The best art museums in Hakone: harmony of art and nature

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s scenic Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is a cultural haven that seamlessly blends natural beauty with artistic expression. Renowned for its hot springs, lush landscapes, and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is also home to an impressive array of museums that cater to diverse artistic tastes and interests. Take a look at some of our favorite museums in the Hakone area—the perfect blend of both manmade and natural aesthetics. 

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

The Hakone Open Air Museum is a pioneering institution that artfully integrates its collection with the surrounding environment. Sprawling across a verdant hillside, it features an eclectic mix of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists, as well as special exhibitions and interactive spaces that invite visitors of all ages to explore art in a dynamic setting. Its outdoor galleries are complemented by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forested valleys, creating an experience where art and nature converge. The museum’s highlights include iconic works by artists such as Henry Moore and Picasso (who has an entire annex dedicated to his work), alongside a unique children’s pavilion and a relaxing hot spring footbath that adds a touch of indulgence to the artistic journey. For many, the centerpiece of the museum is a tower structure named “Symphonic Sculpture,” created by Gabriel Loire, which features a spiral staircase that goes up and is fully encircled by intricate stained glass windows.

The Narukawa Art Museum

The Narukawa Art Museum is a tranquil retreat with a view of Lake Ashi. It is a great destination for individuals who enjoy traditional Japanese art. This museum showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and delicate beauty of Japan's cultural legacy, with a focus on paintings in the Nihonga style. Its collection features pieces by well-known modern Nihonga artists that feature detailed representations of nature, seasonal motifs, and vivid landscapes. To give its exhibits a literary touch, the museum also has an area devoted to poet Mokichi Saito. The museum's tea room offers visitors a tranquil setting that combines creative inspiration with the beauty of nature. The tea lounge's huge windows offer sweeping views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.

The POLA Art Museum

Another highlight of Hakone is the POLA Art Museum, which blends contemporary architecture with a remarkable collection of Japanese and Western art. In addition to Japanese artists Ito Shinsui and Yokoyama Taikan, the museum features pieces by well-known European masters like Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. The museum is tucked away in a verdant forest, and its architecture places a strong emphasis on blending in with the natural environment. It features wide glass windows that let in plenty of light and create a calm atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy art on the nearby walking trails as well as the serene beauty of the wooded surroundings outside the museum.

The Hakone Museum of Art

The oldest art museum in the area, the Hakone Art Museum, honors the classic charm of traditional Japanese ceramics. It is also notable for its beautiful moss garden. Its collection offers a thorough understanding of the development of pottery in Japan and concentrates on traditional Japanese ceramics, ranging from the ancient Jomon period to the Edo century. Carefully tended with more than 130 types of moss, the museum's moss garden is a work of art in and of itself, offering a calm and ethereal environment that varies with the seasons. In the garden, visitors can also take pleasure in a traditional tea house, where the tea art enhances the museum's visual appeal. The Hakone Art Museum is a treasured cultural treasure because of its harmonious fusion of nature and artistry.

Other attractions to see in Hakone

How to get to and around Hakone

For most travelers, going to Hakone is most often done from Tokyo, as its close proximity in the next prefecture makes it easily accessible. For this route, most will disembark from Shinjuku Station, as the Odakyu Line that departs from here goes all the way out to Odawara (nearby Hakone) and up to Hakone Yumoto itself. 

Some other great rail pass options for Hakone include the Fuji Hakone Pass that also goes towards the Fuji Five Lakes area and the Hakone Kamakura Pass, that also covers travel to Kamakura, another great, history-filled destination in Kanagawa Station!

Another option for getting out to Hakone is the Shinkansen bullet train, though it doesn’t go all the way out to Hakone Yumoto Station directly. From Tokyo Station, the Tokaido Shinkansen can be ridden out to Odawara Station, and then from there, the local Odakyu Line can be taken to get closer to central Hakone. The same train can be taken from Kyoto Station out to Odawara. 

For those who are able to rent a car, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours of total driving time, depending on the route. There are a good amount of toll roads to keep mindful of for this route.