My father, the owner of this museum, was born and raised in Kyoto, and it was also in Kyoto that he started his business. He frequently said that it was the generous support of local residents that enabled him to continue with his work, and expressed his gratitude for the encounters he had with outstanding works of art and his relationship with the Arashiyama area. This led to his decision to build this museum as a way of realizing his wish to someday repay Kyoto for its kindness.

For the next 15 years, my father devoted himself to acquiring art. His collection, consisting of works by major artists from the Edo Period to the modern era, is made up of some 1,800 items with an emphasis on pieces from the Kyoto circle of painters.

Associated with poetry since ancient times and loved by nobles and cultured people, Arashiyama has long served a source of inspiration for superb art. Today, as one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations, the area attracts sightseers from all over the world. Along with scenery that changes from season to season, Arashiyama is blessed with the flowing waters of the limpid Oigawa River, and Togetsukyo Bridge, which seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape. By creating a place to view works by some of Japan’s greatest artists on this site, a product of the beautiful natural landscape, we hope to make a positive contribution to the transmission and succession of Japanese culture.

It is our dream that this museum will last for 100 years. We are committed to making every effort to convey and preserve the endlessly stunning scenery of Arashiyama and priceless art and culture for future generations.