The Hakone Museum of Art located in Gora, was founded by Okada Mokichi in 1952. The art objects owned by the MOA Museum include three Japanese national treasures, including Korin Ogata’s ‘Red and White Plum Blossoms Screen’ and 65 art objects designated as important national cultural assets. Museum is surrounded by beautiful garden, where you can enjoy amazing colorful leafs during the autumn.

The main building of museum displays ceramics from prehistoric times through the Edo Period (1600-1868). These include a number of large earthenware and ceramic vessels such as a haniwa burial statue classified as an Important Cultural Property. Unfortunately, photography of exhibits is forbidden, but I ensure, that it’s really worth seeing! Except of Japanese finds, there are items from China and Korea as well. One of the most incredible ones, were wide and big jars. Even though, the oldest one was made in the 11th century, it still didn’t get damaged. I have no idea how it remained such a long time. Also, exhibition includes several small items, like litlle plates, rise bowls, tea cups and flowerpots. Some of them are decorated with beautiful, tiny painted details.

The Hakone Museum of Art is famous for beautiful gardens and many people, who are not interested in art come there just to admire the nature. Regardless of season, it’s worth seeing anytime. In spring and summer, you can walk through the moss garden of lush greenery, in autumn you can enjoy Bush Clover Path and observe changing colors of autumn leafs and you can watch landscape of bamboo garden in winter. I visited the museum in November, when Japanese maples change the colors of leafs. All the garden was colored with deep red, orange and yellow. It looked just like a view from the postcard. Pictures of autumn view, that I found in tourist guide book before coming, are not false at all! The most beautiful places of autumn view are Bush Clover Path, Moss Garden and the Sekirakuen Garden, which is open only on weekends, national holidays and everyday during the month of November. There is also a teahouse where green tea is served for a small fee.

Summary

Hakone Museum of Art is one of the best tourist spot of historical value in Hakone. I recommend you to come here in November, when you can enjoy the most adorable views of the garden. However, it’s really crowded during the autum, then it’s better to come here in early morning.

Weronika Golubska

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* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.