
Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Literature
Explore Japan's literary giants and captivating stories in a serene setting within Art Forest Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus

Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Literature
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Japan's literary giants and captivating stories in a serene setting within Art Forest Park.
"A quiet space to concentrate on the view, with special exhibitions that truly capture the essence of literary masters. "

🎯 Check Special Exhibitions First
Always check the museum's website for current special exhibitions, as they are often a major draw.
🎟️ Combined Tickets Available
Consider a combined ticket for the Art Museum and Literature Museum to save money and time.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kaneko Tota Exhibition
Special Exhibition Hall
Explore the life and works of the renowned haiku master, Tota Kaneko, through his unique calligraphy and personal artifacts.
Akutagawa Ryunosuke Corner
Permanent Exhibition
Discover exhibits dedicated to the influential Japanese author, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, offering insights into his literary contributions.
Zeni-tendo: Mysterious Candy Shop
Special Exhibition Hall
A whimsical exhibition based on the popular children's book series, featuring character models and store interiors.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Check Special Exhibitions
Combine with Art Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Special Exhibitions First
Always check the museum's website for current special exhibitions, as they are often a major draw.
🎟️ Combined Tickets Available
Consider a combined ticket for the Art Museum and Literature Museum to save money and time.
🚶♀️ Quiet Atmosphere
Enjoy a peaceful visit; the museum offers a quiet space for contemplation and concentration.
🌳 Ginkgo Tree Spot
The famous ginkgo tree is beautiful in autumn, but watch out for fallen nuts!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Special Exhibitions First
Always check the museum's website for current special exhibitions, as they are often a major draw.
🎟️ Combined Tickets Available
Consider a combined ticket for the Art Museum and Literature Museum to save money and time.
🚶♀️ Quiet Atmosphere
Enjoy a peaceful visit; the museum offers a quiet space for contemplation and concentration.
🌳 Ginkgo Tree Spot
The famous ginkgo tree is beautiful in autumn, but watch out for fallen nuts!
💳 Payment Options
PayPay is accepted for admission fees, making payment convenient.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the museum's focus on literary figures, with special exhibitions like Kaneko Tota and Zeni-tendo receiving high praise. The quiet atmosphere and the beautiful setting in Art Forest Park are also noted positives. However, some find the permanent exhibitions less engaging if they are unfamiliar with the featured writers, and the separate ticketing for special and permanent exhibitions can be a minor inconvenience.
"The exhibition "Kenji Miyazawa" was good and there was a meeting with his niece. I wonder why his exhibition was held in Yamanashi."
星野浩
"After visiting Nishizawa Valley, I went to Hottarakashi Onsen.
On the way home, a pamphlet placed at the entrance to the hot springs caught my eye.
It was a pamphlet for the Kaneko Tota exhibition.
I'm interested.
It is held at the Prefectural Museum of Literature.
I really wanted to go there.
I immediately headed for the Prefectural Museum of Literature by car. Of course, I had never been to the Prefectural Museum of Literature. I headed there, relying on the navigation. It was a fine building.
Now, Kaneko Tota was like my father's haiku master, and I had known his name well since I was a child. And I was interested. I don't write haiku, but I read Tota Kaneko's books, and recently I visited Chichibu, his hometown, and visited places related to him and haiku monuments.
This was the first time such an exhibition had been held.
I took a close look at the exhibits in the exhibition room. Kaneko Kabuta's representative haiku are drawn on colored paper in those unique characters. I read it slowly and chewed it over. There are many valuable photos and materials, most of which are being seen for the first time.
I usually just take a quick look at exhibitions like this and go home, but this time I took a closer look.
Books and magazines related to haiku were displayed in another room.
There was a book called ``Kaijo'', which was supervised by Tota Kaneko. Some of my father's poems were included in it.
The Kaneko Tota exhibition here at the Prefectural Museum of Literature is a memorial to Kaneko, as well as a memorial to his father. I learned about the exhibition completely by chance, but I was so moved by the exhibition in Yamanashi that I drove to Tokyo."
稲岡慶郎
"I've often visited the art museum next door since I was a child, but I recently went for the first time! 😄 My goal was to see Akutagawa Ryunosuke! It was a quiet space, so I was able to concentrate on the view! They also have an event, and they're showing Satomi Hakkenden from September to November 24, 2025! There's a rest area on the first floor! The ginkgo tree, a famous spot for the literature museum and art museum🖼️, is now bearing gingko nuts, and the leaves are turning beautiful colors! However, you have to be careful when walking around, as they smell bad if you step on them😅"
飯島友子
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Art Forest Park, alongside the Prefectural Art Museum. It's accessible by car, with navigation recommended. Public transport options might be available, but driving is often more convenient for exploring the area.
Parking is generally available at the Art Forest Park, which serves both the Art Museum and the Museum of Literature. It's advisable to check for any specific parking fees or restrictions.
While specific public transport routes are not detailed in the provided information, it's common for prefectural museums to have some bus access. Checking local transit schedules closer to your visit is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, especially for special exhibitions. The permanent exhibition was priced at ¥330, with PayPay accepted. Special exhibitions might have separate tickets, though combined tickets are often available.
Yes, it's possible that tickets for special exhibitions and the permanent exhibition are sold separately, though combined tickets are usually an option. Always check at the ticket counter or on their website.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to consult the official website for the most up-to-date information. Some areas, like the permanent exhibition hall, might be closed on certain days.
While PayPay is confirmed as an accepted payment method, it's advisable to confirm credit card acceptance at the ticket counter or on their website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum focuses on literature, featuring permanent exhibits on local writers like Akutagawa Ryunosuke and Dazai Osamu, as well as rotating special exhibitions on figures like Kenji Miyazawa and Kaneko Tota.
Yes, special exhibitions like 'Welcome to Zeni-tendo, the Mysterious Candy Shop' are very popular with families and children, featuring engaging displays and character models.
Yes, there is a rest area available on the first floor, providing a comfortable space to relax during your visit.
The building's interior is described as impressive, and it's situated within Art Forest Park, suggesting a potentially modern or aesthetically pleasing design.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to look for signage within the museum or inquire at the information desk regarding restrictions on photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on on-site dining is not explicitly provided. It's common for museums to have a cafe or restaurant, but it's best to check their official website or plan to dine nearby.
Generally, museums have policies against bringing outside food and drinks into exhibition areas. There might be designated areas for consumption, but it's advisable to confirm this.
📸 📸 Photography
The famous ginkgo tree outside the museum is a popular photo spot, especially in autumn. The museum's architecture itself might also offer interesting photographic opportunities.
Photography rules vary. While some areas might allow it, special exhibitions often have restrictions. Always check for signs or ask staff before taking pictures of exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Literature Enthusiasts
🎨 Art & Culture Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Literary Figures Celebrated
Beyond these prominent figures, the museum also highlights other writers associated with Yamanashi, such as Dazai Osamu. The permanent collection provides a foundational understanding of these authors, while the special exhibitions offer unique, often temporary, opportunities to engage with specific themes or periods of their work. The museum's commitment to these literary figures makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese literature.
Engaging for All Ages
The museum excels at making literature accessible and engaging for a wide audience, including families. A notable example is the special exhibition on 'Zeni-tendo, the Mysterious Candy Shop,' which was a hit with children. This exhibition featured character models and immersive displays that brought the popular children's literature to life. Such events demonstrate the museum's ability to connect with younger visitors and introduce them to the joys of reading and storytelling. The quiet atmosphere of the museum also lends itself well to focused exploration, allowing visitors of all ages to appreciate the exhibits at their own pace.
Architectural and Natural Beauty
The Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Literature is situated within the Art Forest Park, a setting that enhances the visitor experience. The park itself is known for its natural beauty, particularly the famous ginkgo tree, which becomes a stunning spectacle in autumn with its vibrant foliage. This natural backdrop complements the museum's impressive architecture, creating a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the park before or after their museum visit, making it a well-rounded cultural and recreational outing.
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