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Kiyoharu Art Colony
A cultural complex built on the grounds of a former elementary school after it closed.
Out at the northern edge of Yamanashi Prefecture, Hokuto City opens onto wide mountain views. Within that scenery, Kiyoharu Art Colony sits on the former site of Kiyoharu Elementary School, turned into a cultural complex after the school closed.
It was founded in 1977 by Chozo Yoshii, one of Japan’s leading art dealers. Envisioned as a place for international exchange among artists, it gradually developed facilities such as studio apartments, a ceramics workshop, and museums.
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is “La Ruche,” the colony’s iconic symbol. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower, it was originally used as a pavilion for the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Chozo Yoshii purchased the drawings and had it recreated here in 1981. Its beautiful design makes it one of the most striking buildings across the spacious grounds.
There’s plenty more to see, including the Kiyoharu Shirakaba Museum of Art, which exhibits a wide range of works related to the Shirakaba literary movement—such as Saneatsu Mushakoji and Naoya Shiga—as well as the Museum of Light designed by Tadao Ando.
The grounds are also home to Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted in 1925, making it a well-known cherry blossom spot.
Highlights
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Founded in 1977 on the former site of Kiyoharu Elementary School.
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Established by Chozo Yoshii, one of Japan’s leading art dealers.
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Over time, it expanded with studios, museums, and other facilities for international exchange among artists.
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Known for drawing attention as Japan’s first major art colony.
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In spring, Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms fill the grounds, and it becomes a popular spot for hanami.
Photos
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![[La Ruche] A Gustave Eiffel structure identical to the one still recognized as a historic landmark in Paris. Created as a place for artists to work, a second “La Ruche” was completed in Kiyoharu (interiors are not open to the public, except for the shop and reference room).](https://static.gltjp.com/glt/data/directory/16000/15799/20240613_091910_9ccd14c9_w640.webp)
[La Ruche] A Gustave Eiffel structure identical to the one still recognized as a historic landmark in Paris. Created as a place for artists to work, a second “La Ruche” was completed in Kiyoharu (interiors are not open to the public, except for the shop and reference room).
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![[Museum of Light] Founded in 2011 to a design by Tadao Ando, this museum is lit only by natural light. The galleries have no artificial lighting, allowing you to experience the constantly changing light as time passes.](https://static.gltjp.com/glt/data/directory/16000/15799/20240613_091914_f4404ca3_w640.webp)
[Museum of Light] Founded in 2011 to a design by Tadao Ando, this museum is lit only by natural light. The galleries have no artificial lighting, allowing you to experience the constantly changing light as time passes.
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![[Kiyoharu Shirakaba Museum of Art] A long-envisioned “phantom museum,” finally completed in 1983 to a design by Yoshio Taniguchi. It exhibits a wide range of works related to the Shirakaba movement.](https://static.gltjp.com/glt/data/directory/16000/15799/20240613_091913_d6ef91ad_w640.webp)
[Kiyoharu Shirakaba Museum of Art] A long-envisioned “phantom museum,” finally completed in 1983 to a design by Yoshio Taniguchi. It exhibits a wide range of works related to the Shirakaba movement.
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![[Tea House Tetsu] Completed in 2006, this tea house was designed by architectural historian Terunobu Fujimori. It stands Approx. 4 m above ground level and measures 1.7 tsubo inside; 80-year-old hinoki cypress from Kiyoharu Art Colony supports the structure (interior not open to the public).](https://static.gltjp.com/glt/data/directory/16000/15799/20240613_091917_1613ebcf_w640.webp)
[Tea House Tetsu] Completed in 2006, this tea house was designed by architectural historian Terunobu Fujimori. It stands Approx. 4 m above ground level and measures 1.7 tsubo inside; 80-year-old hinoki cypress from Kiyoharu Art Colony supports the structure (interior not open to the public).
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are foreign-language brochures or information signs available? (If so, please let us know the supported languages.)
A
QR codes for English audio guides are available on the captions inside the Kiyoharu Shirakaba Museum.
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Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
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Yes, it’s available inside the Kiyoharu Shirakaba Museum of Art and the Museum of Light.
It isn’t specifically listed on our website or in the facilities, so if you’d like to use it, please ask a staff member.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
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There are no coin lockers, but the shop at “La Ruche” can store your luggage for you.
If you would like to leave your belongings, please speak with the shop staff.
Q
Are there restrooms?
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The Kiyoharu Shirakaba Museum of Art has one men’s restroom and two women’s restrooms, and the Museum of Light has one all-gender restroom.
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Is re-entry allowed?
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Yes, re-entry is allowed on the same day you purchase your ticket.
Please show your ticket at the reception desk when you re-enter.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
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Sorry, smoking is not permitted anywhere within Kiyoharu Art Colony.
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Is there parking?
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Yes, there is free parking right next to Kiyoharu Art Colony.
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Do you lend umbrellas?
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No, we do not.
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About closed days
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New Year’s holidays and Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed the next weekday)
Hours are 10:00 am-5:00 pm (Last admission at 4:30 pm)
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 清春芸術村
- Postal Code
- 408-0036
- Address
- 2072 Nakamaru, Nagasaka-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi
- Phone
- 0551-32-4865
- Closed on
- Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed the next weekday) and New Year’s holidays
- Hours
- 10:00 am-5:00 pm (Last admission at 4:30 pm)
- Admission
- 1,500 yen; 1,000 yen for college and high school students; free for middle school students and younger
- Access
- Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Nagasaka Station
- Credit Cards
- Accepted at the museum shop only. Admission is cash only.
- Official website
- Official website(English)
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