那須芦野・石の美術館 Stone Plaza (Nasu Ashino Stone Museum Plaza)

I didn't know there was a museum like this. But it's quiet and very nice. A museum made entirely of carved stone. The stones themselves and the environment in which they are created are art. By chance, an exhibition by Yasuo Kaji was being held, and the works were a perfect match for this museum. Even though it's midsummer, it feels cool, and what kind of impression would you get if it were a snowy landscape in winter? An art museum that makes you want to visit again. I bought a coaster made of Ashino stone as a souvenir. This also has a nice feel to it. Since it's stone, it can also be used as a pot holder. . .

If you are interested in architecture...this is the art museum. It's not like there are a lot of different stones. If you go thinking about a stone museum, you might fail. I thought it would be somewhere like a vast field, but it turned out to be more like a post town. The parking lot is in Jari and there is a river in the back. It is a place that looks like a combination of an old-fashioned stone storehouse and Kengo Kuma's stone architecture. Ashino stone is used. Harmonious with nature. The hand washing area in the toilet is interesting. There were souvenirs related to stones, such as ammonite and crystal. And stone coasters, etc. It was quiet and had a great atmosphere. I hope I can drink at least coffee. It's not a flashy facility, so it might be suitable for people who want to spend a quiet time.

It's a photogenic spot. This is a facility where Kengo Kuma renovated multiple stone storehouses using the famous Ashino stone. There are explanatory exhibits on Ashino stone and Shirakawa stone, as well as a gallery (special exhibitions) where holes are made in the stones to let in unique light. Personally, I liked the open storehouse with the piano. There is a museum shop with various stones, coasters, etc. It takes about 15 minutes from Nasu IC on Prefectural Route 27, and the surrounding area is a post town with many other places to see, including hot springs. Although it is a place with little traffic, there were surprisingly many people visiting. This is a little-known spot for sightseeing in Nasu.