After visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace, we headed to the Garden of Fine Art Kyoto — a fascinating place that felt like stepping into Tadao Ando’s world.
Visiting the Garden of Fine Art Kyoto: Step into the World of Tadao Ando
Next to the Botanical Garden, Just Beside Kitayama Station
If you take the stairs up from Kitayama Station on the Subway Karasuma Line, you’ll soon find yourself at the Garden of Fine Art Kyoto — a facility designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando.
In Kyoto, a city filled with countless temples and tourist attractions, I had no idea a place like this existed — so this was my first visit.
I like that it’s called a “garden.”
It was originally the pavilion of DAIKOKU DENKI Co., Ltd. for The International Garden and Greenery Exposition held in Osaka in 1990. This pavilion was also designed by Tadao Ando.
The idea of reproducing paintings on ceramic boards and displaying them outdoors was the first of its kind in the world. It was a time when Japan was at the height of its economic boom.
At the time of the exposition, four works were exhibited. Later, four more pieces were added, making a total of eight that are now on display.
Starting with Monet’s Water Lilies
The works displayed here are paintings transferred onto ceramic boards. It’s a wonderful idea — the images don’t easily deteriorate, even when exposed to the elements, allowing people to enjoy them outdoors. In total, eight such pieces are exhibited.
The admission fee is just 100 yen (yay!), and the first thing you’ll see is Monet’s Water Lilies: Morning. That famous painting of water lilies appears to be immersed in actual water — transformed into a ceramic artwork of its own! (lol)
Aside from how beautiful the Water Lilies look reflected in the water, it’s incredible that this idea was actually carried out. Monet himself would probably have been astonished to see it.
And the journey through this painted garden begins here. The entrance is on the first floor, while the main area lies below, on the basement level. This is truly the world of Tadao Ando!
The Kyoto Botanical Garden can be seen through a window carved out of the concrete landscape.
It’s the only green element in the entire space. The rest is composed solely of bare concrete and an artificial water feature.
Walking Through the Mysterious Space
Concrete — and Sometimes, Paintings
Visitors enter on the first floor and gradually descend through a maze of interconnected corridors.
As you keep walking, you begin to feel disoriented by the ever-changing scenery.
This is Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper — needless to say, one of the most famous paintings in the world.
At the far end of the building, there’s a massive waterfall — one that spans the entire width of the structure. It’s truly dynamic and breathtaking.
The Biggest Attraction: The Last Judgment
The main highlight of this garden is Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment. Measuring 14 meters high and 13 meters wide, it’s nearly full-scale in size.
It’s almost as tall as the building itself, making it seem as though the structure was designed specifically to accommodate this painting.
At the exit, you’ll find paintings by Renoir and Van Gogh. They can be seen through glass openings cut into the concrete walls.
The paintings seem to be integrated into the architecture itself. I wonder why they were placed outdoors, yet meant to be viewed through glass.
It’s a wonderful place where you can fully experience Tadao Ando’s world — all for a very affordable price. A must-visit for anyone who loves architecture!
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