Local Guide
 Six recommended museums in Hakone. From authentic to unique museums

Hakone, a tourist destination that boasts high name recognition throughout Japan, is also known for its large number of art museums. There are dozens of museums in Hakone alone, ranging from those that collect paintings and sculptures to those that deal in specialized items such as tableware and miniatures. Among them, we will introduce a selection of popular museums with photogenic artworks and architecture.

Authentic works by impressionist painters such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, etc.

 Claude Monet
Claude Monet "Waterlilies Pond" (1899), oil on canvas, 88.6 x 91.9 cm

Designed to be flooded with light in harmony with the forests of Sengokuhara

 Barrier-free museum interior
Barrier-free museum interior

The museum is located at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level, nestled in the forest of Sengokuhara in Hakone. The four-story building with two stories above ground and two below is designed to coexist with nature by keeping the height of the above-ground portion of the building low and placing most of it underground. In addition, the ceiling and some of the walls on the top floor are designed with glass walls to let in a lot of light. Sunlight shines through the white walls and floors, creating a bright and comfortable space.
In addition, beech and himeshara trees grow in clusters around the museum. Along the promenade leading into the forest, 21 sculptures are scattered, allowing visitors to enjoy art along with nature.

POLA ART MUSEUM
  • address (e.g. of house) 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  •  Direction 10 minutes by car from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station or Gora Station, get off at "Pola Museum of Art" and walk about 1 minute.
  •  Business hours 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  •  Regular holidays Open daily (closed temporarily for exhibition changes)
  •  Admission Fee Adults 2,200 yen, college and high school students 1,700 yen, junior high school students and younger free
  •  TEL 0460-84-2111
  •  Parking Charged

Open-air art museum where visitors can enjoy artworks that blend into the landscape

 Beautiful fusion of Hakone's nature and art
Beautiful fusion of Hakone's nature and art

The first open-air museum in Japan, it is a short walk from the Hakone Tozan Railway's "Hakone Sculpture Forest" station and overlooks the majestic mountains of Hakone. The vast grounds of approximately 70,000 m2 are dotted with approximately 120 open-air works by famous Japanese and foreign sculptors such as Rodin and Taro Okamoto. Visitors can appreciate the masterpieces while taking a leisurely stroll through the grounds.
In addition, there are indoor exhibition spaces such as the Picasso Pavilion, restaurants, cafes, and a museum store. This is a museum that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Highlights include masterpieces of outdoor sculpture and Picasso's collection

 The fantastic
The fantastic "Symphony of Happiness" sculpture. You can also climb the spiral staircase to view it from above.

The highlight of the museum is the outdoor sculptures, including the symbolic "Symphony of Happiness" sculpture, which is dotted around the museum as if blending into the natural surroundings. The museum is located within easy reach of many masterpieces representing modern and contemporary art, and is full of power. The sculptures are integrated with Hakone's natural surroundings, so they look different each season.
The Picasso Pavilion is recommended for its indoor exhibition space. Approximately 300 works, including ceramics, oil paintings, prints, and tapestries, which Picasso began at the age of 65, are on display in sequence. This is a must-see exhibit that allows visitors to experience Picasso's diverse appeal, which is not limited to his paintings.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum
  •  Address 1121 Ninohira, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  •  Direction 2 min. walk from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Kakkonomori Stn.
  •   Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-yumoto Station, get off at Ninohira Entrance and walk 5 minutes.
  •  Business hours 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Adults 2,000 yen, college and high school students 1,600 yen, junior high and elementary school students 800 yen
    Discounts are available for advance purchase of web tickets.
  •  TEL 0460-82-1161
  •  Parking Charged

One of the largest museums in Hakone, featuring a wide range of Japanese and Oriental art from ancient to modern times

 The indoor exhibition area is approximately 5,000 m2, one of the largest in Hakone. The photo shows the 3rd floor exhibition room where a collection of Japanese paintings, mainly folding screens, is on display.
The indoor exhibition area is approximately 5,000 m2, one of the largest in Hakone. The photo shows the 3rd floor exhibition room where a collection of Japanese paintings, mainly folding screens, is on display.

This five-story museum is located in Kowakudani. Visitors can appreciate modern and contemporary Japanese paintings by Rimpa painters and Jakuchu Ito, as well as a wide variety of oriental art, with a focus on Chinese, Korean, and Japanese ceramics. Archaeological artifacts such as Jomon earthenware and haniwa terra-cotta tombs, as well as Buddhist art, are also on display, with approximately 450 items on display at any given time. Among them are "Openwork Bowl with Tatsuta River design in overglaze enamels" by Ogata Kenzan, a master potter of the Edo period, and other important cultural properties, which are well worth seeing.
Outside, there is a footbath café where visitors can relax while viewing the "Kaze Toki," a large mural painting 12 meters long and 30 meters wide depicting the Wind and Thunder Gods.

After viewing the art, relax in the beauty of the garden and go to a popular eating and drinking Property for lunch.

 Kaika-tei
Kaika-tei" is an atmospheric restaurant with a rich natural setting. The name comes from the name of a hotel for Westerners that was located here in the mid-Meiji period (1868-1912).

The garden on the grounds is approximately 15,000 m2 in size. It is a space rich in nature that takes advantage of the topography of Kowakudani, and the sound of waterfalls and mountain streams echoes pleasantly in the quietness of the garden. The seasonal flowers and plants, such as gingerbread and hydrangea in early summer and autumn leaves in fall, are also highlights of the garden, and late April to early May, when approximately 400 button plants are in bloom, is especially recommended. In a corner of the garden is the "Kaika-tei," a Japanese House renovated in the early Showa period (early 20th century), where visitors can enjoy a meal or a sweet treat while admiring the view of the garden. In addition to the famous "Mameajiten Udon" and kaiseki bento boxes available only from Friday to Monday, the menu for special lunch programs held in spring, summer, and fall are popular.

Okada Museum of Art
  •  Address 493-1 Kowakudani, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 19 minutes on foot from Odawaya Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from Odawara Station or Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at "Kowakuen" stop.
  •  Business Hours 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
    Kaikatei Meals 11:00-17:00 (L.O. 16:30), Coffee 14:00-, Garden 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  •  Regular holidays Dec. 31, Jan. 1, exhibition change period
  •  Admission Fee Museum admission: Adults and university students 2,800 yen, elementary, junior high, and high school students 1,800 yen, preschool children free of charge, garden admission 300 yen
    Footbath: 500 yen (free for museum visitors), 300 yen for towel
  •  TEL 0460-87-3931
  •  Parking Free (1 hour free when using only the garden, footbath, and Kaikatei)
  •  Memo Part of the garden is closed for construction. Admission to the garden is free until the construction is completed. Parking will be charged for those who use only the garden.

Discover the beauty of nature at an art museum nestled in a garden

 Shinzenkyo,
Shinzenkyo," a popular strolling spot in the park, is a registered national monument.

The Hakone Art Museum was designed by Mokichi Okada, the founder of the Hakone Art Museum, with an awareness of harmony with nature. The main attraction is the garden named "Shinsengo" that stretches in front of the museum's main building. The "moss garden" with approximately 130 types of moss and 200 maple trees, the "hagi path" with Miyagino bush clovers, the bamboo garden, and the "Ishi-Rakuen" with huge rocks and a mountain stream, offer a view of the changing seasons.
In the museum, pots and jars from old kilns such as Shigaraki, Bizen, and Seto ware produced in the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1333-1568) periods are on display.

A view of the garden decorated with moss and maple trees from the tea ceremony room

 Shinwatei, a tea ceremony room in the garden. Seasonal sweets and green tea are available.
Shinwatei, a tea ceremony room in the garden. Seasonal sweets and green tea are available.

The best time to visit for those who wish to appreciate the beauty of the garden is usually around November, when the maple trees in the moss garden change color all at once. Looking out over the garden from the teahouse in the garden, you will feel as if you have stepped into a painting. The elegant scenery will calm your mind as you enjoy seasonal sweets and powdered green tea in the teahouse blending in with the autumn leaves.
The museum store is also popular as a resting place with a large glass wall and a view of the moss garden across the mountain stream.

Hakone Art Museum
  •  Address 1300 Gora, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  •  Direction 1 minute walk from Koenjo Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car.
  •   Direction Take a bus from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at Hakone Museum of Art.
  •  Hours of Operation Apr-Nov 9:30-16:30, Dec-Mar ~16:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
    Shinwatei" tea ceremony room 10:00-15:30
  •  Regular holiday Thursdays (open on national holidays), year-end and New Year's holidays
  •  Admission FeeAdults 1,430 yen, High school and university students 660 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
    Discounts are available for online ticket purchases.
    Tea ceremony room "Shinwatei" 800 yen per tea ceremony
  •  TEL 0460-82-2623
  •  Parking Free of charge

A collection of precious Venetian glass masterpieces

 The interior of the
The interior of the "Venetian Glass Museum," which is modeled after the ceiling of the "Palazzo Ducale" in Venice.

This museum specializes in Venetian glass. The park is centered around a large garden and includes the Museum of Venetian Glass, the Museum of Contemporary Glass Art, and an Italian Restaurant.
The Venetian Glass Museum exhibits approximately 100 pieces of Venetian glass from the 15th and 16th centuries, when Venetian glass was at its most prosperous, to the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors are free to take photos of all the pieces, including the "Goblet with Lid with Dotted Floral Design," a masterpiece from the Renaissance period. The interior of the museum, which is a recreation of a European aristocratic pavilion, is also worth seeing, especially the room with the gorgeous chandelier.

An outdoor glass exhibit that shines with glittering light

 Located in a prime location overlooking Owakudani Valley. Works of art in the garden include the
Located in a prime location overlooking Owakudani Valley. Works of art in the garden include the "Corridor of Light," which is approximately 9 meters high and 10 meters long

The bridge leading from the entrance of the Venetian Glass Museum to the gardens features the popular installation "Corridor of Light," made of approximately 160,000 pieces of 16-sided crystal glass that emit a dazzling seven-color light when exposed to sunlight. After circling the garden while viewing the outdoor artworks, visitors can visit the Museum of Contemporary Glass Art, where they can view works by contemporary glass artists. While admiring the works of contemporary glass artists, visitors can purchase glassware at the museum store, which carries 100,000 items in approximately 5,000 varieties.
Visitors can also enjoy a live canzone performance by an Italian singer at the park's Restaurant.

Hakone Glass Forest Museum
  •  Address 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  •  Direction 10 minutes by car from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  •   Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-yumoto Station, get off at Tawaraseki/Hakone Glass Forest and walk about 1 minute, or take a bus from Gora Station and get off at Hakone Glass Forest.
  •  Hours of Operation 10:00-17:30 (last admission at 17:00)
  •  Regular holiday January: 11 days from the day after Adult's Day
  •  Admission Fee Adults 1,800 yen, 65 years old and over 1,700 yen, college and high school students 1,300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 600 yen
  •  TEL 0460-86-3111
  •  Parking Parking lot No. 3 (5 min. walk) is free.

Soothing view of the world of one-twelfth miniatures

 Miniature reproduction of a dining room in a good old American house
Miniature reproduction of a dining room in a good old American house

The museum houses a world-class collection of dollhouses. A dollhouse means a small house and is an art craft based on one-twelfth the size of the real thing. Visitors are sure to find their favorites in the wide range of dollhouses on display, from antique dollhouses made more than 200 years ago to miniature reproductions of Showa-era shopping arcades.

One of the best dollhouse museums in Japan with two major collections in the world

 Haskell House,
Haskell House," a work highly acclaimed in England, the home of dollhouses

One of the most notable features of this museum is the high level of the works in its collection. This is the only place in Japan where the two largest private collections in the dollhouse world are gathered in one place. It is recommended to look around while deciphering the cultural and historical backgrounds and narratives of each country that each piece represents.
The museum store in Building 1 sells German dollhouses and miniature goods. Several times a month, the museum also offers miniature making workshops by professional artists, where visitors can make a small wooden house and other items (about 30 minutes).

Hakone Dollhouse Museum
  •  Address 84-55 Ashinoyu, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  •  Direction 10 minutes by car from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-yumoto Station or Gora Station, get off at Ashinoyu and walk about 1 minute.
  •  Business Hours April-October: 10:00-17:30, November-March: 17:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
  •  Regular holidays The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month (open every day in August), December 31-January 3
  •  Admission Fee Adults 1,200 yen, college, junior high, and high school students 1,000 yen, elementary school students 700 yen
  •  TEL 0460-85-1321
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Memo Call for details on workshops.

After enjoying sightseeing, how about a relaxing moment at a hot spring inn? Hoshino Resorts' hot spring brand "KAI" operates two unique inns in the Hakone area: "KAI Hot spring ryokan" KAI Hakone, an elegant hot spring ryokan located along a mountain stream, and "KAI Sengokuhara," an atelier hot spring ryokan where you can enjoy art experiences.

Hakone Gokochochi hot-spring hotel immersed in the history of the Tokaido Highway

 Japanese and Western-style rooms on the top floor are decorated with a variety of Hakone marquetry, including tableware, trays, and Othello cards.
Japanese and Western-style rooms on the top floor are decorated with a variety of Hakone marquetry, including tableware, trays, and Othello cards.

About 7 minutes by car from Hakone-Yumoto Station. This elegant hot spring ryokan is located along Hakone's old highway, facing the Sukumo River. From the bathtub filled with sodium chloride spring water, which is said to be good for a cold body, you can enjoy the seasonal beauty of Mt.
Guest rooms also overlook Mt. Yusaka and the Sukumo River, providing a quiet environment while listening to the murmuring of the river. The interior of the hotel is decorated with traditional Hakone marquetry, including tableware, hanging scrolls, and furniture, allowing guests to experience the culture that lives on in Hakone.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone
  • Address 230 Yumotochaya, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 7 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station by car
  •  TEL 050-3134-8092(Kai Reservation Center)
  •  Parking Available
  •  MemoClick here for reservation Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone Reservation Site

Stay in a Guest room with Outdoor hot spring and be surrounded by art and nature

 All Guest rooms have an Outdoor hot spring. All rooms have open-air baths and are Japanese/Western-style rooms with sofas on Ryukyu tatami mats.
All Guest rooms have an Outdoor hot spring. All rooms have open-air baths and are Japanese/Western-style rooms with sofas on Ryukyu tatami mats.

The hotel is about 30 minutes by car from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Sengokuhara, surrounded by majestic mountains and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, has been loved by many artists as a suitable place to devote oneself to creating artworks. Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara "KAI" is an atelier hot spring ryokan located in this area. Guest rooms are decorated with works of art created by artists who actually stayed at the hotel, allowing guests to relax and feel their brush strokes up close. The hot spring is a sulfate and chloride hot spring drawn from Owakudani, and a short soak will smooth your skin and warm your body. Please spend a moment surrounded by art and nature.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.