Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery

Welcome to the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and its jewel, the Higashiyama Kaii Gallery. Situated adjacent to the venerable Zenko-ji Temple in Joyama Park, this institution represents a pinnacle of modern Japanese museum…

Our journey begins at the Entry Plaza, a space that immediately establishes the museum's theme of reflection and tranquility. The primary feature here is a large, shallow reflecting pool that mirrors the sky and the surrounding…

Entering the main hall, we find ourselves in the 'Ganko' Lounge. The term 'Ganko' refers to the 'flying geese' formation, a traditional Japanese design pattern where structures are arranged diagonally to maximize views and light. …

We now enter the heart of the facility: the dedicated galleries of Higashiyama Kaii. The lighting here is strictly controlled to preserve the delicate pigments of the 'Nihonga' paintings, yet it is designed to evoke the specific…

The museum’s location in Joyama Park, directly behind the historic Zenko-ji Temple, is no coincidence. There is a profound scholarly and spiritual dialogue between the ancient Buddhist temple and the modern art museum. …

On the upper level, we step out onto the Sculpture Terrace. This open-air space offers a 360-degree view of the Nagano basin and the surrounding 'North Alps'. …

Before we depart, we visit the Museum Shop, which offers a curated selection of items that reflect the aesthetic of Higashiyama Kaii and the architecture of Yoshio Taniguchi. You will find high-quality prints, postcards, and…

As we conclude our tour of the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and the Higashiyama Kaii Gallery, take a final moment to sit in the Ganko lounge or by the reflecting pool. This museum is a rare sanctuary where the frantic…