Nasu Ashino Stone Museum STONE PLAZA

Overview

The Nasu Ashino Stone Museum STONE PLAZA, located in Ashino, Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, is a museum designed by the world-famous architect Kengo Kuma. It features a striking modern space effectively utilizing stone, water, and light, repurposing stone storehouses that have stood since before World War II. The museum consists of several buildings separated by water channels, each offering a unique atmosphere. For example, the "Stone and Light Gallery" boasts a room with a unique stone wall made of 6mm-thick white marble, through which light filters, creating a magical ambiance. The "Stone and Water Gallery" uses dry-stone walling techniques that allow natural light and wind to enter the building, creating a distinctive atmosphere. The largest stone storehouse, formerly a rice storehouse for the agricultural cooperative, has been transformed into the "Stone Storehouse Gallery", used for exhibitions, events, and concerts. It retains historical character, including bullet holes from air raids during the Pacific War. The museum also houses a "Stone Learning Room" where visitors can learn about the formation of Ashino and Shirakawa stones, their geology and stratification, the processes of quarrying and finishing, and the changes that occur through firing. It's perfect for children's science projects. The museum is surrounded by a pond with a stone bridge. The reflection of the buildings in the water creates the illusion that they are floating, emphasizing the lightness of the stone. Nasu Ashino Stone Museum STONE PLAZA is a beautiful and tranquil space where architecture and nature harmonize. It's the perfect place for those seeking a relaxing and contemplative experience.