Discover Artists Connected with Komoro
The museum’s collection includes works by artists who played important roles in the artistic and educational culture of Komoro from the Meiji through Showa periods. Among them are watercolor painters Maruyama Banka and Miyake Katsumi, as well as painter Koyama Shuji, all of whom had connections with Komoro Gijuku, the historic private school that became an important center of learning in the city.
The museum also features a permanent collection of works by Shirotori Eisetsu, a prominent Japanese-style painter who was born in the local area. In 1995, three years before the museum opened, Shirotori donated 195 of his works to Komoro City. His contribution played an important role in the development of the museum and continues to be remembered as part of Komoro’s cultural history.
Notable Works in the Collection
The museum houses and displays a diverse selection of works by artists associated with Komoro and the surrounding region.
Examples include “Foreign Landscape” by Maruyama Banka, “Autumn Colors of Cherry Trees” by Miyake Katsumi, and “Apples and Oranges” by Koyama Shuji. Other works include “Remaining Snow on Mt. Asama” by Yajima Sadao, “Affection” by Uchibori Isao, “Mt. Asama” by Uchibori Kazuo, “Potatoes” by Sato Rihei, and “Mountain Gorge” by Kitazawa Shuji.
Works by Shirotori Eisetsu include “Birthplace,” “Early Autumn,” and “Kikujido”. Together, these works reflect the landscapes, traditions, people, and everyday life of the region through the eyes of artists who had close connections with Komoro.
A Distinctive Museum Building
The 27-Meter Hexagonal Pyramid Tower
The museum itself is also an attraction. Designed by Fuya Architects after being selected through an architectural competition, the building combines reinforced concrete construction with sections of steel structure.
Its most distinctive feature is the Shirotori Eisetsu Museum tower, a striking hexagonal pyramid rising approximately 27 meters above the ground. Designed to be visible from a distance, the tower has become a recognizable landmark in the Komoro highlands.
The museum complex includes two exhibition galleries, lifelong-learning facilities, administrative areas, and the Shirotori Eisetsu Museum. The combination of functional spaces and distinctive architecture gives the complex a character of its own beyond its exhibitions.
A Place to Learn and Create
The museum complex also incorporates a Lifelong Learning Center, providing facilities where local residents can study and participate in creative activities.
Facilities include a citizen exhibition gallery, curatorial rooms, a ceramics studio, and an art studio. Cultural classes covering subjects such as painting and calligraphy are also held regularly under the “Manabi no Machi Zokei Koza” program.
This makes the museum more than a place for viewing works of art. It is also a place where visitors can gain a sense of the community’s continuing interest in artistic creation and cultural learning.
Built on a Historic Mountain Site
The Former Site of Fujimi Castle
The museum stands in an area with a history that extends far beyond modern art. The Mt. Iizunayama area was once the site of Fujimi Castle, also known as Omuro Castle, a medieval mountain fortress.
Fujimi Castle was built as a branch fort of Nabebuta Castle, an important predecessor of Komoro Castle. Parts of the former fortress, including stone walls and kuruwa fortified enclosures, can still be found in the area.
Walking around the surrounding landscape therefore offers an unusual combination of cultural experiences: visitors can explore modern and traditional Japanese art while also discovering traces of medieval castle history.
Panoramic Mountain Views from the Highlands
The elevated location provides magnificent views across the surrounding landscape. From the museum area, visitors can look toward some of the best-known mountains of Nagano, including Mt. Asama, Mt. Tateshina, and the Yatsugatake Mountains.
On days with favorable weather conditions, Mt. Fuji can also be seen in the distance. The area has been selected as one of the “100 Scenic Views of Mt. Fuji in the Kanto Region”, highlighting its value as a viewpoint as well as a cultural destination.
New Ways to Enjoy the Area
In 2023, the complex known as Stalas Komoro opened next to the museum. The facility brings together attractions such as a dog run, winery, shops, and restaurants.
The addition of these facilities has created an area where visitors can combine art, nature, food, and leisure in a single outing. After exploring the museum and enjoying the mountain views, visitors can continue their experience with local food and other activities nearby.
Visiting the Museum
Opening hours vary according to the season. From April through November, the museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on other days. From December through March, it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The museum is generally closed on Mondays except public holidays, the day after public holidays, during the year-end and New Year period from December 29 through January 3, and during exhibition changeover periods.
Admission is charged, with fees varying according to the visitor category and other conditions.
Getting There
From Komoro Station, served by JR and the Shinano Railway, the museum is approximately a 10-minute taxi ride.
By car, it takes approximately 5 minutes from the Joshinetsu Expressway Komoro Interchange. Free parking is available for approximately 28 vehicles, with additional shared parking available at nearby facilities.
An Encounter with Komoro’s Art, History, and Nature
The Komoro Kogen Museum of Art and Shirotori Eisetsu Museum brings together several of Komoro’s distinctive qualities in one location. Its collection introduces visitors to artists connected with the city, while the striking architecture provides a memorable visual landmark.
Beyond the museum, the surrounding highlands reveal traces of a medieval castle, expansive mountain scenery, and panoramic views extending toward Mt. Asama, Yatsugatake, and, under favorable conditions, Mt. Fuji.
With opportunities to explore art, history, architecture, nature, and local culture, the museum makes a rewarding stop for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Komoro beyond its famous castle and historic townscape.