I was lucky to get the chance to be spirited away to the far east of this prefecture one cold Sunday in November to such a magical place, filled with beauty, spirit, gentleness and warmth.

 

Picture Book Hill is tucked away on the side of a mountain, down a long narrow driveway. The museum, opened in 1998, is a cozy yet airy, a beautifully-designed low, wooden building in the woods. This museum features the illustrations of picture book writer Kazuo Iwamura.

Iwamura Kazuo is known for his stories featuring a family of mice living in the woods. His illustrations depicting close-up detailed studies of the flora and fauna outside this museum. Beyond the exhibit of large framed illustrations, which takes up about half the space in the museum, there is a small picture book library nook and a large windowed gift shop and cafe. 

 

My young son and I poured over the English editions Iwamura`s picture books in the comfortable library nook. Then we studied some cocoons on the outer window frame, and the gift shop staff member showed us some more.

Later we enjoyed finding mice` dolls hidden overhead  perched on wooden rafters, and hanging for the lights in the gift shop/café. I found some English editions of Iwamura`s books for sale in the gift shop, where you can also buy postcards of your favorite illustration. The cafe has a wonderful view of a field and forest and a menu features homemade cakes, tea, coffee and other drinks.

Almost every month, the museum hosts a special event such as a reading and/or book signing by the author, or a nature appreciation activities outdoors.  I recommend including this on your itinerary especially if you decide to explore the Nasu/Karasuyama/Nakagawa area of Tochigi Prefecture by car. the area for a weekend family excursion by car. It may be the countryside, but it is in no way lacking of interesting places like this to visit. We were on a bus tour organized by Utsunomiya City International Association when I visited the museum.