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.
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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
A Timeless Retreat: Founded in 1356, Choanji Temple is a serene sanctuary nestled amidst nature in Hakone, Japan. Its main hall, believed to date back to the temple's inception, exudes historical charm.
The Enchanting 500 Arhats: A highlight of the temple is the collection of 500 Arhat statues, each with a unique expression. These lifelike figures, crafted by contemporary sculptors, capture the full range of human emotions, from joy to sorrow. The statues are gradually being added to the bamboo forest, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.
A Seasonal Delight: Choanji Temple is renowned for its stunning seasonal beauty. In autumn, the temple grounds are ablaze with colorful foliage, offering a breathtaking spectacle.
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On November 21, 2024, we visited Choanji Temple to witness its autumnal splendor. We were rewarded with a breathtaking sight: the 500 Arhats, seemingly brought to life by the vibrant autumn foliage.
These 500 Arhats are disciples of Buddha who attained enlightenment. Each statue, with its unique expression, captures the full spectrum of human emotion, from joy to sorrow. The autumn colors added a layer of depth, making the statues appear even more alive.
Breathtaking vistas of the Torii Gate, Lake Ashi, and Mount Fuji (though obscured by clouds in this photo)
The Narukawa Museum of Art is a relaxing space where nature and art converge. If you are interested in Japanese painting, I encourage you to visit during your travels to Hakone.
Key Features of the Collection:
The museum boasts a collection of over 4,000 contemporary Japanese paintings, featuring numerous works by artists who have received the Order of Culture (文化勲章受章画家の作品).
Museum Highlights:
A Sense of Unity with Nature: Enjoy the serene ambiance and admire the majestic scenery of Lake Ashi while immersing yourself in the world of Japanese painting.
The museum's spacious lounge features large-paned windows
Enjoying the view of Lake Ashi from the lounge's sofas
An elderly gentleman enjoyed a peaceful moment amidst the autumn colors
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In Hakone, the presence of numerous museums with diverse themes reflects the competitive nature of the tourism industry in Japan, where many small businesses strive to attract visitors. Many of these museums boast impressive views, such as scenic landscapes or breathtaking vistas.
For the Narukawa Museum of Art, I'm particularly drawn to its Lake Ashi views, especially during rainy days. The museum offers comfortable seating areas with large windows, providing a perfect vantage point to observe the activities on the lake while enjoying the art.
The following photos were taken on November 19, 2024, a rainy day.
Sacred Trees in Japan: The Significance of Shimenawa
The courtyard of Amazake-chaya, featuring wooden tables and stools
Amazake-chaya, a historic teahouse in Hakone, boasts a 13-generation lineage. Their signature amazake (甘酒/あまざけ) has remained unchanged since the Edo period.
The teahouse holds an annual Yogoro Festival on December 14th, commemorating the 47 Ronin (四十七士). Enjoy free amazake from 7-10 AM, followed by a discounted price.
Experience the history of this iconic teahouse, as depicted in a famous Kiyochika (小林 清親) print.
A Sweet Sake Stall at Pass in the Hakone Mountains — 箱根山峠甘酒屋 春の日午後六時 (Source:浮世絵検索)
Photo Gallery
The following photos were taken during a visit on November 19, 2024, on a rainy day.
Miso oden (味噌おでん), 5 servings per plate, 500 yen (tax included)
Amazake甘酒—Non-alcoholic and sugar-free, the gentle sweetness is the result of rice malt
Traditional Japanese Gassho house with an open fire pit fireplace in the floor
Planning a Japan Trip in 2025? 9 Things You Should Know (YouTube link)
Did you know that Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka, Japan? It's a great time to plan a visit to Japan in 2025. This article summarizes nine tips based on Toshi Guide for planning your trip to Japan.
Expo 2025 in Japan
Japan will be organizing the next World Expo in Osaka, Kansai, from 13 April to 13 October 2025. Osaka is hoping to welcome 28 million visitors to Expo, which will focus on the theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives. Some 150 countries and 25 organizations will take part.
9 New Things in Japan from Toshi Guide:
Japan's ESTA System: With research and development already in progress, the Japanese government plans to launch the system by 2030. This will streamline entry for approved travelers.[5]
Shinkansen Changes: No non-reserved seats on Nozomi trains between Tokyo-Osaka from Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025.[4]Book Shinkansen tickets well in advance during this period.
Tax-Free System Update: A potential shift from a tax-free shopping system to a tax-refund system, estimated for 2025, to combat misuse.
New Travel Planning Service: Personalized tour guides and curated travel itineraries offered by the Toshi's service.
Donkey Kong Adventure at USJ: Opens on December 11th, 2024, offering a thrilling jungle adventure ride based on the Nintendo game.
Tokyo Skytree First Sunrise Event: Watch the first sunrise of 2025 from the Skytree observation deck (limited tickets available, reservations open Dec 2nd).
Japan Autumn Foliage Update: Peak season for red leaves in Tokyo and Osaka is expected around December 5th and 8th, respectively (later than usual).
Japan's Sake Brewing Recognized by UNESCO: Traditional sake brewing techniques to be recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Life-Sized Gundam Returns: The GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION will showcase the 18-meter tall Gundam statue from April 2025.[3]
JESTA will apply to travelers from 71 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Singapore, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Qatar, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE. Once implemented, these travelers, who currently enjoy relatively hassle-free entry, will need to complete the online authorization process before their trip.
