibits,” the “architecture,” and the “garden.” When the air is clear, you can view Mt. Fuji from the pier beside the main building. As you stroll the grounds, artworks appear unexpectedly throughout. Seasonal changes are carefully orchestrated, and the harmony with the art creates a distinctive world that naturally draws visitors in. The museum shop carries original goods and accessories featuring tonbo-dama (glass beads). Access: by train, JR Chuo Main Line to Otsuki Station, transfer to Fujikyu Railway (~60 min) to Kawaguchiko Station. By bus, from Busta Shinjuku take the Chuo Expressway bus (Fuji Five Lakes Line) ~100 minutes to Kawaguchiko Station. From Kawaguchiko Station, about 10 minutes by taxi, or about 20 minutes by retro loop bus; get off at “Itchiku Kubota Art Museum.” By car, via Otsuki JCT to Kawaguchiko IC, then Route 137 (~15 min). Or from Ichinomiya-Misaka IC via Route 137 and Misaka Pass (~40 min). From Tomei Expressway: from Fuji IC via Route 139 (~70 min), or from Gotemba IC via the Higashi-Fuji-Goko Road (~45 min).