Oketo Poppo Art Museum - Hokkaido

Oketo Poppo Art Museum (置戸ぽっぽ絵画館) is a public art museum displaying art donated by “unknown” artists. It is located at 456-1 in the town of Oketo, Tokoro District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Oketo Poppo Art Museum

Oketo Poppo Art Museum Details

The Oketo Poppo Art Museum is a testament to the power of community vision and artistic passion. What once served as Oketo Station—a key stop along the Hokkaido Chihoku Highland Railway Furusato Ginga Line until its closure in 2006—has been transformed into a vibrant hub for art and culture.

Oketo Poppo Art Museum - Oketo town, Hokkaido Prefecture

The Birth of an Artistic Vision

The idea to repurpose the old station was sparked by a heartfelt letter in the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, which expressed a desire for a place to donate artworks by lesser-known artists. Inspired, the residents of Oketo formed an art museum management committee. They reached out to artists and art enthusiasts across Japan, inviting contributions to a shared vision: a museum that would give dormant masterpieces a home. On October 25, 2012, the Oketo Poppo Art Museum opened its doors on the second floor of the historic station building.

Oketo Poppo Art Museum and the old Oketo Station

Welcome to Oketo

Outside is a statue of Oketo's Ningen Bamba

The railway of the old Oketo Station

Part of the old Oketo Station is now transformed into a plaza

Oketo Poppo Art Museum facade

A Living Legacy of Art

Since its inauguration, the Oketo Poppo Art Museum has become renowned for its engaging exhibits and personal touches, such as commentaries from donors. It provides a dynamic, interactive experience for visitors, blending classic and contemporary artworks. By 2025, the museum will proudly house works from 205 contributing artists, creating a diverse and ever-growing collection that captures the spirit of creativity.

Inside Oketo Poppo Art Museum

Special Events and Milestones

The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and events to celebrate art in all its forms. In 2013, for its first anniversary, renowned painter Kazutoshi Kihara delivered a lecture, and actress Masayo Yamaguchi performed an enchanting reading. Kihara also donated three of his works, including a remarkable 100-size oil painting.

In 2016, the museum was formally certified as a non-profit organization, cementing its role as a cultural cornerstone in Oketo. Special exhibits, such as the Oya Jushihiko Special Exhibition, further enhance its reputation as a must-visit destination for art lovers.

Team Nicerio visits the Oketo Poppo Art Museum

My family and I visited Oketo Poppo Art Museum for the first time on September 16, 2023, during the first day of our “3-Day Respect of the Aged Road Trip,” which happens to be my 684th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As a big fan of museums, I made sure to include this place in our itinerary. In that way, I would be able to influence my daughter to love museums too. During our visit, there were a handful of artworks displayed in the museum, each with its own story and beauty.

Oketo Poppo Art Museum Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Oketo Poppo Art Museum.

Oketo Poppo Art Museum Operating Hours

Oketo Poppo Art Museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily.

 

Why visit the Oketo Poppo Art Museum?

The Oketo Poppo Art Museum is a must-visit destination that offers a unique blend of history, community, and creativity. Housed in a beautifully preserved train station, the museum seamlessly combines its historic charm with a vibrant display of art, showcasing donated works from artists across Japan, including stunning oil paintings, delicate watercolors, and intricate pencil sketches. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive experiences, such as engaging activities and insightful commentaries provided by the donors themselves. 

Getting to Oketo Poppo Art Museum

 

From Kitami JR Station in Kitami City, walk to platform 5 of the bus stop outside the station. Board the Kunbetsu, Okito, Katsuyama Onsen, Rikubetsu Line Katsuyama Onsen (via Kunbetsu and Okito) operated by the Kitami bus company.

Board down at Oketo bus stop. 

Travel time: 56 minutes

Fare: 1,140 yen

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