ASAHI BEER OYAMAZAKI VILLA MUSEUM OF ART
Asahi Beer Oyamazaki
Villa Museum of Art
The Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art was originally completed in 1932 and served as the residence of Shotaro Kaga, a wealthy businessman who helped to found the Nikka Whisky Distilling company. Fast forward to the early 90’s and this breathtaking estate had been abandoned and was the on the verge of ruin.
Through the encouragement and determination of many locals who wished to preserve this invaluable architecture and its beautiful surrounding gardens, a partnership between the governments of Kyoto and Oyamazaki and the nearby Asashi Breweries was created to preserve the villa and regenerate it as an art museum.
As part of the renovation efforts, a new underground building was added, designed by the architect Tadao Ando. Greenery was planted on top of this cylindrical gallery space to maintain harmony with the surrounding natural landscape. The use of glass on all four sides and the front of the stairway passage enables the visitor to view beautiful trees outside.
A second addition to the former residence was designed by Tadao Ando and can be found on the opposite end of the property, bordering the waterlily pond, To avoid disturbing the landscape viewable from the main building’s terrace overlooking the Seikaro tower in the villa grounds, Ando placed the building semi-concealed in the surrounding trees, with greenery also planted on the upper part of the structure.
From the second floor of the museum a magnificent view can be enjoyed from the cafe outdoor seating area. Visitors can view out to the surrounding mountains and the three rivers that flow between them—the Kizugawa, Ujigawa, and Katsuragawa and eventually merge together to become the Yodogawa river and flow into Osaka.
It is highly recommended that guests take time to enjoy the view and break for tea, coffee and seasonal sweets.
One of the more underrated gardens in Kyoto, visitors to this expansive space can enjoy numerous plants which delight the senses year-round.
From the cherry blossom touched by gentle sunlight in spring to the water lilies in early summer, red leaves in autumn, and tranquilly blossoming camellia in winter, the garden of this museum will leave you feeling peaceful thoughts as we had back into town.
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