A Museum Created for Visitors to Kusatsu Onsen
The museum opened in 1998 as an associated facility of Kusatsu Hotel. Its concept was inspired by the idea of creating a museum where guests visiting the hot spring resort could simply walk in wearing their yukata and geta and enjoy art in a relaxed atmosphere.
The museum occupies approximately 475 square meters and displays a variety of works, including ink-and-color paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and lacquerware.
Approximately 100 to 120 works are displayed at a time. The collection contains several hundred works, and the exhibitions are changed approximately four times a year according to the seasons. This means that visitors may discover different works each time they return to Kusatsu.
About Tsurutaro Kataoka
Tsurutaro Kataoka was born in Tokyo in 1954. He first became widely known as an actor and comedian before developing a successful career as a painter and calligrapher.
As an artist, he developed his own approach to ink-and-color painting, working largely through self-directed study. His subjects often include familiar elements of nature such as fish, flowers, vegetables, and insects.
His works are sometimes described as “everyday paintings”, reflecting an unpretentious and natural approach to art. Generous areas of empty space, delicate brushwork, and warm colors give his paintings a gentle and approachable quality.
His keen powers of observation and sensitivity, developed during his years as an entertainer, are also reflected in the character of his artwork.
Highlights of the Museum Collection
Ink-and-Color Paintings, Calligraphy, and Ceramics
The museum presents approximately 120 works selected from its collection, with exhibitions changing according to the season. While ink-and-color paintings form an important part of the collection, visitors can also see oil paintings, ceramics, lacquerware, and other forms of artistic expression.
Among the most popular works are paintings depicting fish, vegetables, and flowers. The expressive brushwork combines bold shapes with delicate details, creating images that are both simple and visually engaging.
The gentle atmosphere of these works can be particularly enjoyable after walking through the steam-filled streets of Kusatsu. The paintings’ themes of nature also create an appealing connection with the surrounding mountain landscape and hot spring town.
art cafe kusatsu
The first floor includes art cafe kusatsu, a relaxing café where visitors can take a break after exploring the museum or the surrounding town.
Large windows provide views toward the steaming landscape around Nishinokawara, creating a pleasant setting for enjoying a drink or something to eat. One popular menu item is the an-butter toast, combining sweet red bean paste with butter on toast.
The café opens from 8:00 a.m., and the terrace seating is particularly appealing when the weather is pleasant. The café can also be used without visiting the museum, making it a convenient place to stop during a Kusatsu sightseeing itinerary.
Museum Shop
The museum shop offers a selection of postcards and original goods inspired by the museum and Kataoka’s artwork.
These items make convenient souvenirs for visitors who want to take a small reminder of their visit home, as well as gifts for friends and family.
Access
By Public Transportation
From JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, take a JR bus bound for Kusatsu Onsen. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. Get off at Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, then walk for approximately 12 minutes to the museum.
By Car
From the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, the museum can be reached via National Routes 17, 353, 145, and 292. The distance is approximately 60 kilometers, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Where Art and Hot Spring Culture Meet
Kusatsu Onsen has long been known as a place where people come to relax and enjoy the benefits of its natural hot springs. Taking time to appreciate art within this peaceful hot spring-town environment offers a different kind of cultural experience.
Visitors can stroll through Kusatsu in a yukata, explore the museum’s collection, and then relax with a drink or snack at the café. This combination of traditional hot spring culture and contemporary Japanese art makes the museum a distinctive stop during a visit to Kusatsu.
A Cultural Experience in Kusatsu Onsen
The Kusatsu Kataoka Tsurutaro Museum offers an opportunity to experience Japanese art in a relaxed setting closely connected to the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring resort.
For travelers exploring Kusatsu Onsen, the museum is an easy addition to a walking itinerary around Yubatake and Nishinokawara Park. Whether you are interested in Japanese painting and calligraphy or simply looking for a quiet cultural break from sightseeing, the museum provides a memorable way to experience another side of Kusatsu.