- An accommodating facility created by James Turrell, a master in the world of art
- Experience the art of light in a Japanese house.
- Reconfirm the beauty of nature.
- Map
An accommodating facility created by James Turrell, a master in the world of art
In Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture there is a building called the “House of Light” made by the American artist James Turrell. It was built for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial that took place in 2000.
Based on the themes of light and space, Turrell has produced many installations that delicately control the interaction of light and perception. The House of Light is a very popular facility because not only can you visit it, you can also stay there. Turrell is a popular artist in the world of Japanese art and his works are on display at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa and at the Chichu Art Museum on the island of Naoshima.
Experience the art of light in a Japanese house.
Because Niigata is a region with heavy snowfall, while building the house, Turrell was given the condition that the floor had to be high enough off the ground so it would not get buried in snow. Turrell also got inspiration from a novel by Junichiro Tanizaki, a master of Japanese literature. Turrell created the House of Light so that it is true to the traditional architecture of the region. He brilliantly integrated his own work with the Japanese house.
The roof of the room where people can stay is retractable and if you open it, the sky will appear framed by the square of the ceiling. If you lie down flat and look up towards the ceiling you will be able to watch as the sky beautifully transforms from blue to sunset orange and to jet-black at night.
In addition, optical fiber has been installed in the bath, so you can enjoy the fantastic feeling of having your whole body enveloped in light.
Reconfirm the beauty of nature.
If you are staying at the House of Light, you can feel something that you wouldn’t experience at a museum. It is a wonderful work of art where you can reconfirm the beauty of nature and the ever-changing sky that you might not often pay attention to.
Nestled in the marvelous nature of Niigata, experience the beautiful fusion of a traditional Japanese house and contemporary art.
House of Light
Charges: facilities charge ¥20,000 + accommodation charge of ¥4,000 per person (elementary school students ¥2,000, younger than elementary school age are free)
Map
2891 Uenoko, Tokamachi-shi, Niigata-ken
