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Hara Museum ARC
A museum on a highland where contemporary art, nature, and architectural beauty come together.
Just a 5-minute drive from Ikaho Onsen, this contemporary art museum is surrounded by lush nature at the foot of Mount Haruna. Opened in 1988 as Hara Museum ARC, it took its current name in 2021 after merging with the Hara Museum in Shinagawa, Tokyo. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Arata Isozaki. Its modern, black-toned architecture and the scenery of spacious lawns set against the surrounding mountains are also major highlights.
Inside, the museum displays large-scale installations by Yayoi Kusama and Tabaimo, along with works by renowned artists such as Yoshitomo Nara, Tatsuo Miyajima, and Yasumasa Morimura. In the special exhibition room Kankai-an, inspired by shoin-zukuri architecture, visitors can also see East Asian antiquities from the collection of Hara Rokuro, a Meiji-era businessman. Outdoors, permanent works by contemporary artists including Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Othoniel are dotted throughout the grounds. Visitors can enjoy art while taking in the natural beauty of each season.
Be sure to stop by Café d’Art, where you can enjoy hand-drip coffee and “image cakes” inspired by the exhibitions, as well as the museum shop, which sells items that let you enjoy contemporary art in everyday life.
Highlights
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A contemporary art museum at the foot of Mount Haruna, a 5-minute drive from Ikaho Onsen.
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Don’t miss the beautiful architecture designed by Arata Isozaki.
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Houses and exhibits works by masters from Japan and abroad.
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East Asian antiquities can also be viewed at Kankai-an.
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Many permanent works are also displayed outdoors.
Photos
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Special exhibition facility Kankai-an
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Museum shop offering original items
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An on-site café known for its coffee
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
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Yes.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
Yes. Return-type coin lockers that use 100-yen coins are available.
Q
Can I re-enter the museum?
A
Yes, re-entry is allowed on the same day only.
Q
Are there smoking areas?
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No.
Q
Are there sightseeing spots nearby?
A
<Sightseeing spots around Ikaho>
Ikaho Green Bokujo, Ikaho Onsen (including the Stone Steps and Kajika Bridge), Mizusawa Kannon, Mizusawa Udon Street, and more
<Art spots in Gunma Prefecture>
The Museum of Modern Art, Gunma (Takasaki City), Arts Maebashi (Maebashi City), Shiroiya Hotel (Maebashi City), Maebashi Galleria (Maebashi City), and more
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 原美術館ARC
- Postal Code
- 377-0027
- Address
- 2855-1 Kanai, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
- Phone
- 0279-24-6585
- Closed on
- Thursdays (except national holidays and August), January 1 *Closed during exhibition changeovers and for winter closure from mid-January to mid-March
- Hours
- 9:30 am–4:30 pm (Last admission at 4:00 pm)
- Admission
- Adults ¥1,800; high school and college students ¥1,000; elementary and junior high school students ¥800; ages 70 and over ¥1,500 (may vary depending on the special exhibition)
- Access
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1) Approx. 15 minutes by taxi from JR Shibukawa Station
2) From JR Shibukawa Station, take a bus to Green Bokujo-mae, then walk 7 minutes - Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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