Tucked away in the countryside of Kisarazu in Chiba prefecture, More than just a farm, KURKKU FIELDS is an innovative experiment in sustainable living. Covering an area of roughly 6.4 times the size of Tokyo Dome, this eco-conscious site blends organic farming, food, art, and sustainability into a seamless experience. Wander through vegetable fields, watch free-roaming dairy cows, and learn how waste is transformed into renewable energy.　The farm’s artistic aspect is just as compelling. Sculptures and installations are scattered across the landscape, designed to make you pause and consider their relationship with nature. A dedicated play area Invites both children and adults to explore and create freely. Join nature observation sessions, guided walks that introduce the rich biodiversity of the area.

For those looking to immerse themselves further, there are hands-on workshops in everything from farming techniques to nature-inspired crafts. And then there’s the food: fresh, seasonal, and straight from the land. The on-site restaurant serves dishes that showcase the best of local ingredients, reinforcing the connection between farm and table. It’s a place that doesn’t just tell you about sustainability—it lets you live it, even if just for an afternoon.

Perched on the shores of Lake Takataki, the largest reservoir in Chiba, Ichihara Lakeside Museum offers something rare: an art experience shaped by its natural surroundings. With contemporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, the museum is a space where the landscape becomes part of the artwork itself.

Step outside, and the connection between art and nature becomes even clearer. Sculptures stand in and around the lake, mirroring the movement of the water and the shifting daylight. A short climb up to the Observation Tower rewards you with panoramic views, while the museum’s open-air installations encourage slow exploration. Walking along the lakeside reveals small artistic elements tucked into the scenery, from interactive sculptures to benches that blend into their surroundings. Inside, special exhibitions ensure that every visit offers something new to discover. Whether you come for the open-air art or simply to enjoy the calm natural setting, Ichihara Lakeside Museum reminds us that art isn’t confined to the white cube.

Arts Maebashi, located in the heart of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, is a museum that also serves as a gathering place. Its open design encourages visitors to move freely between exhibitions, workshops, and communal spaces, blurring the line between audience and participant. The museum’s mission is rooted in interaction, promoting regional art projects, public archives, and spaces where locals and travelers alike can engage with creativity firsthand.

Beyond its curated exhibitions, Arts Maebashi hosts regular workshops and artist talks, actively participating in the community. If you’re here to view contemporary works or take part in a discussion on how art shapes society, there’s a sense of dialogue built into the experience. Even the architecture, with its open walkways and interconnected spaces, reflects this philosophy. It’s a place that encourages you to linger, reflect, and maybe even create something yourself.

Designed by renowned architect Arata Isozaki, Hara Museum ARC feels like a natural extension of the landscape. Situated in the green hills of Shibukawa, this contemporary art museum plays with contrasts: sleek modernist structures set against lush scenery, cutting-edge exhibitions housed alongside a traditional Japanese pavilion.

Indoors, the museum features three galleries that bathe in soft natural light, their pyramid-shaped roofs adding an unexpected architectural flair. Outside, permanent installations by artists such as Andy Warhol and Olafur Eliasson interact with the environment, adapting to the seasons and time of day.

A visit here isn’t just about seeing art—it’s about experiencing art in situ. And if you need a break, Café d’Art offers locally sourced meals and hand-dripped coffee, the perfect excuse to sit back and take in the view a little longer.

Few places blur the line between accommodation and artwork as seamlessly as Shiroiya Hotel in Maebashi. Originally a historical inn, the hotel has been transformed by architect Sou Fujimoto into a bold fusion of past and present. Its two structures, the Heritage Tower and the Green Tower, feel like separate worlds: one a careful restoration, the other a strikingly modern, greenery-covered space. Inside, 25 distinct rooms function as mini art galleries, each designed by different artists and architects.
Beyond the rooms, art spills into every corner of the property. A light installation by Leandro Erlich illuminates the four-story atrium, while the BAR MATCHA-TEI, designed by Hiroshi Sugimoto and Tomoyuki Sakakida, offers a meditative retreat. Throughout the hotel, site-specific art pieces are integrated into the architecture, transforming hallways and gathering spaces into dynamic exhibits. The hotel’s lounge and public areas feature rotating installations, ensuring that each visit offers a fresh perspective on contemporary creativity.

When it comes to dining, an acclaimed restaurant highlights Gunma’s seasonal ingredients, recognized by Gault & Millau for its innovative approach to regional cuisine. The culinary experience extends beyond fine dining, with a café offering expertly brewed coffee and locally inspired pastries. Whether you stay overnight or simply stop by for a meal, Shiroiya Hotel is an experience in itself.

Getting around Chiba and Gunma prefectures is easy on JR East train lines, making it possible to explore these creative spaces without the hassle of long drives. In Chiba, the JR Uchibo Line takes you to Kisarazu Station, where a short taxi ride brings you to KURKKU FIELDS. The same line also connects to Goi Station, where the Kominato Railway leads to Ichihara Lakeside Museum.

For a flexible and cost-effective way to explore the region, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass is a great option. This pass provides unlimited rides on JR East trains in the Kanto area for three consecutive days, making it easy to visit Chiba and Gunma while saving on transportation costs. For more details about the trains available for boarding, please visit their website.

In Gunma, the JR Takasaki Line and JR Ryomo Line provide access to Maebashi, where both ARTS MAEBASHI and SHIROIYA HOTEL are within walking distance. For Hara Museum ARC, take the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, then transfer to the Agatsuma Line for Shibukawa Station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride. From Hara Museum ARC, experience a unique journey by taking the SL Gunma, a scenic steam locomotive that runs between Shibukawa and Takasaki Station, adding a nostalgic charm to the trip while conveniently connecting to Shinkansen lines. With JR East lines covering much of the journey, visiting these artistic landmarks is as convenient as it is rewarding.

Art and nature thrive together in Kanto, shaping spaces that go beyond mere sightseeing spots. Whether you’re exploring an open-air museum, dining on a farm-to-table meal, or staying in a hotel that doubles as a gallery, each of these destinations offers something more than just visual beauty—they create experiences that linger long after the visit.