Villa Kujoyama

Villa Kujoyama is an international artist residency in the mountains of Kyoto offering multiple live-work studios with dedicated spaces for artistic research. The facility provides artists from diverse disciplines with the conditions needed for focused creative work and experimentation.

The residency was established in 1992 through support from the Kansai region's French-speaking cultural community. Its architectural design drew inspiration from European artist residence models, creating an unusual artistic initiative in Japan.

The residency creates a bridge between artists and the local community, particularly through monthly open sessions where visitors can observe residents at work on their projects. This openness builds a connection between contemporary artistic practice and everyday life in the area.

The location sits in a mountainous area outside central Kyoto, requiring some travel time to reach, which supports focused artistic work. Visitors can explore the grounds on specific dates, so it is worth checking in advance when the space opens to the public.

The site was developed with funding from Kyoto's French-speaking community and carries an unexpected European character visible in its architecture and international outlook. This blend of European inspiration and Japanese setting often surprises visitors who discover this cultural crossroads.