[Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art]

Located just a 15-minute train ride from Kyoto Station, the Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art—a harmonious blend of nature, architecture, and art—will celebrate its 30th anniversary in the spring of 2026.

The museum opened in 1996 to preserve and revitalize "Oyamazaki Villa," originally built by businessman Shotaro Kaga. A new wing designed by architect Tadao Ando was added to the site. Kaga himself was deeply involved in the design of the buildings and gardens, starting construction in 1912 and taking many years to complete the estate. Its cultural value as a Western-style villa from the Taisho to early Showa eras is significant; in 2004, the main building and other structures were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan.

After Kaga’s passing, the villa left the family's hands and fell into such disrepair that it faced the threat of demolition. However, public outcry for the preservation of this precious landmark and the surrounding environment grew. Kaga had been a founding partner of Nikka Whisky and shared a deep friendship with Tamesaburo Yamamoto, the first president of Asahi Breweries, Ltd., as a fellow leader in the business world. This connection led to a collaboration between local volunteers, Kyoto Prefecture, Oyamazaki Town, and Asahi Breweries, resulting in the birth of the museum.

The appeal of the museum extends beyond its history-steeped architecture and its vast 4.5-acre garden. At the heart of its collection is the Tamesaburo Yamamoto Collection, donated at the museum's founding. This includes masterpieces from the Mingei (folk crafts) movement championed by Soetsu Yanagi, as well as several works from Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" series. Yamamoto, a dedicated supporter of the Mingei movement and a prominent businessman from Osaka, was also instrumental in establishing the Osaka Royal Hotel (now the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka) and the legendary "Leach Bar." One could say he was a key figure in preserving and promoting the essence of Mingei for modern generations.

I visited the museum last year in early summer. As I climbed the path through the lush nature of Oyamazaki, the villa appeared, and I felt my spirit refreshed just by walking through the heavy, elegant architecture, even before seeing the folk crafts I had been looking forward to. The terrace of the museum's café offers a luxurious, panoramic view that stretches far into the distance. Since many Mingei pieces are displayed inside the café, it is a spot you shouldn't miss. The passage to the "Underground Jewelry Box"—a wing designed by Tadao Ando that is partially submerged to preserve the landscape—is enclosed in glass. As you descend while gazing at the garden, Monet’s "Water Lilies" unfold before your eyes. Since they are part of the permanent collection, it felt like a precious place to view them in a calm, unhurried atmosphere.

To mark its 30th anniversary, the museum is currently holding two exhibitions focusing on the pillars of its collection: "Resonance: Kanjiro Kawai x Shoji Hamada – From the Tamesaburo Yamamoto Collection" (March 20, 2026 – September 6, 2026) and the "Claude Monet Centennial Exhibition" (March 20, 2026 – April 11, 2027). Every year from June to August, the water lilies in the museum's garden bloom, reminiscent of Monet’s paintings. As early summer approaches, I dream of visiting that beautiful place once again to soak in the gardens, art, architecture, and atmosphere all at once.

Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yHMsNVqv66FekTmT9
Museum Cafe
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vAsvwu43YktiginH6
Showroom Information
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/

References
https://www.asahigroup-oyamazaki.com/
https://bijutsutecho.com/magazine/news/exhibition/32252