MM Story
Japan Northeast Art Road — Towada Art Center and Hara Museum ARC
MM Editor•Apr 19, 2026
Japan Northeast Art Road — Towada Art Center and Hara Museum ARC
At a Glance
Two contrasting Japanese contemporary museums 2–3 hours from Tokyo: Towada Art Center in Aomori (SANAA, 2008) and Hara Museum ARC in Gunma (Arata Isozaki, 1988). SANAA's dispersed pavilions vs. Isozaki's geometric concrete — architecture extremes in one trip.
3-Day Route
- Day 1: Tokyo → Shibukawa → Hara ARC → Ikaho onsen.
- Day 2: Shinkansen to Hachinohe → Towada Art Center.
- Day 3: Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada → Tokyo.
Tips
Use JR Tokyo Wide or JR East Pass. Best in autumn foliage. Closed Mondays at both.