The Otsuka Museum of Art in Naruto is one of Japan’s most unusual and impressive museums: an enormous gallery displaying over a thousand of the West’s greatest artworks, all as full-size ceramic reproductions. Using a special technique, masterpieces from more than 190 galleries worldwide — the Mona Lisa, Van Gogh’s sunflowers, Monet’s water lilies, Vermeer, Munch’s Scream and countless more — are reproduced onto ceramic boards at exact original scale, faithful in colour and detail and, remarkably, near-permanent. Highlights include full reconstructions of entire spaces, such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling and Pompeii frescoes. Because they are ceramic copies, you can photograph everything freely and even touch the works. Spanning a vast underground complex, it lets you ‘see’ the masterpieces of Western art in a single, unforgettable day.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Naruto, Tokushima |
| Hours | ~9:30–17:00 (closed Mon) |
| Admission | Around ¥3,300 adults |
| Time needed | Half to full day |
| Best time | Year-round; allow plenty of time |
What to See
- Over 1,000 Western masterpieces as ceramic reproductions.
- The Sistine Chapel ceiling and Pompeii frescoes recreated.
- The Mona Lisa, Monet, Van Gogh, Vermeer and more.
- Freedom to photograph and even touch the works.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Naruto whirlpools nearby.
- Pair with Naruto sea bream for lunch.
- Read our Tokushima overview .
Getting There
- By bus: from Naruto Station or Tokushima to the museum.
- By car: parking at the museum in Naruto Park.
Tips
Allow at least half a day, ideally longer, as the museum is vast and easy to underestimate — pick up a map and plan a route through the highlights. Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking, take advantage of the freedom to photograph everything, and combine it with the Naruto whirlpools nearby for a full day in Naruto.
