A picture book museum that blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings of Azumino.

Opened in 1997 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo, this picture book museum is located in Matsukawa Village, Shinshu, a place that Iwasaki Chihiro herself called her "spiritual hometown." In this area, where her parents lived as pioneering farmers after the war, Chihiro left behind many sketches from time to time. The building, designed by architect Hiroshi Naito, blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings of Azumino. It stands within the 53,500 square meter Azumino Chihiro Park, overlooking the Northern Alps, nestled beside the clear Chigawa River. In addition to Chihiro's works, the museum boasts one of the world's largest collections of original drawings by picture book illustrators from around the globe. It is also characterized by its creation of a space that families can enjoy together, making it a "first museum" for children. With a picture book cafe where you can relax while gazing at the Northern Alps, a museum shop, and a Totto-chan Plaza recreating the world of "Totto-chan at the Window," it is a place where children and adults alike can forget their daily worries and spend a relaxing day.

3358-24 Nishihara, Matsukawa Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture 399-8501
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・Approximately 5 minutes by taxi from Shinano-Matsukawa Station on the JR Oito Line