Ashikaga Museum of Art 足利市立美術館

Regional museum in a repurposed building

The museum in central Ashikaga City is not an architectural masterpiece and might leave you scratching your head. The museum is in a massive late Bubble-era tower with an apartment block above a plaza. The museum is housed in the former bank branch that occupies the lower floors. The austere glass and steel facade contrasts with bronze statuary in the courtyard. The foyer is bright and airy with a gift shop and in the exhibition halls, you might notice some tell-tale bank fortifications. Until September 2024, the museum is celebrating Aida Mitsuo's 100th birthday. The Zen-infused poetry and gorgeous calligraphy is easy to understand for Japanese language learners. Exhibition admission prices vary.