Guide to Hakone Museums 2025: Must-Visit Art Collections Near Tokyo
Hakone is a place of memories that I've visited many times since my student days. Just 85 minutes from Tokyo, it's like entering another world of art spaces.
The 7 unique museums house impressive collections ranging from world-famous masterpieces to traditional Japanese crafts. While weekends can be crowded with tourists and travel between museums can take time, the museum tour in Hakone is still a special experience.
Nature changing with the seasons, hot springs, and art. I think it's rare to find a place in Japan where you can enjoy such a luxurious cultural experience.
In this article, I'll introduce my favorite museums in the Hakone area without missing any. Whether you're visiting Hakone for the first time or are a repeat visitor, you're sure to make new discoveries beyond just hot springs.
Table of Contents
・The Appeal of Hakone Museums
・7 Recommended Museums in Hakone
・Area Information and Tour Plans for Hakone Museums
・Tips for Visiting Hakone Museums
・Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Hakone Museums
The Appeal of Hakone Museums
Hakone museums have a special charm that can't be found in other tourist destinations. I'll share the reasons why I've been visiting for over 10 years.
Hakone's greatest appeal is its excellent access from Tokyo. It takes just 85 minutes at the shortest from Shinjuku Station on the Limited Express Romancecar. If you take the train departing in the 9:00 AM range, you can enjoy museums from the morning. This is a valuable opportunity for tourists from overseas to enjoy both art and nature during their limited stay in Japan.
The collections of each museum are truly diverse, ranging from traditional Japanese art to Impressionist masterpieces and contemporary art. What's particularly noteworthy is that each museum is designed as an art piece itself. For example, the underground structure of the Pola Museum of Art and the Venetian-style building of the Hakone Glass Forest Museum are attractions in themselves.
Many museums also have guidance systems in languages other than Japanese. Audio guides and exhibit explanations are available in multiple languages, allowing visitors from overseas to gain a deep understanding of the works.
Most impressive is the harmony between Hakone's majestic nature and the artworks. The scenery of the mountains and gardens changing with the seasons enriches the museum experience. The autumn foliage season is especially magnificent, with the interplay between the garden's red leaves and the artworks creating an exceptional landscape.
7 Recommended Museums in Hakone
Hakone is dotted with unique museums, but I'll introduce 7 museums that you shouldn't miss. I'll guide you through the unique charms of each museum, incorporating my actual visit experiences.
Hakone Museum of Art
Source: Google Map
The Hakone Museum of Art, which has been preserving traditional Japanese art since its opening in 1952, is one of the museums I visit most frequently. The reason is that there's no other place where you can learn about the splendor of Japanese ceramics that have been passed down through the ages in such a systematic way.
The collection of ceramic works from the Jomon period to modern times offers a comprehensive content that traces the history of Japanese ceramics. In particular, the collection of representative works from each era allows you to experience the evolution of Japanese ceramic culture all at once.
The most notable attraction of this museum is the moss garden spanning about 700 tsubo (approximately 2,314 square meters). In this garden enveloped in silence, you can enjoy the beauty of Japanese gardens along with the scenery changing with the seasons. The moss garden is especially recommended after rain. The deep green moss shines even more vividly, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
Website: https://www.moaart.or.jp/hakone-en/
Access: About 41 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Line (bound for Gora) to "Gora Station", then change to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car (bound for Sounzan) for about 3 minutes to "Koen-kami Station", then about 1 minute on foot
Admission: Adults 1,430 yen, University and high school students 660 yen, Junior high school students and younger free, Senior (65 and over) discount 1,210 yen
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum, known as Japan's first outdoor sculpture museum, is a space where art and nature are in perfect harmony. What I particularly like is how the expression of the works changes depending on the season and time of day. The sculptures shrouded in morning mist are mystical, and at dusk, the works shine illuminated by the setting sun.
Over 1,200 sculptural works are scattered throughout the vast 70,000 square meter site. A museum exhibiting outdoor sculptures on this scale is rare even globally. The exhibition method that utilizes the undulating terrain is also wonderful, and the encounter with works that appear one after another while strolling is as enjoyable as a treasure hunt for art.
In the Picasso Pavilion inside the museum, you can closely appreciate the paintings of Pablo Picasso, a representative artist of the 20th century.
For photography enthusiasts, this museum is exceptional. You can photograph sculptural works from various angles with the Hakone mountains in the background. Especially on clear days, photos with Mt. Fuji in the background are excellent photo spots that capture the collaboration of art and nature in one frame.
Website: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/en/
Access: About 35 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Line (bound for Gora) to "Chokoku-no-Mori Station", then about 2 minutes on foot. Or, about 3 minutes from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Bus (S line) to "Chokoku-no-Mori" bus stop, then immediately
Admission: Adults 2,000 yen, High school/Vocational school/University students: 1,600 yen, Junior high school/Elementary school students: 800 yen
Pola Museum of Art
The Pola Museum of Art, nestled in the forests of Hakone, is one of the museums I always choose when guiding friends from overseas. The reason is that you can experience the rare opportunity to appreciate works by Impressionist masters in the special environment of Japanese nature.
The collection of Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet and Renoir, boasts excellent quality and quantity even by global standards. It also houses many modern Japanese paintings, allowing you to enjoy the contrast between Western and Japanese art.
The architecture itself is also a magnificent work of art. The innovative design that cleverly utilizes the underground structure creates an exhibition space that effectively incorporates natural light. The shadows cast on the works by light coming through the windows change with time, showing different expressions of the same work.
The walking trail in the forest surrounding the museum is also an important part of the art tour. The walk enjoying Hakone's nature changing with the seasons provides a pleasant break between art appreciation. The walking trail is especially magnificent during the autumn foliage season, allowing you to enjoy the richness of colors painted by nature.
Website: https://www.polamuseum.or.jp/
Access: About 27 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Line to "Gora Station", then take the free shuttle bus from the parking lot (No. 4) near the underground passage
Admission: Adults: 2,200 yen, University students/High school students: 1,700 yen, Junior high school students and younger: Free
Lalique Museum, Hakone
Source: Google Map
The Lalique Museum, Hakone, where you can enjoy the works of the French genius craftsman René Lalique, is a special place for me. The reason is that there's no other museum where you can appreciate the beauty of glass crafts in such an elegant space.
The collection of Art Nouveau jewelry fascinates visitors with its delicate yet bold designs. Especially the glass works shimmering under natural light are breathtakingly beautiful, showing various expressions depending on the angle of light.
The most distinctive feature of this museum is undoubtedly the cafe set in an actual Orient Express train car. One of the reasons I always guide my overseas friends here is this unique space. The experience of enjoying an elegant tea time inside an actual train car is like a time travel to Europe's golden age.
The museum's garden has a beautiful water lily pond, offering an elegant landscape that seems to reflect Lalique's world of works. Especially in summer, the water lilies bloom in full glory, creating a landscape like a Monet painting.
Website: https://www.lalique-museum.com/
Access: About 25 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Bus (T line) to "Sengoku Information Center" bus stop, then immediately
Admission: Adults: 1,500 yen, University students/High school students/Seniors (65 and over): 1,300 yen, Junior high school students/Elementary school students: 800 yen
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (Glass Forest)
The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, which feels like you've wandered into a corner of Venice, is a special place where you can experience the essence of Italian glass crafts. The reason I visit so often is that the exhibitions change with each season, bringing new discoveries every time.
The Crystal Palace of Light, which can be called the symbol of the museum, is a fantastical space that creates countless rainbows when it receives sunlight. It's especially beautiful on sunny mornings when the refraction of light is at its best, making it ideal for photography.
Here, you can not only appreciate but also experience the joy of creation through glass craft workshops. The workshops, which even beginners can easily participate in, are perfect for making souvenirs.
At the cafe, you can enjoy live performances of authentic Italian canzone, giving you the feeling of relaxing on a street corner in Venice.
Website: https://www.hakone-garasunomori.jp/en/
Access: About 22 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Bus (T line) to "Hyoishi/Hakone Glass no Mori Mae" bus stop, then immediately
Admission: Adults: 1,800 yen, University students/High school students: 1,300 yen, Junior high school students/Elementary school students: 600 yen
Okada Museum of Art
Source: Google Map
I'm always overwhelmed by the vast 5,000 square meter exhibition space of the Okada Museum of Art, the largest in Hakone. A major feature of this museum is its extensive collection of not only Japanese art but also East Asian art.
The attraction of this museum goes beyond just art. There's a foot bath cafe inside where you can enjoy Hakone's hot springs while contemplating art.
Also, don't miss the restaurant housed in a retro Japanese house. This restaurant, where you can enjoy meals in a traditional architectural style, exudes a presence like an exhibit itself.
Website: https://www.okada-museum.com/en/
Access: About 19 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Bus (H line) to "Kowakien" bus stop, then immediately
Admission: General/University students: 2,800 yen, Elementary/Junior high/High school students: 1,800 yen, Garden entrance fee: 300 yen, Foot bath fee: Free for museum visitors / 500 yen for foot bath only users
Narukawa Art Museum
The Narukawa Art Museum is a private museum located in one of the best viewing spots in Hakone. What moves me every time I visit here is the harmony between the wonderful collection of Japanese paintings and the spectacular view of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji from there.
The collection of Japanese paintings covers excellent works from modern to contemporary times. Thanks to the careful selection of works unique to a private museum, you can closely appreciate the individual works of representative painters from each era.
The museum's greatest attraction is the view from the observation lounge. The view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, which change expressions with the seasons, is as beautiful as a painting while enjoying tea time. Especially on clear winter days, you can see the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji dressed in snow.
Website: http://www.narukawamuseum.co.jp/en/
Access: About 32 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Bus (H line) to "Moto-Hakone Port", then about 3 minutes on foot
Admission: General: 1,500 yen, University students/High school students: 1,000 yen, Junior high school students/Elementary school students: 500 yen, Preschool children: Free
Area Information and Tour Plans for Hakone Museums
Hakone museums have unique characteristics in each area, and advance planning is important for efficient touring. Based on my experience of visiting Hakone for over 10 years, I'll introduce the optimal tour plan.
Museum Tours by Area
The museums in Hakone are divided into four main areas. Each area has its characteristics, allowing for efficient touring.
Gora Area: The Hakone Museum of Art and the Hakone Open-Air Museum are located here. This area is relatively convenient for public transportation. In particular, these two museums are within walking distance and can be visited in half a day.
Sengokuhara Area: The Pola Museum of Art, Lalique Museum, and Hakone Venetian Glass Museum are concentrated here. This area is rich in nature, and you can enjoy the scenery of Hakone even while moving between museums. Public buses and sightseeing facility buses run frequently, making movement relatively smooth.
Kowakidani Area: The Okada Museum of Art is located here, and it's also famous as a hot spring area. It's easy to plan a combination of art appreciation and hot springs, and the foot bath cafe is perfect for resting after touring museums.
Lake Ashi Area: The Narukawa Art Museum is located here. This area is the center of Hakone tourism, and you can combine it with many tourist spots other than museums, such as Hakone Shrine and sightseeing boats.
Public buses and sightseeing facility buses connecting these areas run frequently throughout the day. Using the Hakone Free Pass makes movement between areas even smoother.
Recommended Tour Courses
From my years of experience, I'll introduce the tour courses I particularly recommend. You can choose from the following three courses depending on your time and interests.
One-Day Course A: This plan focuses on the Gora area. Start with the Okada Museum of Art first thing in the morning, then move to Gora on the Hakone Tozan Line. Visit the Hakone Museum of Art and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. This course is easy to navigate using public transportation and can be confidently recommended even for first-time visitors to Hakone.
One-Day Course B: This plan centers on the Sengokuhara area. Visit the Lalique Museum first thing in the morning, then the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, and finally the Pola Museum of Art. This course is a luxurious plan where you can enjoy different artistic styles, from glass crafts to Impressionist paintings, in one day.
Two-Day, One-Night Course: This is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy the museums of Hakone. On the first day, visit the museums in the Gora and Lake Ashi areas, and stay overnight in Hakone. On the second day, visit the museums in the Sengokuhara area. This plan allows you to enjoy hot springs and have a more in-depth art experience with a relaxed schedule.
Tips for Visiting Hakone Museums
I'll share tips I've gained from my experience to maximize your enjoyment of Hakone museums. Please use these tips as a reference for a more fulfilling museum tour.
Convenient Tickets and Discounts
What I particularly recommend for touring Hakone museums is using the Hakone Free Pass. This pass is not just a transportation pass but also comes with discount benefits at various museums. In my experience, you can save about 100-200 yen per museum, which adds up to significant savings when visiting multiple museums.
In fact, museum admission fees are not cheap, but by cleverly utilizing these discounts, it becomes possible to visit more museums. Especially for students and seniors, additional discounts may be available, so I recommend always bringing identification that can confirm your age, such as a student ID or passport.
Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/discount_passes/free_pass
Museums Close by Evening
The most important point to note when touring Hakone museums is the closing time. Most museums close around 5:00 PM, with the last admission even earlier.
I also had the experience of not being able to enter because I misunderstood the closing time on my first visit, so I want to especially emphasize this point.
To enjoy the entire Hakone area, the best plan is to start museum tours in the morning and enjoy hot springs and meals from the evening onwards. Especially in winter, when the days are shorter, earlier action is required.
Also, some museums may change their closing times depending on the season, so I recommend checking each museum's website in advance. Especially on holidays and during the New Year period, operating hours are often different from usual, so caution is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Hakone Museums
I've compiled frequently asked questions about visiting Hakone museums and their answers. These are based on my own experiences and questions I've received from many people.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
I'll answer about the best season for visiting Hakone museums based on my experience.
The autumn foliage season from October to November is undoubtedly the highlight of Hakone museum tours. Especially in museums with gardens, the scenery created by the autumn leaves and artworks is exceptional. The gardens of the Pola Museum of Art and the Hakone Museum of Art show their most beautiful appearance during this time.
I especially recommend visiting on weekday mornings. It's relatively uncrowded right after opening, allowing you to appreciate the works at your leisure. You can even enjoy taking photos in front of popular works without feeling rushed.
Rainy days are actually suitable for museum tours. By focusing on indoor exhibitions, you can enjoy art without worrying about the weather. Also, there are fewer tourists on rainy days, often allowing for appreciation in a quieter environment.
On the other hand, it gets extremely crowded during long holidays like Golden Week in May and summer vacations. Especially at popular museums like the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Pola Museum of Art, there may be waiting times for admission.
In winter, some museums may close earlier, so I recommend checking each museum's winter schedule in advance. However, the view of Mt. Fuji from the Narukawa Art Museum on a clear winter day is a special experience unique to this season.
How Much Time Should I Allow?
Based on my experience, I'll give you specific advice on time allocation for museums.
Basically, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to thoroughly view one museum. However, this can vary greatly depending on the size of the exhibition and individual viewing styles. For example, at large museums like the Okada Museum of Art, it's not uncommon to take more than 2 hours.
For museums with gardens, you need to allow about 30 minutes extra for garden strolling. I especially recommend taking your time to stroll through the moss garden at the Hakone Museum of Art and the nature trail at the Pola Museum of Art.
Also, many museums have cafes and museum shops. Including time spent at these facilities, it's realistic to plan for about half a day per museum. In my experience, taking a break at a cafe is important for refreshing from art appreciation fatigue and building energy for the next museum.
Travel time between museums is also an important consideration. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes to move between museums, depending on the area. I recommend making a plan with ample time while checking the bus timetable.
Also, please consider time for taking commemorative photos in areas where photography is allowed. Especially in museums with many photo spots like the Hakone Open-Air Museum, photo-taking can take more time than you might expect.
Can I Enjoy with Children?
I'll answer based on my observations of families with children and actual experiences.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is the most popular museum for families with children. In addition to the vast outdoor space where children can move around freely, there are also plenty of experience programs for children. In particular, the exhibits where children can touch outdoor sculptures naturally stimulate their interest in art.
The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum is also popular with families. The regularly held glass craft experience classes have programs prepared for children of different ages. Being able to take home their own creations as souvenirs will be a special memory for children.
However, when visiting multiple museums, it's necessary to plan considering children's stamina. From my observations, I feel that about two museums per day is appropriate when with children. Especially when there's a lot of moving around, children are more likely to get tired.
How to Combine with Hot Springs?
I'll advise you on how to skillfully combine Hakone museums and hot springs based on my experience.
First, using day-trip hot spring facilities is ideal as a finale to museum tours. I especially recommend the foot bath cafe at the Okada Museum of Art. You can casually enjoy hot springs between art appreciation and soothe your tired feet.
For those who want to enjoy hot springs more thoroughly, a one-night course is best. Considering the closing times of museums, the ideal plan is to start museum tours from the morning and enjoy hot springs from the evening onwards. There are many day-trip hot spring facilities in Hakone, which you can easily visit after touring museums.
What I always practice is visiting museums early and enjoying hot springs after they close. With this order, you can maximize the opening hours of museums and also relax in the hot springs to soothe the fatigue of the day.
Hakone museums offer more than just exhibition facilities. The unique personality of each museum, the harmony with nature changing through the seasons, and the healing elements unique to a hot spring area create a special art experience that can only be had here.
I myself have been visiting Hakone museums for over 10 years, but I make new discoveries every time I visit. The scenery that changes with the seasons, new encounters at special exhibitions, and the numerous permanent exhibits that touch my heart every time I see them. I'm convinced that these experiences can only be savored in the special place that is Hakone.
I hope this guide will be helpful for your Hakone museum tour. Please enjoy your special day in Hakone where art and nature intertwine to the fullest.
