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Museums #1 in Atami

MOA Museum of Art

4.3 · 6,252 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation.
MOA Museum of Art, 26-2 Momoyamacho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-8511, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The museum contains a golden tea room, which is a full-scale reconstruction of the one originally commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century.

2

The circular projection ceiling in the entrance hall uses a high-resolution projector to display shifting kaleidoscope patterns.

3

The museum's collection focuses on works that emphasize the 'promotion of beauty' as a path to peace, reflecting the philosophy of the founder.

4

The site includes a sprawling Japanese garden that utilizes the natural hilly terrain of the Momoyama district.

5

The museum holds a significant collection of Ogata Korin’s masterpieces, including the 'Red and White Plum Blossoms' folding screens.

6

The escalator tunnel is carved directly through the side of the mountain to bridge the parking area and the main museum structure.

7

The museum periodically hosts performances in its professional-grade Noh theater, which features a cypress wood stage.

Overview

The MOA Museum of Art is located on a hilltop in Atami, Shizuoka, offering panoramic views of Sagami Bay. Established by Mokichi Okada, the museum specializes in East Asian art, including Japanese, Chinese, and Korean paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The collection contains three Japanese National Treasures and 67 Important Cultural Properties. Its architecture features a 200-meter-long subterranean escalator system through a mountain tunnel. The main building utilizes natural light, marble, and wood to create a minimalist environment for viewing historical artifacts. Visitors pass through a massive circular kaleidoscope projection in the main hall before entering the galleries. The grounds include a reconstructed traditional teahouse, 'Ichi-an,' and a Noh theater. The museum floor plan is designed to minimize elevation changes for accessibility. Large glass windows in the lobby provide unobstructed views of Hatsushima Island and the Izu Peninsula.

Photo spot

The main lobby’s floor-to-ceiling glass wall framing the ocean and distant island view.

Insider tips

Use the museum's internal elevator system to avoid the steep slope when walking between the tea garden and the main building.

Check the official schedule for special exhibition rotations, as the permanent collection is often supplemented by seasonal displays.

The cafe and restaurant areas feature glass walls designed to capture the ocean view; arrive early for a window seat.

What to avoid

Attempting to walk from the train station to the museum; the path is extremely steep and primarily serves vehicle traffic.

Good to know

Closed on Thursdays; occasional temporary closures for exhibit changeovers occur.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume in the galleries; photography is restricted in areas housing specific national treasures.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2.5-3 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-morning on a clear weekday to enjoy optimal visibility of Sagami Bay.
Address
MOA Museum of Art, 26-2 Momoyamacho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-8511, Japan
35.109, 139.075
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsOgata Korin’s 'Red and White Plum Blossoms' and the reconstructed Golden Tea Room

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2.5-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-morning on a clear weekday to enjoy optimal visibility of Sagami Bay..

The main lobby’s floor-to-ceiling glass wall framing the ocean and distant island view.

Close by you'll find Atami Plum Garden, Atami Water Park, Hashiri-yu.