Architecture in Harmony with Nature
The building was designed by Takao Yanagisawa + TAK Architectural and Urban Planning Institute. One of its most distinctive architectural features is its series of continuous semi-circular vaulted roofs.
The rounded roofs extend one after another into the landscape, creating a form that echoes the surrounding mountains. Viewed from above, the long, repeating vaults create an especially striking composition, making the building itself feel almost like a work of art.
Surrounded by seasonal greenery, the museum provides a calm environment in which visitors can enjoy both architecture and art away from the bustle of the city.
Rich and Varied Exhibitions
Permanent Exhibition Gallery
The permanent exhibition gallery introduces modern and contemporary artworks and related materials collected by the museum. The displays are reorganized around different themes, allowing visitors to encounter different works and perspectives on each visit.
This changing presentation gives the permanent collection a sense of variety and makes the museum worth revisiting.
Special Exhibition Gallery
The special exhibition gallery hosts temporary and special exhibitions featuring artists and themes from Japan and abroad.
Exhibitions may focus on individual artists, particular periods, artistic movements, or broader cultural themes, allowing the museum to serve as an important center for cultural exchange and artistic activity in the region.
Local History Exhibition Gallery
The museum’s history section is centered on the theme of “The History and Culture of Tomioka.” Archaeological, historical, and ethnographic materials are presented chronologically, introducing the development of the region from ancient times through the modern era.
The displays provide an accessible introduction to Tomioka’s local history and help visitors understand the cultural background of the area they are exploring.
Fukuzawa Ichiro Memorial Museum
One of the museum’s most distinctive features is its collection and exhibitions devoted to Fukuzawa Ichiro, a Western-style painter born in Tomioka.
Born in 1898, Fukuzawa became one of the important figures in 20th-century Japanese art. He was known for his innovative and avant-garde approach to painting, developing a distinctive artistic world throughout his long career.
Fukuzawa Exhibition Room 1
This gallery is organized by themes to make the development of Fukuzawa’s artistic career easier to understand.
Works from his early period through his later years are introduced systematically, allowing visitors to follow changes in his ideas, techniques, and artistic expression.
Fukuzawa Exhibition Room 2 – Recreated Studio
This room recreates Fukuzawa Ichiro’s studio, giving visitors a glimpse into the environment in which he worked.
The recreated workspace provides a more personal perspective on the artist and allows visitors to imagine the process of creating his paintings.
Fukuzawa Exhibition Room 3
This gallery focuses primarily on large-scale paintings, allowing visitors to appreciate the power and impact of Fukuzawa’s monumental works.
The distinctive compositions and colors of his paintings create an unusual visual world and provide a vivid introduction to his artistic style.
A Museum Open to the Local Community
The facility is not only a place for viewing exhibitions but also an important center for local artistic and cultural activities.
A community gallery provides approximately 247 square meters of exhibition space, with 56 meters of wall length and a ceiling height of 5.6 meters. It is available for individuals and local groups to display their work.
The museum also includes a creative studio, audiovisual room, and library. Workshops, educational programs, lectures, and other activities are held throughout the year, helping connect the museum with the local community.
Visitor Information and Access
The museum is generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with admission until 4:30 p.m. It is normally closed on Mondays and during the year-end and New Year holiday period.
Opening schedules and closures may change, so visitors are advised to check the latest information before traveling.
By Public Transportation
From Joshin Dentetsu’s Joshu-Tomioka Station, the museum is approximately 10 minutes by taxi.
Visitors can also take the Kuroiwa community taxi and get off at Momijidaira Comprehensive Park-mae.
From JR Isobe Station on the Shin’etsu Main Line, the museum is also approximately 10 minutes by taxi.
By Car
The museum is approximately 15 minutes from either the Tomioka Interchange or Shimonita Interchange on the Joshin’etsu Expressway.
Parking is available within Momijidaira Comprehensive Park.
Nearby Cultural Attractions
Across the road from the museum is the Gunma Museum of Natural History. Visiting both museums together provides an opportunity to explore Gunma from two complementary perspectives: the natural environment and the history and culture of its people.
Other cultural attractions in the wider area include the Tomioka City Okabe Onko-kan and the Tomioka City Myogi Furusato Art Museum, making the area suitable for a cultural sightseeing itinerary.
A Meeting Place for Art, Nature, and History
Tomioka City Museum of Art and History / Fukuzawa Ichiro Memorial Museum brings together art, local history, architecture, and the natural landscape of Gunma.
Its exhibitions introduce both the cultural heritage of Tomioka and the work of one of the city’s notable artists, while its distinctive architecture and peaceful park setting provide an enjoyable environment for visitors.
A Cultural Stop in Tomioka
After exploring the Tomioka Silk Mill and other historic sites, a visit to this museum offers a different way to understand the city.
Take your time to enjoy the art, discover Tomioka’s local history, and experience the quiet natural surroundings of Momijidaira Comprehensive Park. For travelers interested in Japanese art and regional culture, it is a rewarding cultural stop in Tomioka.