Fukuda Art Museum

Fukuda Art Museum, opened in October 2019 in the Saga-Arashiyama area of Kyoto, is a private museum. Despite its location right next to Arabika Kyoto Arashiyama, a popular riverside coffee shop that always attracts lines of tourists, the museum attracts only a limited number of visitors.

Founded by Kyoto businessman Yoshitaka Fukuda to contribute to the local community, it aims to become a world-class cultural hub with the concept of “a museum that lasts 100 years”.

The Fukuda Art Museum houses approximately 2,000 Japanese art pieces from the Edo period to the modern era, with a focus on works from the Kyoto art scene. Visitors can appreciate masterpieces by renowned artists such as Ito Jakuchu, Uemura Shoen, Maruyama Okyo, Takeuchi Seiho, Yokoyama Taikan, and Takehisa Yumeji. Actually this is one of the best places to see the master pieces of Ito Jakuchu and Maruyama Okyo.

Surprisingly, in principle, photography of exhibited works is permitted at the Fukuda Art Museum. However, please note that the use of flash is prohibited and there are restrictions depending on the work.

Museum buildings

Designed by architect Koichi Yasuda, the building harmonizes with its surroundings. It features a modern Japanese exterior that incorporates elements of traditional Kyoto townhouses. The design blends seamlessly with the scenery of the Oi River and Arashiyama, and includes a café overlooking the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.

Seasonal special exhibitions

Instead of permanent exhibitions, Fukuda Art Museum hosts seasonal special exhibitions, allowing visitors to encounter new artworks with each visit. The museum has also made over 100 representative pieces from its collection available online through Google Arts & Culture, enabling art enthusiasts worldwide to examine the works in detail.

Fukuda Art Museum admission tickets can also be reserved online.

Museum’s official WEB site

Nearby spots of Fukuda Art Museum

If you are visiting the Museum, most people will come by the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋)

Hogonin Temple, famous for its beautiful garden, is very close by. However, it is not open to the public except during the season of autumn leaves and fresh greenery.

Hogonin Temple, Tenryuji (宝厳院)