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)
Photo Gallery
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
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...