Discover the Art Deco Glass Masterpieces at Hida Takayama Museum of Art - Japan Travel Sights

If you’re a lover of art, glassworks, and decorative arts, then Hida Takayama Museum of Art in Gifu, Japan, is a must-visit destination for you.

Perched on a hill in Takayama City, this private museum showcases a rare collection of glass art and end-of-century decorative pieces, attracting art enthusiasts from all over the world.

With its history of being awarded Michelin three stars, the museum is home to some of the most exquisite and unique art collections in Japan.

If you’re planning a trip to Gifu, Hida Takayama Museum of Art is a place that should be on your itinerary.

Here’s a complete guide to what you can expect at the museum, including its attractions, café, shops, and even tips on how to access it.

What is Hida Takayama Museum of Art?

Hida Takayama Museum of Art opened its doors in 1997 and is considered one of the world’s leading museums of decorative arts. The museum’s founding principle is to spotlight genres that have not been systematically collected in Japan before and to build a fresh and authentic museum experience.

One of the museum’s highlights is its collection of Art Nouveau glass art, furniture, and lighting fixtures from 19th-century Europe, a style rarely seen in Japan.

In addition to this, the museum holds around 1,000 items, including Art Deco pieces and modern glass art from contemporary artists.

This dedication to showcasing historically significant yet lesser-known artistic works has earned Hida Takayama Museum of Art several awards, including repeated Michelin three-star ratings in both the Michelin Orange Guide and Michelin Green Guide for Japan.

The museum itself has also won the prestigious Gifu Prefecture 21st Century Furusato Creation Art Award for its excellence in artistic contributions.

Permanent Exhibitions and Collections

The permanent exhibitions at Hida Takayama Museum of Art are divided into two main sections, with approximately 200 works on display. Let’s dive into the specifics of each exhibit.

Glassworks Exhibition Room

As soon as you enter the museum, you will be greeted by the Fountain Hall featuring a glass fountain by René Lalique, one of the most influential glass artists of the Art Deco period. Every ten minutes, water flows through this glass masterpiece, a stunning sight that sets the stage for what’s to come.

Here are the highlights of the glassworks exhibition:

• Art Nouveau Glassworks: Beautiful examples of the fluid and organic designs characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement.
• Art Deco and Modern Glass: Pieces that showcase the transition from Art Nouveau to the more streamlined and bold aesthetics of Art Deco and contemporary styles.
• Observation Gallery: A space where you can overlook the stunning surroundings of Takayama while appreciating the artistry inside.

19th Century Interior Museum

The second section of the permanent exhibition is the 19th Century Interior Museum, where you can experience a recreation of European living spaces from the late 1800s. The museum’s rooms feature unified interior designs showcasing furniture and decor from the time.

The themed rooms include:

• Louis Majorelle Room
• Émile Gallé Room
• Charles Rennie Mackintosh Room
• Viennese Room

For those who are eager to learn more, guided tours are available with prior reservation, providing detailed insights into the furniture and craftsmanship on display.

The Café: The Mackintosh Tea Room

After enjoying the exhibitions, take a break at The Mackintosh Tea Room, a café located within the museum that serves local Hida Takayama delicacies alongside delectable sweets.

One of the most popular offerings is the “French Rose” parfait, inspired by Émile Gallé’s famous vase, The French Rose.

If you visit during warmer months, you can also enjoy your meal on the outdoor terrace, which offers stunning views of the surrounding nature.

Plus, the café is dog-friendly, making it an excellent spot for visitors with pets.

The Museum Shop

No trip to the Hida Takayama Museum of Art would be complete without a stop at The Museum Store. This boutique offers a range of stylish and practical glassware and art pieces that you can use in your daily life.

Some of the available items include:

• Handmade Glassware: These include decorative tokkuri (sake bottles), pastels, and sandblasted glasses in various designs for beer, whiskey, and champagne.
• Joruri Dolls: Beautifully crafted dolls designed after traditional Japanese art forms.

Like the café, the shop is accessible without a museum admission ticket, so even those looking to browse or buy gifts can enjoy this experience.

Summer Beer Garden

If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the museum’s Summer Beer Garden. Held every year from early July to late August, the beer garden offers a two-hour all-you-can-drink plan alongside a variety of à la carte options.

To make the experience even more magical, fireworks light up the sky every Friday night, making it a perfect evening to enjoy under the stars.

Dates: July 5th – August 24th
Opening Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 18:00–21:30 (last orders at 21:00)
• Sundays: 17:30–21:00 (last orders at 20:30)

Weddings at Hida Takayama Museum of Art

Hida Takayama Museum of Art is also a dream wedding destination. Imagine exchanging vows in the museum’s Glass Chapel, modeled after the famous glass fountain that once stood along Paris’ Champs-Élysées in 1926. Walk down a 30-meter-long aisle decorated with stunning glass artwork by René Lalique.

Alternatively, you can opt for a garden wedding from late April to October.

The museum’s beautifully landscaped garden overlooks the picturesque Hida Takayama town and the North Alps, offering a breathtaking backdrop for your special day.

Access Information

Hida Takayama Museum of Art is conveniently accessible by multiple modes of transportation.

• By Bus: Take the Sarubobo Bus from Takayama Station’s Nohi Bus Center heading toward Hida no Sato. Get off at the “Hida Takayama Museum of Art” stop. It’s about a 10-minute ride.
• By Car: From JR Takayama Station, the museum is a 7-minute drive.
• On Foot: It’s also possible to walk from JR Takayama Station, which takes about 20 minutes.

The museum’s location makes it easy to include in any Takayama travel itinerary, and it’s also just two hours from JR Gifu Station by bus or train.

Plan Your Visit

• Opening Hours:
  Museum: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
  Café: Open until 4:30 PM
• Closed: Every Wednesday (Thursday if Wednesday is a holiday)
• Admission Fees:
• Adults: 1,300 yen
• University & High School Students: 1,000 yen
• Elementary & Middle School Students: 800 yen
  Group discounts are available for parties of 20 or more.

A joint ticket with other nearby attractions like the Hikari Museum or Teddy Bear Eco Village is also available. The café and shop are accessible without purchasing a museum ticket, making it easy to drop by for food or a souvenir.