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)

Hakone Travel—Visiting Gora Park

Gōra Station (強羅駅 Gōra-eki)^[1] is a terminal railway station on the Hakone Tozan Line as well as the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, and is located in Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan. It is the transportation hub of Hakone, from where you can reach various resort towns in Hakone.

Once you arrive at Gōra Station, you might want to plan a one-hour trip to the Gora Park (強羅公園, Gōra Kōen).

Video 1.  Hakone Gora Park (YouTube link)

Gora Park

Gora Park (強羅公園, Gōra Kōen) is a western style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station. It is a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy the scenery and views of Hakone.^[2]

Gora Park is primarily a French styled landscape park featuring a large fountain and a rose garden. The park also has two greenhouses, one housing a tropical botanical garden while the other contains a flower garden. Additionally, there is a restaurant overlooking the main fountain, as well as the Hakuun-do Chaen teahouse.

Photo Gallery

Below photos were taken with a walk from Gora Station to Gora Park on 11/19/2018, a rainy day:

Figure 1.  An unknown restaurant on the way to Gora Park

Figure 2.  An unknown restaurant (closer view)

Figure 3.  A Cafe inside Gora Park which overlooks the Fountain

Figure 3.  View of the Fountain from the Cafe

Figure 4.  View of the Fountain from the Cafe

Figure 5.  View of the landscape inside the Park

References

1. Hakone (Wikipedia)
2. Gora Park
3. 園内マップ・施設 (Japanese)
4. Hakone Travel (Total 16 articles on this blogger)