Enjoy a valuable collection and a beautiful view.
The MOA Museum of Art is at the top of a steep incline and can be reached by bus from JR Atami Station within 7 minutes. Based around the collection of founder Mokichi Okada, there are 3500 works which include 3 National Treasures, 65 Important Cultural Properties and 46 important works of art. It’s not just the full display of the museum but also the beauty of the location that is famous. From the main lobby, a grand panoramic view of 180 degrees can be enjoyed which include the sight of Hatsushima and Izu-Oshima Islands, along with a view from the Boso and Izu Peninsulas right up to the Izu Peninsula.
See a valuable collection that includes National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties
The 3-floor Main Building contains the display of art works. Within its 9 galleries, National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties and important works of art are on display. The wide-ranging works include paintings, writings, handicrafts, and sculptures. The East Asian art which centers especially on Japan and China has been praised for its artistic value and as subjects of research. Even within this fine collection, a particularly famous work is Korin Ogata’s “The Folding Screen of Red and White Plum Blossoms” (National Treasure) which is a supreme Japanese work of art that has been featured in Japanese textbooks. Afterwards, Ogata’s Rinpa style of painting not only influenced Japanese art of later generations but also had a large effect on the artist Gustav Klimt 200 years later. However, this particular work can only be viewed for just one month a year from February to March since this is not part of the permanent display.
There are plenty of sights to see outside of the Main Building!
After appreciating the numerous works of art, why not take a break in the tea garden Ippaku-an? It was designed by master teahouse designer Nahiko Emori who had also been responsible for the tearoom at the Japanese embassy in Washington. With Western-style seating, you can enjoy matcha tea and Japanese confections that were organically made at MOA. Around Ippaku-an, there is the restored Korin’s Residence, the house of artist Korin Ogata and other highlights such as the Karamon and Katagiri-mon Gates. You will feel as if you’ve taken a trip back to the Edo Era.