A Magnificent Palace-Like Exterior
One of the first things visitors notice is the spectacular building rising beside the sea. With its grand appearance reminiscent of a European castle, Hotel Kawakyu stands out dramatically against the coastal scenery of Nanki-Shirahama.
A Roof of Brilliant Golden Tiles
One of its most striking features is the brilliant golden roof. The roof is covered with a special type of glazed tile known as Rochuki, traditionally associated with the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.
These prestigious yellow-gold glazed tiles were historically associated with imperial architecture in China. Approximately 470,000 tiles were used for Hotel Kawakyu, creating an extraordinary golden surface that catches the sunlight from a distance.
British Brickwork and a Monumental Rabbit
The exterior walls are made with approximately 1.4 million British-made bricks, arranged to create intricate and decorative patterns.
Another distinctive feature is the enormous bronze rabbit sculpture by British sculptor Barry Flanagan. The playful yet imposing sculpture has become one of the recognizable symbols of Hotel Kawakyu.
A Golden Dome Recognized by Guinness World Records
Stepping inside the building reveals an enormous entrance hall that immediately draws the eyes upward. The centerpiece is the spectacular 22.5-karat gold-leaf ceiling covering the vast domed space.
The ceiling was created by French master gilder Robert Goard, who was also involved in restoration work at the Palace of Versailles. Approximately 190,000 sheets of gold leaf were individually applied by hand, creating a breathtaking golden surface.
Its remarkable scale led the ceiling to be recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest continuous gold-leaf ceiling.
The appearance of the lobby changes throughout the day as natural light enters the building. In particular, between around 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., sunlight can fill the lobby with a warm golden glow, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.
A Museum Filled with Masterpieces from Around the World
The appeal of Kawakyu Museum goes far beyond its extraordinary architecture. The museum houses an impressive collection of artworks by internationally renowned artists, allowing visitors to encounter masterpieces within an equally remarkable architectural setting.
Salvador Dalí
Works by the celebrated Spanish artist Salvador Dalí include paintings and three-dimensional pieces that reveal his distinctive surrealistic imagination.
Displayed alongside richly decorated interiors and marble columns, Dalí’s works contribute to an atmosphere that feels both mysterious and otherworldly.
Marc Chagall
The museum also features works by Marc Chagall, famous for his dreamlike compositions and vibrant use of color.
Surrounded by the palace-like interiors of Hotel Kawakyu, Chagall’s paintings create the impression that visitors have stepped directly into a fantastical world depicted within the artworks.
Henry Moore’s Mother and Child Series
The collection also includes the Mother and Child series by British sculptor Henry Moore.
The powerful forms of Moore’s sculptures harmonize beautifully with the monumental interior spaces, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate the relationship between sculpture, architecture, and space.
Japanese Art and Yokoyama Taikan
Japanese art is another important part of the museum’s collection. Visitors can admire works by renowned Japanese painter Yokoyama Taikan, as well as traditional Japanese paintings such as Rokkyoku Issou by Jun Nakao, depicting maiko entertainers.
The harmonious combination of Western artistic influences and traditional Japanese aesthetics is one of the defining characteristics of Kawakyu Museum.
Where Architecture Becomes Art
Walking through Kawakyu Museum feels like exploring an enormous work of art. Almost every corner contains something designed to surprise and inspire.
The building incorporates Italian mosaic tile floors, Islamic-inspired openwork decorations, Chinese antiques, French marquetry, and an extraordinary floating spiral staircase.
An Extraordinary Floating Spiral Staircase
The spiral staircase is particularly striking. Suspended from the ceiling by thick wires, it creates the illusion of floating in midair.
Its unconventional design is beautiful from almost every angle, making it one of the most memorable and photogenic features of the building.
A Byzantine Mosaic with Centuries of History
The lobby walls also contain a precious Byzantine mosaic believed to date from around the 2nd century.
The historical significance of this mosaic has been recognized through appraisal by experts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Its presence adds another remarkable layer of history to an already extraordinary interior.
Enjoy the Museum Café and Photography
A museum café is available within the building, providing a relaxing place to take a break while surrounded by the museum’s elegant atmosphere.
Photography is also permitted in areas outside the exhibition rooms, allowing visitors to capture the building’s elaborate decorations and fantastical spaces as lasting memories.
With its dramatic architecture and countless artistic details, the museum offers numerous opportunities for memorable photographs.
Relax with Hot Springs and a Resort Experience
Visitors to Kawakyu Museum can also enjoy the famous Shirahama Onsen at Hotel Kawakyu. Shirahama Onsen is considered one of Japan’s Three Ancient Hot Springs and has a history of approximately 1,400 years.
An Ocean-View Open-Air Bath
The hotel’s open-air baths offer views toward Tanabe Bay, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing soak while looking out over the ocean.
At sunrise and sunset, the changing colors of the sky and sea create scenery that looks almost like a painting.
The resort facilities also include a silky-textured bath, sauna, and a relaxation area with a fireplace, making it possible to unwind in comfort after exploring the museum.
The Luxurious “King’s Buffet”
Another highlight of Hotel Kawakyu is its lavish dining experience known as the King’s Buffet.
The buffet features premium ingredients from Wakayama’s Kishu region and Hokkaido, with many dishes prepared fresh at live cooking stations.
Guests can enjoy luxurious ingredients such as kué grouper, spiny lobster, abalone, and Tokachi beef, along with freshly prepared sushi, tempura, and steak.
Desserts made with locally grown Wakayama mandarins and jabara citrus are also popular.
With its elegant presentation and lavish selection of food, the dining area has the atmosphere of a grand banquet, adding an extra sense of occasion to a stay in Shirahama.
A Place Designed to Make You Forget Everyday Life
Hotel Kawakyu follows an unusual concept: there are no clocks throughout the building.
The idea is to encourage guests to forget their normal sense of time and immerse themselves in a dreamlike experience.
As visitors explore the building, it is easy to feel that time itself has slowed down. Architecture, art, hot springs, and cuisine come together to create an extraordinary world that is difficult to experience anywhere else.
Access and Visitor Information
Location
3745 Shirahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
Access
From Shirahama Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, the museum is approximately 10 minutes by car.
From the Nanki-Shirahama Interchange on the Kisei Expressway, it is approximately 20 minutes by car.
The nearest bus stop is Shirahama Sanbashi, which is about a 3-minute walk from the museum.
Opening Hours
10:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Last admission at 5:30 p.m.)
Admission
Adults: 1,000 yen
High school and university students: 800 yen
Junior high school students and younger: Free
Experience a Dreamlike World in Nanki-Shirahama
Kawakyu Museum is far more than an ordinary art museum. It is a spectacular cultural experience where the passion of master craftsmen, artistic traditions from around the world, and the grand ambition of turning a dream into reality come together.
When visiting Nanki-Shirahama, take the opportunity to step inside this extraordinary world. The gleaming golden ceiling, palace-like interiors, masterpieces by internationally renowned artists, and beautiful views of the sea create an unforgettable experience.
Whether you are interested in art, architecture, Japanese culture, history, or luxury travel, Kawakyu Museum offers a unique opportunity to discover a side of Shirahama that goes far beyond its famous beaches and hot springs.