Tasaku Museum is an art museum in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated primarily to the works of Western-style painter Kosuke Tasaki, one of Japan’s leading painters of mountain landscapes. Opened in 1986, the museum stands in the tranquil natural surroundings of Karuizawa and offers visitors an opportunity to experience the majestic mountain landscapes captured through Tasaki’s unique artistic vision.
Surrounded by the forests and fresh air of Karuizawa, the museum provides a peaceful setting in which to explore both the artist’s work and the deep connection he developed with the mountains of Japan.
Kosuke Tasaki was born in 1904 in Kitayama Village, Yame District, Fukuoka Prefecture, now part of Yame City. From a young age, he pursued a career in art and eventually traveled to France to further develop his artistic skills. His experiences in Europe broadened his perspective and allowed him to refine both his technique and artistic sensibility.
After returning to Japan, Tasaki based himself in Tokyo while continuing to develop his career as a painter. After World War II, he established a studio in the Mikasa area of Karuizawa. Surrounded by nature, he devoted himself to painting the mountains he encountered across Japan.
His subjects included Mount Asama, Mount Yatsugatake, Mount Tateshina, Mount Myoko, Mount Fuji, and Mount Aso. Rather than simply reproducing their appearance, Tasaki captured the changing moods of the mountains, expressing the beauty, strength, and seasonal character of the natural landscape.
The museum was established in accordance with Kosuke Tasaki’s wishes, with the aim of preserving his artistic legacy and passing his works and creative spirit on to future generations.
It opened as a private museum on May 2, 1986, and has since welcomed visitors interested in Tasaki’s distinctive approach to mountain painting. The museum building was designed by renowned architect Hiroshi Hara, creating an elegant and contemplative space that complements the surrounding landscape.
The museum’s collection includes approximately 35 oil paintings and 87 watercolors and sketches, together with letters, publications, prints, and other materials related to Tasaki’s life and career.
The works are arranged according to the periods in which they were created, allowing visitors to follow the development of his artistic style and gain a sense of his changing perspectives and inner growth as a painter.
The collection includes many important works by Kosuke Tasaki, including “Kashidani, Kyoto” (1925), “Musashino” (1927), “Vesuvius” (1932), and “Parisian Girl” (1933).
Later works include “Morning at the Kanmon Straits” (1949), “Mount Aso” (1954), “Early Spring at Mount Myoko” (1963), “Vermilion Fuji” (1975), “Mount Fuji in Early Spring” (1977), and “Mount Asama” (1979).
Across these works, Tasaki captures the grandeur of nature, the subtle transitions of the seasons, and the changing emotions inspired by the landscapes before him. His later paintings are particularly notable for their powerful use of red and vermilion tones. Works such as “Vermilion Fuji” demonstrate the originality and expressive strength of his mature style.
The museum itself is an important part of the experience. It was designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, who is also known for major projects such as Umeda Sky Building and Kyoto Station.
The interior makes effective use of natural light, creating a calm atmosphere in which the paintings can be appreciated without distraction. The restrained architecture and surrounding natural environment work together to create a quiet space for contemplation.
The museum is located slightly away from the busiest areas of central Karuizawa, providing a peaceful setting while remaining convenient for travelers exploring the area.
From Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, it takes approximately 10 minutes by car. From Naka-Karuizawa Station on the Shinano Railway, the museum is about 3 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot.
By car, the museum is approximately 20 minutes from the Usui-Karuizawa Interchange and about 30 minutes from the Saku Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.
This convenient location makes it easy to include the museum in a Karuizawa sightseeing itinerary, while its slightly secluded setting provides a welcome escape from the bustle of the resort area.
Tasaku Museum offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistic world of Kosuke Tasaki, a painter who devoted his life to capturing the beauty and power of Japan’s mountains.
His paintings reflect a close relationship with nature, portraying mountains as living landscapes whose character changes with the seasons, weather, light, and the emotions of the artist. Each work offers a different perspective on the timeless beauty of the natural world.
Set within the tranquil surroundings of Karuizawa, the museum brings together art, architecture, nature, and silence. Following the artistic journey of Kosuke Tasaki while taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the museum makes for a memorable cultural experience away from the more crowded sightseeing spots of Karuizawa.