A new haven for hipsters and art lovers alike—the hidden facilities at Toyama Glass Art Museum are truly impressive

Reported by Reporter Lin Youshan / Toyama, Japan

In recent years, Toyama City in Japan’s Hokuriku region has become a popular new travel destination for many Taiwanese tourists. Aside from the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, there’s another newly acclaimed spot not far from Toyama Station on the shinkansen. Nestled within the city, Toyama Glass Art Museum may look like an architecturally stunning building from the outside, but inside lies an astonishing “hidden facility”.

%techstrong>The moment you step into Toyama Glass Art Museum, you’re greeted by a lofty atrium, complete with thoughtfully designed open escalators connecting all floors. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

Since August 22, 2015, Toyama City has had a striking new landmark, and many visitors are often left exclaiming “Wow～” upon entering. That place is the Toyama Glass Art Museum (Toyama-shi Garasu Bijutsukan). Though it might sound like a typical art exhibition venue, it has a remarkable background. First of all, this museum wasdesigned by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma. As you enter, you’re welcomed by a soaring atrium constructed with an abundance of wooden slats and glass.In addition to elevators, each floor is equipped with open escalators, allowing visitors to freely access different levels.

%techstrong>The museum also houses a library with an extensive collection spread across three floors. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

Even more surprising is that Toyama Glass Art Museum isn’t just an art gallery—it’s also a public library. Both tourists and local residents can freely enter. The library boasts a collection that spans three floors (from the 3rd to the 5th), and the seating area is designed to be as spacious and comfortable as a café.

%techstrong>The 4th floor of the museum is a paid exhibition area; entry is free for high school students and below, while general adults only need to pay a 200-yen admission fee. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

Moreover, the masterpieces exhibited at Toyama Glass Art Museum are top-notch, and the ticket prices are very reasonable. Visitors under high school age can enter for free, while the general adult ticket costs just 200 yen. After purchasing your ticket on the first floor, you can explore all the exhibitions.Aside from the paid 4th-floor exhibition area, the 6th floor also features works by the renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.This exhibition space allows visitors to take photos freely, but flash photography is prohibited, and images cannot be published on public online platforms or used for any commercial purposes. Photos are intended strictly for personal memories, making this a permanent fixture of the museum.

▲%techstrong>The reading area in the library within Toyama Glass Art Museum is as cozy and spacious as a café, and is equipped with convenient book lending and catalog search systems. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

The original goal of constructing Toyama Glass Art Museum was to create a new local tourist attraction and also to provide convenient public services. Hence, not only was the project helmed by master architect Kengo Kuma, but the museum also functions as a fully stocked library. Beyond its accessible location and eye-catching exterior, the museum’s interior is packed with useful features—including a bank and a café—making it a favorite among locals and a must-visit spot for tourists traveling in Japan.

%techstrong>A corner of the reading area in the attached library of Toyama Glass Art Museum. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)