MOA Museum of Art: A Cultural Haven in Atami

The MOA Museum of Art (MOA美術館), founded in 1982 in Atami City (熱海市), displays roughly 3,500 artworks, including three National Treasures (国宝), 67 Important Cultural Properties (重要文化財), and 46 Important Art Objects. Established by Okada Mokichi (岡田茂吉, 1882–1955), an enthusiastic art collector and founder of the Church of World Messianity (世界救世教), the museum reflects his goal of promoting Japanese culture and spirituality.

Visitors climb seven flights of escalators to reach the museum’s entrance, passing through the Circular Hall (光の天井), which features a large kaleidoscope artwork by Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda. The walk ends at Moore Square, where famous works like Henry Moore’s “The King and Queen” sculpture frame views of Sagami Bay (相模湾). From the main lobby, floor-to-ceiling windows provide wide views of Hatsushima (初島) and Izu Ōshima (伊豆大島).

The galleries, redesigned in 2017 by the New Material Research Laboratory (新素材研究所) led by Hiroshi Sugimoto (杉本博司) and architect Tomoyuki Sakakida (坂木田智之), incorporate traditional materials such as Yakushima cedar (屋久杉) and black plaster to enhance the atmosphere. The collection features notable works such as “Red and White Plum Blossoms (紅白梅図屏風)” by Ogata Kōrin (尾形光琳), a 17th-century tea-leaf jar with a wisteria design (藤壺茶壺) by Nonomura Ninsei (野々村仁清), and the calligraphy album “Tekagami Kanboku-jō (手鑑観牧帖).”

Among the exhibits, the 1327 “Ragaraja (愛染明王)” — an Important Cultural Property revered in Esoteric Buddhist traditions — highlights the collection's spiritual themes. The museum also features a reconstructed Golden Tea Room (黄金の茶室), initially designed for Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) in 1586, and a Noh theater (能楽堂) that hosts regular performances.

Dining options include Hana-no-chaya (花の茶屋), which serves traditional Japanese dishes such as soba, tempura, and tonkatsu, and La Pâtisserie du musée, showcasing desserts by pastry chef Toshihiko Yoroizuka (鎧塚俊彦).

The MOA Museum of Art (MOA美術館) serves as a symbol of cultural and spiritual growth, safeguarding Japan’s artistic heritage through its curated collection and peaceful setting. It exemplifies Okada Mokichi’s (岡田茂吉) commitment to combining art, tradition, and modernity.

Enjoy this very destination as part of the "Hakone - History, Nature and Culture" TOKYO MK TOUR, so follow the link below for details, and Contact Us today!

Let MK be your personal guide to Tokyo. Take advantage of our experience and hospitality to ensure your stay is smooth and unforgettable. Try our lineup of luxury vehicles and create a customized sightseeing trip around Tokyo with an English-speaking driver.

TOKYO MK TOURS