Kankaku Museum

Kankaku Museum is an art museum in Iwadeyama designed around sensory experiences, featuring two main areas. The Dialogue Zone engages the body through sensation, while the Monologue Zone provides space for meditative activities.

The museum was designed by architect Kijo Rokkaku, a student of renowned architect Arata Isozaki. It opened to visitors on August 4, 2000, emerging from this architectural vision.

The name Kankaku refers to the five senses, which form the core experience here. Visitors engage with art installations through touch, smell, hearing, and sight, giving the place a deeply personal character.

The museum is best visited during daylight hours when natural light enhances the sensory installations. Plan time to explore both zones at your own pace as you move through the spaces.

A remarkable element is the Fragrant Forest containing 300,000 twisted paper leaves that create a visual woodland. The Earth Garden displays subtle color patterns over white gravel, inviting quiet observation.

Location: Iwadeyama

Location: Osaki

Architects: Kijo Rokkaku

Official opening: August 4, 2000

Website: https://kankaku.org

GPS coordinates: 38.65661,140.87074

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:08