A distinguished private museum in Kobe that showcases a world-class collection of traditional East Asian art, including two National Treasures and numerous Important Cultural Properties.
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Set on the west bank of the clear Sumiyoshi River at the foot of Mount Rokko, the Hakutsuru Fine Art Museum reflects the vision of Jihei Kano, the seventh head of the Hakutsuru sake-brewing family. He opened his private collection to the public in 1934, creating one of Japan’s earliest private art museums. What began with about 500 antiques has grown to more than 1,450 works, including sutra scrolls, lacquerware, metalwork, paintings, and carpets. The collection is distinguished by two National Treasures and numerous Important Cultural Properties.
The museum survived war, earthquake, and hardship, preserving its collection through periods when much could have been lost. The building itself stands as a jewel, blending Eastern and Western architectural influences, with galleries that open onto a refined garden setting. The museum offers a quiet encounter with centuries of artistic and cultural continuity, shaped by both devotion and survival, capped by a wonderful view of the eastern cityscape and Osaka Bay.
Facilities & Services
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
- Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday, then closed the following day); New Year holidays; summer holidays
- Accessibility: The museum's main building, constructed in 1934, may present accessibility challenges due to its historical architecture. Visitors requiring assistance are advised to contact the museum in advance.
- Parking: Limited on-site parking available
Contact
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