Mikawa Museum of Glass Art

A photogenic spot

The Mikawa Museum of Glass Art is one of the most famous photo spots in the Chubu and Tokai areas. The contrast between the geometric stained glass patterns and the silhouettes of people makes it a popular spot, especially on social networking sites.

The Mikawa Museum of Glass Art opened in 2000 with many unique glass artifacts. Besides exhibits, they sell original goods at the on-site store. Visitors can experience glass crafts such as stained glass and kaleidoscope making (reservations are required for the hands-on experience).

The museum's centerpiece is a giant kaleidoscope called the Sphere. This idea was conceived by Director Kamiya who imagined the joy of being able to step into a kaleidoscope. At 7.3 m long, 3.1 m wide, and 2.55 m high, the giant kaleidoscope was listed in the 2002 edition of the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest kaleidoscope.

As soon as you step into the kaleidoscope, the stained glass windows start spinning with sounds reminiscent of outer space, and reflections from the 54 mirrors create various patterns. The show's second half, when the entire room brightens, makes the silhouettes of people reflect off the glass. It is the best time to take a picture.

You can take as many photos as you want, but since this is a popular spot, there is often a long line waiting for their turn. As of October 2022, video recording in the kaleidoscope is now permitted. Visitors are encouraged to capture their favorite moments from the video.

Another highlight is the Sculptured Mirror Room. Mirrors covering the room make it impossible to tell where walls start and mirrors end. It leaves visitors feeling like they have wandered into a mysterious universe. The mirrors in the room are beautifully sandblasted and painted with the theme of four seasons, and the room is also a favorite spot for taking impressive selfies.