Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art

This museum collects over 4000 artworks collected by Tosaku Aoki, an entrepreneur from Tochigi prefecture. It collects hand-drawn art and prints by Hiroshige Utagawa. With 6 special exhibits per year, there are other exhibits featuring Japanese ukiyo-e, prints, and Japanese western artists.

This museum is municipal and small, yet is popular for its beautiful architecture. The museum was designed by famous architect Kengo Kuma. With a traditional, yet serene exterior as a concept, this museum dissolves into the surrounding municipal scenery with a relaxing flat roofed building. The design utilizes local Yamizosugi (cedar) trees, Karasuyama washi paper, Ashinoishi stones, and other raw materials.

Visitors from around the world show up to see Kengo Kuma’s most famous architecture, but are mesmerized by Hiroshige Utagawa’s artwork and beautiful exhibit.