Art lovers and glassblowing enthusiasts won't want to miss the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum⭐. Explore a range of exhibits, including historical Venetian glass, contemporary pieces, and live demonstrations. The museum's scenic Hakone location adds to the experience. Allow 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the beautiful glassworks and gardens.
Live Music at the Museum Restaurant (YouTube link)
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On the 29th of March, 2024, the day began with tumultuous weather reminiscent of a typhoon. As the day progressed, the atmosphere at the Glass Museum, which I visited post-noon, transitioned to a cloudy and mist-laden scene. The gardens, veiled in a gentle fog, appeared all the more magical. In summary, my visit was quite enjoyable, complete with a delightful lunch break at the museum’s restaurant. The photographs accompanying this text capture the serene ambiance of that afternoon.
Venetian Jug Adorned with Dragons (19th Century)
SINTESI is the harmonious union of two glass pieces, each encasing a bubble, symbolizing the emergence of twin life entities
Ornaments Featuring Mosaic Glass Roosters
Venetian Tropical Fish (Circa 1920)
Venetian Cuttlefish (Circa 1950)
A pair of candle sticks with dolphin stem
This deep blue glass vessel boasts a stunning interplay of enameled and gold embellishments. While its solid base initially commands attention, a closer look reveals a surprisingly lightweight construction achieved through a masterful thin-glass blowing technique. This seemingly paradoxical combination of strength and weightlessness embodies the essence of Venetian glass artistry.
Late lunch break: spaghetti and homemade ginger ale
Introduction to Itchiku Kubota & Tsujigahana (YouTube link)
From Siberia to Silk
Itchiku Kubota, a Japanese textile artist, found inspiration for his stunning kimonos in a most unexpected place - a Siberian prisoner of war camp during WWII. Despite harsh conditions, the beauty of nature - the sun, sky, and mountains - offered solace and became a central theme in his later works. This experience, coupled with his artistic spirit, fueled his passion to recreate the lost art of Tsujigahana dyeing. Kubota's innovative "Itchiku Tsujigahana" technique allowed him to express the natural wonders he observed, resulting in the breathtaking kimonos showcased at his namesake museum. His story exemplifies the power of art to transform even the most difficult experiences into beauty.
Symphony of Light: A Journey Through Color and Cosmos in Silk
Itchiku Kubota's "Symphony of Light" isn't just a kimono collection, it's a grand artistic journey. Kubota envisioned 80 kimonos depicting the universe's beauty. He started with five kimonos forming a mystical sunset landscape, then expanded to include seasons and the cosmos. These oversized, unwearable kimonos are made with reflective silk, designed for dramatic display. By his passing, Kubota had completed 36 kimonos, showcasing autumn, winter, and the universe's vibrant core. "Symphony of Light" is a testament to his lifelong dedication to capturing the ever-changing light and color of nature and the universe's vastness.
Kubota Itchiku Art Museum Part 2 of 2 (YouTube link)
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The Itchiku Kubota Museum⭐⭐,which I visited on April 3rd, 2024, might be one of the best exhibitions I've ever seen. While photography wasn't allowed inside, I found a fantastic YouTube series called 'Kubota Kimonos - A History on Silk Documentary 10/10' that delves into Kubota's artistic journey, from Siberia to Kawaguchiko, and even offers glimpses of his incredible creations. Beyond the stunning artwork, the museum itself captivated me with its beautiful landscaping and architectural design. It was a truly enchanting experience.
箱根湿生花園 (Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands) is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in botany or enjoy natural landscapes. It’s located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park at Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan. The garden showcases a wide variety of wetland plants, including 200 species native to Japan’s wetlands, as well as grassland, forest, and alpine plants, totaling about 1700 species.
While spring and summer offer vibrant floral displays, the garden's beauty unfolds throughout the year, making it a worthwhile destination in any season.
Unveiling the Beauty of Hakone Botanical Garden (YouTube link)
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During my visit to the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands on March 31, 2024, I discovered that timing isn’t everything. Despite not arriving at the ideal moment, the serenity of the surroundings enveloped me, offering a tranquil escape as I wandered through the day. The thoughtfully curated paths guided me through a living tapestry of flora, arranged to reflect the progression of wetland ecosystems from their nascent stages to full maturity.
The Asian skunk cabbage(mizubasho) also flowers during this time, lasting until mid-April
The Katakuri (かたくり) blooms from late March to early April
The Katakuri (かたくり) blooms from late March to early April. The Asian skunk cabbage(mizubasho) also flowers during this time, lasting until mid-April
Commemorative signs highlight visits from Japan's Imperial Family, including Emperor Showa (昭和天皇)
