Okayama Prefecture is dotted with buildings designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who also designed the New National Stadium for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. We introduce spots that anyone can visit, including tourist and cultural facilities, parks that serve as hubs for local interaction, and complexes with cafes and co-working spaces.
2025.11.21-
Table of Contents
- About Kengo Kuma: A Japanese architect attracting global attention
- 1. GREENable HIRUZEN(Maniwa City )
- 2. Mabi Fureai Park(Kurashiki City)
- 3. Kibikogen N Square(Kibichuo Town )
- 4. Okayama University"Kyōiku Kyōsō Commons" (Okayama City )
- Summary: The appeal of Kengo Kuma architecture, created together with the local community
About Kengo Kuma: A Japanese architect attracting global attention
Kengo Kuma is a leading Japanese architect who designed the New National Stadium to be used in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Why are there so many of Kuma's works, which are active all over the world, located in Okayama Prefecture?
Why are there so many Kengo Kuma buildings in Okayama Prefecture ? (Reasons the author thinks)
There are three main reasons for this.
1. Active collaboration with local areas
Kuma is currently actively developing architectural projects in collaboration with local governments and communities, and has set up satellite offices across Japan, one of which is in Okayama Prefecture.
2. Excellent building materials from Okayama Prefecture
" GREENable HIRUZEN " in Maniwa City uses a wood panel material called CLT (Cross Laminated Timber). This CLT is made from Hinoki (Japanese Cypress) grown in Okayama Prefecture , Japan's number one Hinoki (Japanese Cypress) producing area, and it was this encounter with this material that led to the building being constructed in Okayama .
3. Urban development created together with the local community
Kuma has a long history of working with local communities to develop towns across Japan, including Yusuhara Town in Kochi Prefecture and Ibaraki Town in Ibaraki Prefecture. In these towns, multiple Kuma buildings have shaped the local landscape. A similar project is currently underway in Okayama Prefecture.
The most distinctive feature of Kuma's architecture is that it is designed to meet the needs of the local residents and to utilize local materials. You will be able to experience this charm through the four buildings we will introduce below.
1. GREENable HIRUZEN(Maniwa City )
Located on the Hiruzen-kogen Heights in Maniwa City , " GREENable HIRUZEN" is an innovative structure that combines CLT panels and steel frames. The building was originally constructed as a temporary pavilion that could be moved to Harumi, Tokyo, but was dismantled and relocated to Maniwa City after the event. The main building is affectionately known as "Kaze no Ha" (Kaze no Ha Pavilion) and is open to the public as a permanent facility. You can also enter the interior of "Kaze no Ha Pavilion," so be sure to experience the architecture from the inside as well.
The entire site is a space designed by Kengo Kuma
The entire vast grounds of "GREENable HIRUZEN" were designed by Kuma. In addition to "Kaze no Ha Pavilion," various buildings are scattered throughout the grounds, including a cycle center (bicycle rental facility), a tourist information center, and a museum.
Maniwa Hiruzen Museum
The Maniwa Hiruzen Museum on the premises was also designed by Kuma. The museum, which also has a shop, can be visited for an admission fee of 500 yen.
Kuma's attention to detail can be seen everywhere, even in the stairs and walls of the museum. When you enter the building, you are enveloped in the gentle scent and warmth of the wood. There is also a corner inside the museum that introduces Kuma's architecture, which will deepen your understanding of architecture.
[Maniwa Hiruzen Museum ]
Address: 1205-220 Hiruzenkamifukuda, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture (inside GREENable HIRUZEN)
TEL: 0867-42-1178 (Maniwa City Department of Living Environment, Sports and Cultural Promotion Division)
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:45)
Closed: Wednesdays (open on public holidays, closed the following weekday)
Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger
Parking: 7 spaces (Hiruzen Takaharu Center parking lot can also be used)
2. Mabi Fureai Park(Kurashiki City)
In July 2018, Kurashiki City, Kurashiki City, suffered extensive damage from record-breaking heavy rains. Mabi Fureai Park is a disaster prevention park built on the site of the collapsed levee, with the cooperation of citizens, the city, and the national government.
This park, designed by Kengo Kuma, was built based on the concept of being a park that can be used both in normal times and in times of disaster, and that will also contribute to the development of the local area.
Towering in the Chuo of the park is an impressive gate made of bamboo. Its large roof harmonizes with the Mabi Mountains and was built using bamboo, a local specialty. On either side of the gate are the "Learning Room" community facility and a disaster preparedness storehouse. Here too, Kuma Architecture's spirit of valuing the thoughts of the local people and local materials is evident.
The Learning Room has an exhibition space that records the disaster and recovery. When you visit, be sure to learn about what happened in this area. Once inside the building, you will find yourself in a comfortable space enveloped in the scent of fresh bamboo.
3. Kibikogen N Square(Kibichuo Town )
Kibichuo Town Town is located in the Chuo of Okayama Prefecture , on a Takaharu at an altitude of about 400 meters. N Square, located here, is a community interaction and revitalization facility centered around a coworking space and cafe. Like GREENable HIRUZEN's Kaze no Ha Pavilion Ha, this building uses CLT panels, of which Okayama Prefecture boasts the highest production volume in Japan.
Take a break at Cafe Brad
Cafe BRADO, located on the first floor of N Square, reopened as a bagel cafe in June 2025.
Since I visited in the afternoon, I ordered the New York Cheesecake set (990 yen) made with blueberries from the local Kibichuo Town, and coffee. The rich flavor of the cream cheese and fresh cream is exquisite. Inside the store, there are also Kengo Kuma 's autographs, architectural models, and a book corner, so it's a great place to spend some time finding your favorite book.
[cafe brand]
Address: 1F Kibikogen N Square, 4469-126 Yoshikawa , Kibichuo-cho, Kaga Kibichuo Town, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 090-3376-6969
Business hours: 7:30-15:00
Closed: None
*Temporary closures will be posted on the official website under "Cafe Brad Business Days" Parking: Available
4. Okayama University"Kyōiku Kyōsō Commons" (Okayama City )
The " Kyōiku Kyōsō Commons " located on Okayama University Tsushima Campus is a wooden classroom designed to serve as a life-size teaching material for students studying wooden architecture. The wood used is CLT, a consistent expression of Kuma Architecture's philosophy of using local materials.
Although you cannot enter the building, you can view the exterior. It is a beautiful building that exudes the warmth that is unique to wooden architecture.
The wooden guide signs are also attractive. Please note that there are times when university events, such as exam season, need to be considered, so we recommend checking the schedule before visiting.
Summary: The appeal of Kengo Kuma architecture, created together with the local community
What did you think of the architecture by Kengo Kuma that can be seen in Okayama Prefecture?
Through this interview, I read books about Kengo Kuma's architecture, and actually visited his locations, and I learned something. The reason Kuma's architecture has such diverse expression is because he is always mindful of his clients and the local community. All four of the buildings introduced here use materials from Okayama, and were designed as buildings that were needed in their respective locations.
Giving shape to the aspirations of the local people and making use of the local materials. Perhaps it is precisely because of this aspiration that Kuma's architecture has such warmth. If a new Kuma building opens in Okayama Prefecture, be sure to visit. You're sure to discover something new.
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