The Kadokawa Musashino Museum, located in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, is a striking cultural complex that blends art, literature, pop culture, and architecture. Opened in 2020 as part of the Tokorozawa Sakura Town development, it was designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Its futuristic stone-clad exterior, resembling a massive rock emerging from the ground, has made it an architectural icon.
Highlights
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Spectacular Architecture
The museum’s design is a bold work by Kengo Kuma, featuring 20,000 granite stones covering the exterior. Its geometric, monolithic shape makes it look like a giant boulder rising from the earth. -
Edit Town – The Bookshelf Theater
One of the museum’s most famous spaces, this unique library features towering bookshelves filled with around 50,000 books, creating an immersive, almost cinematic environment.
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Diverse Exhibitions
The museum hosts a wide range of exhibitions, from contemporary art and classic literature to manga, anime, and pop culture, reflecting Kadokawa’s publishing legacy. -
TeamLab Collaboration
Digital art exhibitions created in collaboration with teamLab have been featured, offering interactive and immersive experiences that combine technology and creativity.
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Cultural Fusion
Unlike traditional museums, the Kadokawa Musashino Museum is a hybrid space where visitors can explore everything from high art and philosophy to popular entertainment.
Visitor Information
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Location: Tokorozawa Sakura Town, Saitama Prefecture (about 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train)
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Opened: August 2020
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Architect: Kengo Kuma
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Facilities: Exhibition galleries, libraries, cafés, shops, and multipurpose cultural spaces
Why Visit?
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To admire cutting-edge architecture by Kengo Kuma
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To experience the stunning Bookshelf Theater surrounded by tens of thousands of books
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To enjoy exhibitions that blend art, anime, literature, and digital culture
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To explore one of Japan’s newest and most innovative cultural landmarks
The Kadokawa Musashino Museum is not just a museum—it’s a fusion of creativity, imagination, and design, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the future of culture and art in Japan.
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Official Website
https://kadcul.com/en
Accommodation sites
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