A Museum Exploring the History of European and American Picture Books
The museum is located north of Fukakoshi Park in southern Karuizawa and focuses on the history of picture books from Europe and North America. The approximately 15,000-square-meter grounds are surrounded by trees, with the various facilities connected by paths through the forest.
Walking from one building to another is an important part of the experience. Instead of spending the entire visit indoors, visitors can enjoy the changing scenery of the forest and garden while discovering different aspects of picturebook culture.
Exhibition Building 1
Tracing the History of Picture Books from the 19th Century to Today
The first exhibition building is one of the symbolic structures of the museum, with an impressive timber-framed design that blends naturally into the surrounding woodland.
The permanent exhibition, “The History of European and American Picture Books,” traces the development of picturebook culture from the 19th century to the present day. Visitors can discover how picture books evolved as a form of art and literature and how their visual styles and storytelling techniques changed over time.
The building also houses the Shinichi Yoshida Library, a valuable collection of research materials assembled by Shinichi Yoshida, an internationally recognized scholar of British and American children’s literature and an honorary advisor to the museum.
Another highlight is the collection donated by Japanese picturebook artist Etsuko Kibai. Her works and a recreated version of her studio provide a glimpse into the creative process behind picturebook production.
With its distinctive architecture and picturesque surroundings, the first exhibition building is also a popular location for photography and wedding photo shoots.
Exhibition Building 2
Seasonal Exhibitions Exploring Stories from Around the World
The second exhibition building hosts several special exhibitions each year, with themes changing according to the season.
Exhibitions explore a wide range of subjects, including traditional fairy tales, stories from around the world, and works by picturebook artists from Japan and overseas. Each exhibition offers a different perspective on the appeal and diversity of picture books.
The building is located beyond the Picturesque Garden, making the walk there part of the experience. Visitors can enjoy the flowers, trees, and seasonal scenery as they make their way through the grounds.
Exhibition Building 3
Discover the Secret World of Peter Rabbit™
The third exhibition building features the permanent exhibition “The Secret Room of Peter Rabbit™,” dedicated to the internationally beloved picturebook series.
Visitors can explore the charming world of Peter Rabbit™ and the other characters while learning about the origins of the stories and the life of their creator, Beatrix Potter. The exhibition offers an opportunity to look beyond the familiar characters and discover the cultural and artistic background behind the books.
Picturebook Library
A Quiet Reading Space in the Forest
Nestled quietly among the trees, the Picturebook Library contains more than 1,500 picture books, with a particular emphasis on books in foreign languages.
Visitors are free to choose a book and settle down to read in a peaceful space filled with natural light. For families, it is a relaxing place to share a story together, while adults can also rediscover the charm of picture books at their own pace.
“Mori no Ie” Event Space
A Place for Workshops, Learning, and Special Events
Mori no Ie, meaning “Forest House,” is a conference room and event space located behind the third exhibition building.
It is used for a variety of activities, including video screenings, educational programs, and workshops. The space also provides opportunities for visitors to interact and enjoy hands-on experiences related to picture books and creative culture.
Mori no Ie can also be used for wedding receptions and other special occasions, offering a memorable setting surrounded by the forests and cultural atmosphere of Karuizawa.
Picturesque Garden
A Garden Painted with the Colors of the Seasons
At the center of the museum grounds lies the Picturesque Garden, a natural-style garden whose name means a garden of picturesque beauty.
Designed by renowned British garden planner Paul Smither, the garden is filled with plants and flowers that change with the seasons. Rather than creating a formal garden, the design emphasizes a natural atmosphere that blends beautifully with the surrounding woodland.
The garden adds a gentle, peaceful character to the entire museum and is an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the changing landscape of Karuizawa.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours and Closures
The museum is generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From December through January, hours are shortened to 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The entire museum is closed from mid-January through February. During other operating periods, it is generally closed on Tuesdays. However, the museum remains open throughout Golden Week and during the busy summer season from July through September.
Access
From Naka-Karuizawa Station on the Shinano Railway, take the local community bus for approximately 10 minutes and get off at Fukakoshi Park. The museum is about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
From Karuizawa Station, served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Shinano Railway, take the Museum and Sightseeing Circulation Bus South Route. The seasonal service takes approximately 20 minutes to the Forest of MUSE stop, which is located immediately beside the museum.
Nearby Attractions
Forest of MUSE is a larger cultural complex that brings together museums and other attractions surrounded by forest. The Karuizawa Picturebook Museum forms one of its main attractions.
Erz Toy Museum of Karuizawa introduces traditional wooden toys and craftsmanship from Germany’s Erzgebirge region, making it an excellent companion attraction for families.
Karuizawa Taliesin combines museums, literary facilities, gardens, and lakeside scenery, offering another way to experience Karuizawa’s rich cultural heritage.
Fukakoshi Park is a large recreational area with sports facilities, including an arena and Skap Karuizawa, as well as a botanical garden.
A Peaceful Journey into the World of Picture Books
Karuizawa Picturebook Museum is a place where literature, art, architecture, and nature come together. The exhibition buildings invite visitors into the history and imagination of picture books, while the library provides a quiet place to read and the Picturesque Garden offers a chance to enjoy Karuizawa’s changing seasons.
Whether you are traveling with children or simply love beautifully illustrated books, the museum offers a gentle escape from everyday life. Allow plenty of time to explore the buildings, walk through the forest, and enjoy the garden at a leisurely pace.