Kamakura Gallery
It’s a bit of a distance, so I hadn’t quite made it there — but I finally visited Kamakura Gallery.
Kamakura Gallery is a gallery specializing in contemporary art, founded by Michiko Nakamura in Ginza 7-chome in 1981 and relocated to Kamakurayama, Kamakura City, in 1999.
Since opening, it has introduced major artists from Japan and abroad, and is well known as the first gallery in Japan to systematically introduce “Mono-ha.” It is a distinguished gallery that has taken part in art fairs overseas as well — a place I had been meaning to visit for some time.
Access
Getting to Kamakurayama, Kamakura City takes a bit of effort — the real question is whether you can give yourself the push.
Coming from the Tokyo direction, the recommended route is “JR Ofuna Station.” Exit via the South Gate and head to the bus stops on the LUMINE side.
From “Bus Stop No. 4” of Keihin Kyuko Bus, head toward the “Kamakurayama” stop. *SUICA / PASMO are accepted.
The ride is roughly 15 minutes.
The gallery is the smart three-story building on your right as you leave the bus stop. During exhibitions, they set out a standing sign that makes it easy to spot.
Kamakura Gallery’s building is three stories tall. The first floor holds past catalogs and exhibition flyers, with some works also on view inside a showcase.
The main exhibition floors are the second and third. It isn’t an especially large gallery, but with the surrounding natural setting it makes for a space that is genuinely pleasant to linger in.
The bus back runs infrequently, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance.
Note that the gallery is also closed on Sundays and public holidays.
For the schedule of major exhibitions, please check the official website.
There’s a restaurant nearby with excellent roast beef — a calm, superb spot! It’s the kind of gallery where you’ll want to make plenty of time to visit at a leisurely pace.
Details
Kamakura Gallery
Tue–Sat 11:00–18:00 *Closed Sun, Mon, and public holidays
Address: 4-1-11 Kamakurayama, Kamakura City, Kanagawa 248-0031
Tel: 0467-32-1499
Official website
