The Azumino Chihiro Art Museum is a unique museum in Matsukawa Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the work of Chihiro Iwasaki, a beloved Japanese picture-book artist who spent her career depicting the many expressions and emotions of children, as well as the works of picture-book artists from around the world.
It is one of the world’s largest museums devoted to picture-book art. The collection includes representative works by Chihiro Iwasaki, original illustrations for picture books, drawings, and sketches, along with works by picture-book artists from countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The museum provides visitors with an opportunity to discover the beauty and imagination of picture books while experiencing the gentle artistic world created by Chihiro and artists from different cultural backgrounds.
The interior of the museum is designed to create a warm atmosphere, with the natural feel of wood throughout the building. Visitors can spend time at their own pace exploring the exhibitions and enjoying the museum’s facilities.
The library contains approximately 3,000 picture books that visitors are free to read. The Children’s Room provides a space where young visitors can play and express their creativity, while comfortable reclining chairs offer a relaxing place to take a break.
The museum also has a café with an open terrace and a museum shop where visitors can find art-related goods, picture books, and other souvenirs.
The museum is surrounded by a spacious park covering approximately 53,500 square meters. The grounds provide plenty of space for visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings before or after exploring the museum.
Totto-chan Square recreates elements of the world depicted in Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window, the internationally known autobiographical book written by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi.
The space offers children and adults an opportunity to connect with the atmosphere and imagination of the story while enjoying the surrounding nature.
The Pacovská Garden was designed by Czech picture-book artist and visual artist Květa Pacovská. Its distinctive design adds a playful artistic element to the museum grounds and encourages visitors to experience art beyond the walls of the museum.
The grounds also extend toward the banks of the clear Nyukawa River. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk beside the stream while taking in the changing scenery of Azumino.
With its exhibitions, picture-book library, children’s spaces, café, museum shop, and expansive park, the Azumino Chihiro Art Museum is a destination where children and adults alike can comfortably spend an entire day.
The Azumino Chihiro Art Museum offers much more than a traditional museum visit. It is a place where art, literature, nature, and imagination come together in a relaxed setting.
Visitors can admire original artwork by Chihiro Iwasaki and picture-book artists from around the world, read books in the library, explore the spacious gardens, and take a peaceful walk along the river.
Located amid the beautiful natural scenery of Azumino and with views toward the Northern Alps, the museum is an ideal destination for travelers interested in Japanese art, picture books, children’s culture, and creative expression.
9:00-17:00
Mondays (open on national holidays and closed on the following weekday)
Closed during winter
*The museum may be closed temporarily for exhibition changes.
Adults 1000yen
Free for high school students and younger
From Shinanomatsugawa Station on the JR Oito Line: 3 minutes by cab, 7 minutes by bicycle rental, 30 minutes on foot
By car: 30 minutes from Toyoshina IC on Nagano Expressway toward Omachi and Hakuba