Kutchan | Autumn Foliage at the Shu Ogawara Museum of Art
Hi there! Today I visited the Shu Ogawara Museum of Art in Kutchan, Hokkaido. It was stunning with brilliant autumn foliage, so let me show you around! 😊
Next, my visit was in late October 2025. Then, the tree-lined approach turned red and gold, and the museum’s calm atmosphere made for a slow, heart-warming stroll 🍁
Address & Contact
Address: Kita 6-jo Higashi 7-1, Kutchan, Abuta, Hokkaido 044-0006
Official name: Shu Ogawara Museum of Art
Tel: +81-136-21-4141 Fax: +81-136-21-4142
Email: bijyutsukan@town.kutchan.hokkaido.jp
Highlights (Autumn)
Foliage Tunnel at the Entrance 🍁
- Tree avenue glowing red, yellow, and orange
- Carpet of leaves—super photogenic
- Soft morning–midday light looks beautiful
- After rain, colors appear deeper
- Wide walkway—stroller friendly
- Quiet, meditative vibe
Lobby View 🗻
- Large windows with an open feel
- Pleasant outlook toward Mt. Yotei
- Seasonal hues resonate with artworks
- Benches for a slow break
- Calm lighting indoors
- Rainy-day friendly
The World of Shu Ogawara 🖼️
- Exhibitions centered on Kutchan-born painter
- Serene rooms help you focus on works
- Rotating shows by season
- Artists connected to the region featured
- Learning leaflets available
- Follow on-site photo guidance
Learning Spot Across the Street 📚
- Kutchan Fudokan sits right opposite
- Nature and history displays
- Two-museum visit deepens understanding
- Open lawns outside for a breather
- Comfortable for families with kids
- Works as a weather-proof plan
Quiet Time & Rest ☕
- Relax on outdoor benches
- Great for reading or sketching
- Easy smartphone photo spots
- Usually uncrowded and calm
- Deep breaths of crisp air
- Typical stay: 30–60 minutes
Access & FAQs
Access
- Location: Kita 6-jo Higashi 7-1, Kutchan, Hokkaido
- Train: 25–30 min on foot, or 5–10 min by car from JR Kutchan Station
- Bus: Local town routes (check current stops and timetables)
- Parking: Free on-site parking (mainly for regular cars)
- Contact: +81-136-21-4141 / bijyutsukan@town.kutchan.hokkaido.jp
FAQs
- Best time for foliage? Mid–late October (varies by year).
- Photography? Outdoors: yes. Indoors: depends on each exhibition—follow on-site guidance.
- Family-friendly? Yes. Flat, stroller-friendly approach.
- Closed days & fees? Please confirm the latest official notice before visiting.
- Another museum nearby? Yes—Kutchan Fudokan is right across the street.
Nearby Spots (Kutchan • within 3 km)
① Gourmet
- Kutchan Station Shopping Street — Dining area around JR Kutchan Station; local eateries and cafés line the street; easy stroll-and-choose; check each venue’s latest hours.
- Sprout Coffee — Café & roastery near the station; popular in-house roasted coffee; take-out for a bench break near the museum; expect waits at peak times.
Wrap-up | Foliage at the Shu Ogawara Museum of Art🍁
A quiet museum and rows of colorful trees make a perfect slow afternoon in Kutchan. Besides the beautiful outdoor foliage, the galleries invite you to linger in Shu Ogawara’s world. Finally, bring a camera and warm layers for an easy art-and-foliage day out.
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