A Journey Through Autumn: Hakone Museum of Art

Hakone Museum of Art: A Journey Through Seasons

The Hakone Museum of Art, founded in 1952 by Okada Mokichi, is renowned for its exceptional collection of Japanese ceramics dating from prehistoric times through the Edo period. Housed in a serene setting, the museum boasts a captivating moss garden, a tranquil Japanese landscape garden (Sekirakuen), and a charming teahouse named Shinwatei.

Sekirakuen 

A stream flows through a grassy area adorned with uniquely arranged volcanic rocks within the Sekiraku-en garden. This garden offers a distinct ambiance, more open than the moss garden. Panoramic views of Mount Myōjō, Mount Asama, and the Sagami Bay stretch across the horizon. 

Photo Gallery

This was my second visit to the MOA (i.e., Museum of Art). After seeing a photo (above) of the teahouse's window ablaze with autumn colors in April 2024, I decided to return to MOA during the fall season. My visit on November 20, 2024, a sunny day, did not disappoint. The maple trees in the Sekiraku-en Garden were nearing their peak color. The following photos capture the breathtaking autumnal hues I witnessed that day.

A charming teahouse named Shinwatei, bustling with customers

The hostess served the guests at the teahouse

Autumn Colors at Hakone MOA (YouTube link)

Autumn Colors at Hakone MOA (2/2; YouTube link)

A Surreal Journey: Exploring the Chichu Art Museum

Panoramic Sea Views at the Museum Cafe

The Chichu Art Museum (地中美術館), founded in 2004, is a subterranean sanctuary dedicated to exploring the harmonious relationship between art and nature. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the museum seamlessly blends into the stunning landscape of the Seto Inland Sea. 

The museum's collection features masterpieces by renowned artists such as Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. As natural light filters through the building, the artworks and the surrounding space come alive, creating a dynamic and ever-changing experience. 

The collaborative effort between artists and architects resulted in a truly unique and immersive space. The entire museum can be considered a site-specific artwork, where the building itself becomes an integral part of the art experience.

Photo Gallery

We visited the Chichu Art Museum on November 29, 2024, a cloudy day. While the museum's policy prohibited photography and videography within the exhibition spaces (except before the reception desk), we were able to capture some photos of the exterior and the cafe areas. 

A Serene Pond: The Perfect Museum Prelude

A Casual Lunch with a View: The Museum Cafe

Enjoying the Outdoors: Al Fresco Dining at the Museum Cafe

Stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea

Art & Nature: Chichu Art Museum (YouTube link)