Yokosuka Museum of Art stands at Kannonzaki, a picturesque area at the eastern tip of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture. Surrounded by the sea on one side and beautiful woodland on the other three sides, the museum is closely integrated with its natural environment.
Its location overlooking the water is one of its greatest attractions. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy art while experiencing the changing light and scenery of Tokyo Bay. The surrounding forest and coastal landscape also make it a pleasant place to explore beyond the exhibition galleries.
The museum is notable for its unusual architectural design. Approximately half of the building is set into the ground, while the exterior is covered with glass and metal panels, giving it a distinctive modern appearance that blends with the surrounding landscape.
The exhibition galleries feature open, high-ceilinged spaces. Their interior metal walls are punctuated with openings that allow natural light to enter, creating a soft and welcoming atmosphere.
Inside the museum, circular windows frame views of Tokyo Bay like carefully composed pictures. The changing light and scenery outside become part of the experience, making the building itself an important attraction alongside the artworks on display.
Thanks to its distinctive architecture and beautiful setting, the museum has been selected as one of the top five scenic art museums in Japan by an art information website, from a selection of approximately 450 museums nationwide.
Visitors can also enjoy the views from the rooftop plaza and the museum restaurant. Several areas, including the annex housing the Rokuro Taniuchi Museum, the library, the penthouse, and the rooftop plaza, are available free of charge.
The museum has an annex dedicated to the works of Rokuro Taniuchi, an artist who had a close connection with Yokosuka. He maintained an atelier in the city during his lifetime, and the museum permanently displays a selection of his works.
The museum’s collection contains approximately 5,000 works. Its main focus is on artists associated with Yokosuka and the Miura Peninsula, works depicting the local region, paintings and other works featuring the sea, and pieces that offer an overview of modern and contemporary Japanese art.
Exhibitions are held four times a year, with carefully selected works presented according to different themes. The museum also organizes a variety of special exhibitions, giving visitors opportunities to encounter different artists and artistic approaches throughout the year.
Yokosuka Museum of Art also has an inviting, open-plan library with a collection of approximately 30,000 books.
The collection includes specialist publications on art, art magazines, reference materials related to current exhibitions, and picture books from overseas. It is a useful place for visitors who want to learn more about art or explore subjects connected with the museum’s exhibitions.
One of the highlights of a visit is the rooftop plaza. After climbing the stairs, visitors emerge into an open space with a magnificent view of Tokyo Bay stretching out before them.
Ships of various sizes pass through the bay, making the view resemble a constantly changing painting. The plaza is an excellent place to enjoy the sea breeze and sunshine while watching maritime traffic.
The rooftop plaza has also been selected as a Lover’s Sanctuary, a designation given to romantic destinations in Japan. Its combination of open sky, sea views, and peaceful surroundings makes it a particularly attractive place for couples.
The museum has an Italian restaurant that is popular with visitors. Its head chef is a well-known culinary professional, and the restaurant offers dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
The dining area has large glass windows facing the sea, while outdoor terrace seating is also available. From both the indoor seats and the terrace, diners can watch ships traveling through the Uraga Channel, an important maritime passage connecting Tokyo Bay with the Pacific Ocean.
The restaurant combines Italian cuisine with the flavors of local ingredients and the pleasure of dining beside the water. It is an appealing place to take a break during a museum visit and enjoy the scenery of the Miura Peninsula.
Yokosuka Museum of Art is a destination where art and nature come together. Its collection introduces visitors to artists connected with Yokosuka and the Miura Peninsula, as well as works depicting the sea and modern Japanese art. The Rokuro Taniuchi Museum, special exhibitions, and extensive library provide further opportunities to explore artistic culture.
At the same time, the museum’s architecture, circular windows, rooftop plaza, and sea-facing restaurant make it enjoyable even for visitors who are not regular museumgoers. A visit offers a chance to appreciate art, take in the scenery of Tokyo Bay, and spend a relaxing time surrounded by the sea and forest.
10:00-18:00
First Monday of every month (open if the Monday is a national holiday)
December 29 - January 3
Collection Exhibition
Adults 380 yen
High school, college, and 65 years old and over: 280 yen
Free for junior high school students and younger
Special Exhibition
Varies depending on the exhibition.
Keikyu Bus bound for “Kannonzaki” from Umabori Kaigan Station of Keihin Kyuko Line, get off at “Kannonzaki Keikyu Hotel/Yokosuka Art Museum Mae” (about 10 minutes), 2 minutes walk.
From Uraga Station (platform 1), take Keikyu Bus bound for Kannonzaki and get off at the last stop, Kannonzaki (approx. 15 minutes). 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
Car:
3 km (about 5 minutes) from the Umabori Kaigan IC of Yokohama Yokosuka Road
From Yokohama Yokosuka Road, 11 km (approx. 35 min.) from Yokosuka IC, pass Honmachi Yamanaka Toll Road and go east on Route 16.