Maruyama Banka Memorial Hall

The Maruyama Banka Memorial Museum is an art museum that houses numerous beautiful watercolor paintings by Banka Maruyama, a watercolor painter from Togura Kamiyamada. Active during the Meiji and Showa periods, Banka Maruyama contributed to the development of Japanese watercolor painting. In addition to his works, the museum also exhibits works by other painters from Togura Kamiyamada. The bright space, illuminated by natural light, showcases beautiful landscape paintings of mountains that captivate the viewer's eyes. It is especially recommended for those interested in art, as you can appreciate the artworks. The museum is also surrounded by a garden where you can enjoy the nature of the four seasons and take a stroll.

The Maruyama Banka Memorial Museum displays works by Maruyama Banka, a pioneer of mountain painting, as well as works by other mountain painters such as Takei Kiyoshi, Chiba Kiyoshi, the late Ueda Taro, and the currently popular mountain painter from Togura Kami City. The exhibition room is a bright space with natural light, displaying beautiful landscape paintings of mountains. In particular, the representative works such as "Birch Forest" and "Autumn in Karuizawa" are a must-see. The area around the museum is surrounded by rich parks where you can take a walk. In addition, at the Michi-no-Eki Raiden Kurumi-no-Sato, you can purchase local specialties and souvenirs. It is easily accessible from Karuizawa and you can also enjoy winter sports and hot springs.

The Maruyama Banka Memorial Hall is not only a showcase for art, but also for architecture. The building itself was designed by Banka and is recommended for architecture enthusiasts. The exhibition rooms are bright and spacious, allowing you to take your time to appreciate the works. In addition, the natural beauty of Karuizawa, which Banka loved, spreads around the art museum, making it a great place for a stroll. There are also many hot springs and tourist spots in the area, so you can spend the whole day there.

At the Ban'ga Maruyama Memorial Museum, exhibits showcase the life and experiences of watercolor painter Ban'ga Maruyama, as well as his life in Karuizawa. Photos and materials are also on display, making it a must-see for fans of Maruyama. Additionally, the exhibition "Scenic Views that Changed My Life" features works with the theme of the meeting between the mountains and the painter. Visitors can learn not only about Maruyama's artwork, but also about his life and thoughts.

The Maruyama Banka Memorial Museum is located in the city of Tomi and can be visited while sightseeing. There are many other tourist spots in the surrounding area, such as the hot spring resort of Bessho Onsen and Karuizawa. There is also a roadside station called "Raiden Kurumi no Sato" nearby where you can enjoy local specialties and warm set meals. You can enjoy viewing art even on rainy days. It's a tourist spot where you can spend the whole day.