The Nitori Museum of Art was one of the most rewarding museum visits in Otaru. The museum is housed in the former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch, a 1923 building whose grand banking hall and classical columns give the collection a real sense of dignity and atmosphere. What impressed me most on the ground floor were the stained glass works. The Louis C. Tiffany gallery is genuinely striking, and the scale and colour of the pieces make a very strong first impression. On the upper floors, the focus shifts to painting, including Japanese paintings by artists such as Yokoyama Taikan and Kawai Gyokudo, as well as other important works in the wider collection. Photography is not allowed there, but that actually encourages slower looking. The museum feels carefully organized floor by floor, with different sections for Japanese painting, Western-style painting, sculpture, and special exhibitions, so the visit has a clear rhythm rather than feeling crowded or repetitive. Towards the end of the visit, there is also a fascinating collection of Japanese swords and fittings. What stood out to me was how much attention is given not only to the blades themselves, but also to the smaller elements — including kozuka, the small utility knives carried within the sword mountings. Seeing these up close really highlights the level of craftsmanship and detail, even in objects intended for everyday practical use. Overall, this is a museum that combines atmosphere, high-quality works and thoughtful curation. Definitely worth visiting when in Otaru.

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A visit to the Otaru Nitori Museum of Art is highly recommended for anyone interested in art and architecture. The museum is housed in a beautifully preserved former bank building featuring elegant Renaissance-style architecture, adding to the unique atmosphere of the experience. Inside, visitors can admire an impressive collection of masterpieces, including traditional Japanese paintings, Western-style oil paintings, and intricately crafted wood sculptures. The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the stunning stained-glass gallery, where colorful light and exquisite craftsmanship create a truly memorable setting. The combination of historic architecture and remarkable artwork makes this one of Otaru’s cultural gems. Admission fee 1,200 JPY/person.

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I visited numerous art museums in Hokkaido on this last trip. The Nitori collection is just stunning. The curation is amazing, the works are amazing, how they’re displayed is amazing and the building, itself, is amazing. It is impressive that Otaru has so many quality museums of all kinds in such a small area. Of course, there is lovely art all over the prefecture, but if you can only visit one art museum in Hokkaido, try to get to this one.

Many floors of artwork to be viewed, I enjoyed it. Felt more like a gallery than a museum. Interesting artwork. There are a few pieces I really love, but too bad camera isn't allowed in most of the exhibitions

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The Nitori Museum of Art is part of Otaru Art Base, a collection of four museums in historically important buildings beside or near to the Otaru canal. The museum is housed in the former Takushoku Bank Otaru branch. The first floor houses the entrance, gift shop and the Tiffany stained glass window exhibition. The Tiffany collection is the only art that maybe photographed. Photos cannot be taken of the rest of the collection. There is a paid parking lot behind the museum. The second floor houses wood carvings by Takamura Koun. The third floor houses Western style paintings by Japanese painters as well some by European artists including Renoir. The fourth floor maybe the most interesting part of the collection. It displays paintings, sculptures by Japanese artists and original Satsuma porcelain.

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