Sunritz Hattori Museum of Arts
A lakeside gallery housing masterworks by European and Japanese masters, including a National Treasure tea bowl by Honami Kōetsu.
At a glance
Perched on the shores of Lake Suwa, this intimate museum blends East and West through its carefully assembled collection. Architect Shōzō Uchii designed the building to complement its natural setting. The gallery opens a dialogue between the refined aesthetics of Japan’s traditional decorative arts and the luminous vision of European modernists.
History
The Sunritz Hattori Museum opened in 1995 as a privately funded institution. Its creation reflects the region’s cultural aspirations and the collector’s commitment to preserving both Japanese heritage and international artistic achievement. The museum’s location on Lake Suwa connects it to centuries of Japanese literary and artistic tradition.
What you see
Shōzō Uchii’s design respects the lakeside landscape while creating a contemporary gallery space. The building integrates views of Lake Suwa and the surrounding mountains, allowing the natural environment to frame the art within.
Cultural significance
The collection represents a singular vision: to honor both Japanese artistic refinement and Western artistic innovation. Among its treasures is one of only two Japanese National Treasure tea bowls by Honami Kōetsu, titled Fuji-san—a ceramic masterpiece of austere beauty. Works by Ogata Kōrin and Sakai Hōitsu represent the pinnacle of Edo-period decorative arts, while paintings by Renoir and Chagall extend the dialogue across centuries and continents.
Key facts
- Location: Lake Suwa shore, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
- Coordinates: 36.05517531, 138.11191968
- Architect: Shōzō Uchii
- Opened: 1995
- Notable holdings: National Treasure tea bowl Fuji-san by Honami Kōetsu; works by Renoir, Chagall, Ogata Kōrin, Sakai Hōitsu
Practical information & getting there
The museum is accessible from Suwa station. Visit the official website for current hours and admission details before planning your visit.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una fotoDo you manage this place?
This page is read by travellers and heritage enthusiasts who find it on Google. Keep it accurate — and make it work for you. Free for non-profit heritage institutions.