The building's unique facade was constructed using raw clay and traditional finishing techniques under the architect's supervision.
The top floor's installation features thousands of loose mosaic pieces, creating an intentionally fragile and textured aesthetic.
The museum is located in the Kasahara district, which was historically the center of Japan's mosaic tile industry.
The collection includes vintage tiled sinks and bathtubs that demonstrate how mosaic work was once integrated into domestic plumbing.
Architect Terunobu Fujimori is known for using natural, often unprocessed materials in his designs to blend structures with their surrounding landscape.
The Mosaic Tile Museum Tajimi is a specialized facility dedicated to the history and artistry of Japanese mosaic tiles, housed in a striking, earth-toned building designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori. The structure mimics a clay pit quarry, reflecting the region's historical significance in tile production. The museum features a permanent collection of historic mosaic murals, industrial machinery, and intricate furniture pieces. Visitors can explore the manufacturing evolution of tiles, from traditional hand-crafting to mass production. The top floor features an immersive installation of mosaic-adorned walls and ceilings that simulate the interiors of a quarry. Hands-on workshops allow visitors to create their own mosaic works using various ceramic materials. It serves as a cultural hub for the Kasahara district, which is one of Japan's leading producers of mosaic tiles. The facility maintains a collection of both architectural elements and artistic sculptures.
The top-floor gallery with its dramatic, sweeping ceiling and natural light apertures.
Participate in the hands-on workshops on the ground floor to create your own mosaic tile souvenir.
Spend time observing the 'tile library' where you can handle various shapes, colors, and textures of tiles.
Bring a camera, as the architecture and interior light displays are highly photogenic.
Attempting to touch the wall displays on the top floor, as they are fragile; avoid arriving shortly before closing, as the workshops cease activity earlier.
Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday).
