Shiga Kogen Roman Museum
Discover Roman history and contemporary art in a stunning architectural gem by Kisho Kurosawa. A convenient stop near the Snow Monkey Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Perfect bus wait spot
Shiga Kogen Roman Museum
Best Time
Perfect bus wait spot
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Roman history and contemporary art in a stunning architectural gem by Kisho Kurosawa. A convenient stop near the Snow Monkey Park.
"A surprisingly detailed historical museum with striking architecture, perfect for a bus wait."
💰 Affordable Entry
Only ¥500 for adults! A great deal for art and history lovers. :moneybag:
🚌 Bus Stop Proximity
Conveniently located near the bus stop for Nagano Station. Ideal for waiting. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kisho Kurosawa Architecture
Admire the striking design of this museum, conceived by a world-famous architect. A true visual treat.
Roman Era Artifacts
Explore a surprising collection of detailed historical pieces from the Roman Era. An unexpected journey through time.
Contemporary Art Displays
Discover a range of Japanese paintings, letters, and tools, alongside contemporary glass sculptures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Budget-Friendly Roman History & Art
Architectural Gem & Waiting Spot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Affordable Entry
Only ¥500 for adults! A great deal for art and history lovers. :moneybag:
🚌 Bus Stop Proximity
Conveniently located near the bus stop for Nagano Station. Ideal for waiting. :bus:
🖼️ Limited English Info
Art explanations are mostly in Japanese. Enjoy the visuals! :iphone:
🏛️ Architectural Marvel
Designed by Kisho Kurosawa. Appreciate the building's unique design. :building_construction:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Affordable Entry
Only ¥500 for adults! A great deal for art and history lovers. :moneybag:
🚌 Bus Stop Proximity
Conveniently located near the bus stop for Nagano Station. Ideal for waiting. :bus:
🖼️ Limited English Info
Art explanations are mostly in Japanese. Enjoy the visuals! :iphone:
🏛️ Architectural Marvel
Designed by Kisho Kurosawa. Appreciate the building's unique design. :building_construction:
🧳 Luggage Storage
Offers ¥500 luggage storage. Handy after visiting the monkey park. :handbag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum to be an affordable and architecturally interesting stop, especially convenient for those visiting the nearby Snow Monkey Park. While the limited English explanations can be a drawback for understanding the art's context, the visual appeal of the Roman artifacts, contemporary art, and the building itself, designed by Kisho Kurosawa, make it a worthwhile experience. The on-site cafe and luggage storage add to its practical appeal.
"It costs ¥500 per adult to enter. The museum is located right near the bus stop that heads back to Nagano station. It's a good place to stop by if you are waiting for the bus and want to warm up after visiting Snow Monkey World. The art display was contemporary but there were no English explanations so it was difficult to understand what the artist was thinking. The building is very cool!"
Elias Chelala (Chewy)
"500 yen entrance per adult. The ground floor has beautiful glass sculptures and the second floor has many Japanese paintings, letters, and tools related to Yamanouchi. Some English titles but you'll mostly be able to only tell the year the art was made in."
Jim
"A nice place near the monkey park. There was a Nagano Olympic &Paralympic games memorial which was free. The museum also has a cafe inside which is a perfect place to wait for the bus since the bus stop is near the place."
Massimo Burhanuddin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the bus from Nagano Station towards Shiga Kogen. The museum is conveniently located near a bus stop, making it an easy stop before or after visiting the Snow Monkey Park.
Yes, it's very close to the bus stop that services the Snow Monkey Park, making it a perfect place to warm up or wait for your bus back to Nagano.
Yes, the museum offers luggage storage for ¥500 per piece, which is very useful if you're heading directly to Yudanaka Station after your visit.
The museum is situated near a bus stop that connects to Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station, serving as a convenient transit point.
The museum is well-located near the bus route for Shiga Kogen and the Snow Monkey Park, making it straightforward to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is ¥500 per adult, making it a very economical option for visitors.
While specific discounts aren't widely mentioned, the standard ¥500 fee is considered very affordable by visitors.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival.
Operating hours can vary, but it's often visited in conjunction with the Snow Monkey Park. It's advisable to check for the most current hours before your visit.
The Nagano Olympic & Paralympic Games memorial is often mentioned as being free to access within the museum's vicinity.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a mix of Roman Era artifacts, contemporary Japanese paintings, letters, tools, and beautiful glass sculptures. +1
Explanations are primarily in Japanese, with some limited English titles. Visitors often rely on visual appreciation. +1
Absolutely! The museum was designed by the world-famous architect Kisho Kurosawa and is considered a significant architectural highlight.
While some visitors pop in for a short time, others find 2-3 hours are not enough to fully appreciate the historical pieces.
Yes, there is a cafe inside the museum, which is a perfect spot to relax and wait for your bus.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, visitors are allowed to take photos of the building and some exhibits. It's always best to check for any posted restrictions.
The unique architecture of the building, designed by Kisho Kurosawa, offers excellent photo opportunities. The glass sculptures on the ground floor are also visually striking.
The contemporary glass sculptures and the historical artifacts from the Roman Era can make for compelling photographs, offering a blend of modern art and ancient history.
Lighting conditions will vary throughout the museum, with natural light potentially playing a role in certain areas. The glass sculptures might offer interesting light play.
The exterior, designed by Kisho Kurosawa, is a significant feature and can be photographed from various angles to showcase its architectural style.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Its location near the bus stop is a major plus for families managing travel schedules. The on-site cafe provides a convenient spot for a snack or rest. The affordable ¥500 entry fee also makes it a budget-friendly option for families looking to add a cultural element to their day trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
Its strategic location near the bus stop for Nagano Station also saves on potential taxi fares or extra travel time. The ability to store luggage for ¥500 is another practical perk, allowing for a more comfortable exploration of the area.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Nagano
Plan to visit after seeing the monkeys, as it's an ideal spot to wait for your bus back to Nagano. The combination of art, history, and convenient amenities like a cafe makes it a worthwhile stop to enrich your day trip experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
Visitors often remark on the building's aesthetic appeal, noting how it enhances the overall museum experience. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply appreciate good design, the museum's structure offers a visual feast. It’s a testament to how thoughtful design can elevate a cultural institution, making it a memorable destination beyond its exhibits.
Bridging Roman History and Contemporary Art
Complementing the historical exhibits are displays of contemporary Japanese art, including paintings, letters, and tools. The ground floor is particularly noted for its beautiful glass sculptures, adding a vibrant and modern artistic dimension. While English explanations are limited, the visual impact of both the historical and contemporary pieces allows for a rich, albeit sometimes interpretive, experience.
A Convenient Stopover
The museum offers a comfortable environment to warm up, especially after a chilly visit to the monkeys. With a cafe on-site, visitors can relax and refresh before their onward journey. This convenience factor, combined with the affordable entry fee, makes it a popular choice for a brief but enriching cultural interlude.
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