Utsukushi-Ga-Hara Open-Air Museum

Located at an elevation of more than 2,000 meters above sea level, the Utsukushi-ga-hara Highlands Art Museum is an outdoor sculpture museum with contemporary sculptures laid out outdoors in a vast expanse of grasslands.

Approximately 350 contemporary sculptures created by renowned artists from Japan and abroad are constantly on display on the plateau, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the four seasons.

In summer, alpine plants native to the Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau bloom throughout the exhibition area, making it a great place to enjoy an art walk in a hiking atmosphere.

In addition, there is a gallery and a children’s museum in the indoor exhibition area, where visitors can enjoy a variety of contemporary art.

Located on the east side of Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau, known as a place with spectacular views at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the museum is also adjacent to Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau Roadside Station.

During the winter season (late November to mid-April of the following year), a part of the Venus Line and the Utsukushi-ga-hara Park West Interior Route are closed to traffic, and the museum is also closed. The museum is a sister museum of the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Exhibits

Sculptures are displayed outdoors, and paintings are displayed inside the museum. There are also works that make use of light, models of Venus de Milo and David, and a play facility for children.

Major exhibits include Pablo Picasso’s “Mimizuku” and “Dove,” Rei Kamoi’s “Accordion,” and Yasuo Mizui’s “Double Swing.

Utsukushigahara

Utsukushigahara is located in the northeastern part of Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park, and the view from there is the most spectacular in Japan.

On a fine day, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama. Utsukushigahara itself is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, and 42 other famous peaks can also be seen from this location.

It is also known as a treasure trove of alpine flora, with more than 200 varieties of flowers blooming from spring to fall.

Art Stroll

Visitors can enjoy the fusion of modern art and spectacular nature. Surrounded by abundant flowers and modern sculptures in the pleasant breeze, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular art resorts in Japan.

The exhibition space is located on top of a hill, and visitors can appreciate the artworks while walking along a gently sloping path. A gentle breeze blows through the area, allowing visitors to enjoy the coolness of the highland plateau even in summer. However, hats are essential as there is little shade. If you visit in early summer or late summer, you may want to bring a long-sleeved shirt or light warm clothes.

There is no set route, so visitors are free to roam around at their leisure. It will be fun to stroll around to find the piece that catches your eye. There is also a model course that allows you to make a half-circumnavigation in 30 to 40 minutes.

Some original giant sculptures! Immerse yourself in contemporary art and spectacular scenery

A work by Cesar, a master of modern sculpture. It is said to be a mold of Cesar’s own right thumb, accurately enlarged to a size of 308 cm. The work has a great impact and is popular as a souvenir photo spot.

There are also moving works such as “Iliad Japan” and “Star Compass. The unpredictable movement of these works, which use wind to move, is a sight to behold.

Located on a hill, “Venus’s Castle” is an observatory where visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see the surrounding famous peaks.

The Utsukushi-ga-hara Open-Air Museum offers a variety of subjects: art, alpine plants, and beautiful scenery. It will be fun to find your favorite piece of artwork.

In addition to the outdoor sculptures, the Children’s Museum of Art, with its giant play sculptures, is also an enjoyable family outing spot.

Roadside Station: Utsukushigahara Highlands

Located 2,000 meters above sea level, Utsukushi-ga-hara Kogen Roadside Station is the highest roadside station in Japan and is adjacent to the Utsukushi-ga-hara Kogen Art Museum, which has an entrance to the museum.

After enjoying the art, visitors can relax in the restaurant with a view or in the spacious store.

The shopping mall offers a wide range of products, from freshly picked fruit and other Shinshu specialties and sweets to art goods.

Since it is adjacent to an art museum, it has a large selection of art goods, especially a large variety of postcards, which include postcards of world-famous works of art.

Also on the second floor is the observation restaurant “Japanese Restaurant Asanoha,” which offers a panoramic view of Mount Asama-Sakudaira, and “Restaurant Compote,” which offers a panoramic view of the Northern Alps.

There is also a mini store on the observation terrace where you can enjoy light meals and coffee, and spend a relaxing tea time while admiring the view. The soft-serve ice cream made from raw milk is exquisite.

The area offers a wonderful view of the Northern Alps and the Sakuhei Asama Mountains, and you may even experience a sea of clouds at times.

Temperatures in Utsukushigahara Highlands

The temperature varies with the seasons, but tends to be cooler (colder) due to the high altitude.

During the summer months (July through August), it is relatively cool even during the daytime, with daytime temperatures generally around 20°C (68°F). At night, temperatures drop and can be as low as 10°C (50°F).
Spring (March to June) and fall (September to November) days are often relatively warm and pleasant, but temperatures are low in the low teens. Nighttime temperatures are cooler.
During the winter season (December to February), temperatures can drop below freezing even during the daytime. Especially near the summit (Ougatou), temperatures often drop below freezing even during the daytime. At night, it gets even colder, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to -30°C.

Visitors to the Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau should be aware of the temperature and weather conditions. Wearing long sleeves is recommended even in summer.

The appeal of contemporary art is that it can be freely interpreted and enjoyed without special knowledge. Appreciating art while enjoying a gentle breeze is an exceptional experience!