Kofu Museum Guide

This modern and spacious museum gives an extensive and well-done account of the history of Yamanashi from prehistoric times through the feudal era and the role the area played in the warring states period to the modern era and the rise of industry. Visitors walk through a large hall that is set out chronologically and recounts the history through interactive displays, models and dioramas.

Known as the "Museum of Millet", the exhibition rooms of this spacious complex house an extensive selection of works by French painter Jean-Francois Millet and other European landscape artists. There are also exhibitions that showcase the work of contemporary Japanese artists.

This museum celebrates Yamanashi Prefecture's history of crystals and precious stones, and the production of jewelry using these materials. On display in the exhibition area are a selection of rare rocks and minerals sourced locally, from other parts of Japan and the world, and various items of jewelry made from them.

This colorful museum in the Shosenkyo Gorge showcases shadowgraphs, works of art made by cut out pieces of paper and other materials placed over a backlit screen. The theme of the exhibits is generally ethereal and heavily features elves and cute animals. There is also a collection of paintings by multiple Japanese artists linked to the area.