Maskay guide

What to Visit in Atami: MOA Museum’s Art and Views or Historic Kiunkaku?

Two institutions reveal different sides of Atami: art on a hill above the sea and a former villa-turned-ryokan downtown.

Maskay editorial team Updated
Atami is often associated with hot springs and seaside hotels, but two institutions reveal its cultural history from opposite perspectives. The MOA Museum of Art rises above Sagami Bay with Japanese and East Asian art, contemporary galleries and a tea garden. Kiunkaku, in town, preserves the scale of a house: built as a villa in 1919, it passed through wealthy owners and later operated as a ryokan. One visit looks out at artworks and the horizon; the other moves through rooms, materials and domestic life. MOA suits visitors with several hours who enjoy alternating galleries and panoramic views. Its collection has around 3,500 works, including three National Treasures, alongside a restaurant, café, garden and tea house. Adult admission is ¥2,000; hours are 9:30 am–4:30 pm, last entry 4:00 pm, and it closes Thursdays except national holidays. From Atami Station, take the bus from platform 8; the trip to the last stop takes about seven minutes. The hill and bus ride make it useful to check return connections. Kiunkaku requires less travel planning and offers a different story. Its architecture combines Japanese and Western buildings, a garden of about one hectare and preserved details such as period glass and carpentry. It opens 9:00 am–5:00 pm, last entry 4:30 pm, and closes Wednesdays except public holidays and 26–30 December. Adult admission is ¥610. Buses from the station stop outside the entrance, or you can walk if the weather and slope allow. The choice depends on your energy and interests. MOA offers a collection, exhibitions and high coastal views, while Kiunkaku brings visitors close to domestic life and Atami’s growth as a resort. Anyone with a full day can visit both, allowing for the bus back to town and checking their different closing days. For a short visit from the station, Kiunkaku is easier; for art and a broad horizon, the climb to MOA makes sense.

Profiles of the recommended places: MOA Museum of Art · Kiunkaku

Bottom line

Choose MOA for art, exhibitions and views; choose Kiunkaku for downtown architecture and heritage. If visiting both, check bus times and their different closing days.

Editorial selection

Options to compare

These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.

01
Japanese and East Asian art museum

MOA Museum of Art

26-2 Momoyama-cho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-8511, Japan

4.3 /5 6,579 reviews

On the hillside above Atami and Sagami Bay, the MOA Museum of Art brings collection and architecture together in a visit that begins before the galleries: the bus climbs from the station to the entrance in about seven minutes. Inside are around 3,500 works of Japanese and East Asian art, including t

Why it made the selection

A collection of about 3,500 works, three National Treasures, a Japanese garden, tea house and views over Sagami Bay.

Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm; last admission 4:00 pm. Closed Thursdays except national holidays; occasional exhibition-preparation closures may apply. Adults ¥2,000; the bus from Atami Station takes about seven minutes. Verified: October 12, 2026
View Maskay profile → Official website ↗
02
Historic villa and former hot-spring inn

Kiunkaku

4-2 Showa-cho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0022, Japan

4.3 /5 2,560 reviews

Kiunkaku tells the story of Atami’s rise as a retreat through a single residence. Built in 1919 as a private villa, it later passed to businessman Kaichiro Nezu, who expanded the estate and shaped its garden. In 1947 it became a ryokan and continued to welcome guests until 1999. Today the city-owned

Why it made the selection

A 1919 residence and former ryokan with Japanese and Western architecture, a 10,000-square-metre garden and historic baths.

Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm; last admission 4:30 pm. Closed Wednesdays (open on public holidays) and 26–30 December. Admission: adults ¥610; junior and senior high school students ¥360; elementary school age and under, free. Verified: October 12, 2026
View Maskay profile → Official website ↗
Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

  1. Official website of MOA Museum of Art ↗ Primary source MOA Museum of Art official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website of MOA Museum of Art ↗ Primary source MOA Museum of Art official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official website of Kiunkaku ↗ Primary source Kiunkaku official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website of Kiunkaku ↗ Primary source Kiunkaku official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Official website of Kiunkaku ↗ Primary source Kiunkaku official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  6. Official website ↗ Primary source MOA Museum of Art official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  7. Official website ↗ Primary source Kiunkaku official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  8. Official website ↗ Primary source Kiunkaku official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  9. Visitor feedback and Google review summary ↗ Secondary source Wanderlog reproducing Google · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Exact Momoyama-cho listing shows Google 4.3/5 from 6,579 reviews and comments on collection, views, gardens and access; checked 2026-10-12.

  10. Visitor feedback and Google review summary ↗ Secondary source Wanderlog reproducing Google · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Exact Showa-cho listing shows Google 4.3/5 from 2,560 reviews and comments on architecture, garden and interpretation; checked 2026-10-12.

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