Karuizawa Museum of Contemporary Art MoCA
A modern art space with sleek architecture, featuring cutting-edge Japanese and international contemporary works.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Karuizawa Museum of Contemporary Art MoCA
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern art space with sleek architecture, featuring cutting-edge Japanese and international contemporary works.
"A cool and modern museum with a free first floor and a nice cafe, well worth the visit."
🎯 Free First Floor Access
Explore the first floor for free! It features a selection of art and a nice cafe.
🎟️ Ticketed Second Floor
The main, often more extensive, exhibitions are on the second floor and require a paid ticket.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Philip Colbert's "Lobster Planet"
Second Floor Exhibition
Experience the vibrant pop art of Philip Colbert, a protégé of Andy Warhol. A truly unique and colorful display.
Yayoi Kusama & Meissen Collection
Second Floor Exhibition
Discover rare and captivating pieces by iconic artist Yayoi Kusama alongside exquisite Meissen porcelain.
Modern Architecture & Design
Entire Museum
Admire the museum's sleek, contemporary design with glass walls and white pillars, a work of art in itself.
Key's Cafe
First Floor
Enjoy a relaxing break with a delicious caramel latte at this cozy cafe attached to the museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Admission & Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free First Floor Access
Explore the first floor for free! It features a selection of art and a nice cafe.
🎟️ Ticketed Second Floor
The main, often more extensive, exhibitions are on the second floor and require a paid ticket.
☕ Cozy Cafe Break
Don't miss Key's Cafe on the first floor for a great caramel latte.
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Station
The museum is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Karuizawa Station.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free First Floor Access
Explore the first floor for free! It features a selection of art and a nice cafe.
🎟️ Ticketed Second Floor
The main, often more extensive, exhibitions are on the second floor and require a paid ticket.
☕ Cozy Cafe Break
Don't miss Key's Cafe on the first floor for a great caramel latte.
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Station
The museum is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Karuizawa Station.
📚 Art Book Selection
Browse a good selection of art books available for purchase.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Karuizawa Museum of Contemporary Art to be a modern and aesthetically pleasing space, with the free first floor and its cafe being a pleasant surprise. While some found the main exhibitions limited or not to their taste, others praised specific shows and the quality of art books available. The helpfulness of docents and the unique architectural design are also frequently mentioned positives.
"Frankly speaking it’s a little disappointing. The design of the museum is new and cool, however very limited pieces of exhibits, and the theme wasn’t attractive.
There’s a cafe on the ground floor where you can chill out and coffee was not bad, but wouldn’t visit again."
Melisa Woo
"I was very happy to visit gallery today. They had the AYO exhibition, which was very colourful.
The gallery is very modern and and has other art collections as well as a good selection of art books.
They also have a cafe attached. I enjoyed my experience, well worth a visit."
Spike Mclarrity
"Philip Colbert's exhibition "Journey to the Lobster Planet" was the focus of the gallery when we arrived and wow, it was amazing. Considered as the "godson of Andy Warhol", the exhibition showcased Philip's mastery of pop history painting. Besides his exhibition, we were also drawn to some rare pieces of Yayoi Kusama and Meissen. Truly wonderful experience."
Steven Cohen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible, located about a 10-minute walk from Karuizawa Station. This makes it a convenient stop for those arriving by train.
Information on parking availability is not widely detailed, but given its proximity to Karuizawa Station, public transport or walking is recommended. If driving, check local parking options near the station.
Yes, Karuizawa is about an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen, making it feasible for a day trip. However, to fully enjoy the museum and the town, an overnight stay is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The first floor is free to enter. For the second-floor exhibitions, adult tickets are ¥1200, seniors and university students are ¥900, and elementary/junior high students are ¥600. Preschool students are free. Group discounts are available for 20 or more people.
The first floor of the museum is always free to access. Specific free admission days for the second floor are not commonly advertised, so it's best to check their official website for any special promotions.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and current exhibitions. It's highly recommended to check the official website of the Karuizawa Museum of Contemporary Art for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
While advance ticket purchase options are not always highlighted, it's generally advisable to check the museum's official website for any online booking facilities, especially during peak seasons or for special exhibitions.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases cutting-edge work by both Japanese and foreign artists, with a focus on contemporary art. Past exhibitions have featured artists like Philip Colbert, Yayoi Kusama, and unique collections.
While the museum primarily focuses on contemporary art, the colorful nature of some exhibitions, like Philip Colbert's, might appeal to older children. The free first floor and cafe offer a more relaxed environment for families.
Docents are available and often go out of their way to be helpful, pointing out details you might miss. Inquire at the information desk upon arrival about their availability.
The museum features a cafe on the first floor, a shop selling art books and works by artists, and restrooms. The modern interior design itself is also a notable feature.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in many areas, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask museum staff.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe called Key's Cafe located on the first floor. It's known for its good caramel latte and offers a pleasant spot to relax.
Key's Cafe offers beverages, including their popular caramel latte, and likely light snacks or pastries. It's a good place to recharge during your visit.
Given its location near Karuizawa Station, you'll find various restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area, offering a range of Japanese and international cuisine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main exhibitions on the second floor might be more suited for older children or those with a keen interest in contemporary art, the colorful nature of some featured artists, like Philip Colbert, can be engaging. The modern architecture of the museum itself can also be a point of interest for younger visitors. Remember to check the specific exhibition details to gauge suitability for your children.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you wish to see the main exhibitions on the second floor, the admission fees are relatively modest, especially for students and seniors. Considering the quality of the art and the modern facilities, it's a worthwhile expense for art lovers. The museum's proximity to Karuizawa Station also saves on local transportation costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Karuizawa MoCA: A Visitor's Guide
The second floor houses the main exhibitions, which require a paid admission. These exhibitions often feature prominent contemporary artists, such as Philip Colbert and Yayoi Kusama, offering a deeper dive into current art trends. The museum's architecture, characterized by glass walls and white pillars, is a significant element, creating a modern and airy atmosphere that complements the art on display.
Planning your visit is key. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience with the art. The museum's proximity to Karuizawa Station makes it easily accessible, a pleasant 10-minute walk that adds to the overall charm of the visit.
Artistic Highlights and Collections
Beyond featured exhibitions, the museum also houses rare pieces by renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama, whose distinctive polka dots and avant-garde style are instantly recognizable. Alongside these contemporary masterpieces, you might also find exquisite collections, such as Meissen porcelain, adding a layer of historical and artistic diversity to the museum's offerings.
The museum's commitment to contemporary art means that exhibitions are frequently updated, offering new perspectives and artists to discover with each visit. This dynamic approach ensures that MoCA Karuizawa remains a relevant and exciting destination for art enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit