Yoshiro and Yoshio Taniguchi Museum of Architecture, Kanazawa 谷口吉郎・吉生記念 金沢建築館 - photo:Toshiharu Kitajima

A contemporary museum introducing Japanese architectural culture

Japanese-style rooms designed by Kanazawa-born architect Yoshiro Taniguchi (1904–1979) from the State Guest House Akasaka Palace have been faithfully recreated at the Yoshiro and Yoshio Taniguchi Museum of Architecture, Kanazawa. This attractively designed museum is located on the grounds of Yoshiro’s former residence and was designed by his world-famous architect son, Yoshio (1937–). Yoshio is highly regarded for his sophisticated, contemporary architectural designs which include the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures within Tokyo National Museum, and the D.T. Suzuki Museum in Kanazawa.

Both the hiroma (reception hall) and tea room from the State Guest House Akasaka Palace in Tokyo have been faithfully reproduced in the museum. The spacious hiroma was designed for entertaining guests, and could be easily adapted for banquets . The tea room is a more intimate space, with an alcove to display calligraphy and a raised tatami floor where honored guests could participate in a tea ceremony. The museum also holds special exhibitions introducing Japanese architectural culture.

The Yoshiro and Yoshio Taniguchi Museum of Architecture, Kanazawa is located in the southern part of central Kanazawa and is only a five-minute walk from the well-preserved geisha district, Nishi-Chaya District. The museum is easily accessible from Kanazawa Station by either taxi or bus.