Hakone has long been celebrated as one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. Located just a few hours from the city center, this charming town in Kanagawa Prefecture is rich in cultural and artistic attractions, making it an enticing destination for art enthusiasts. While it is primarily known as an onsen town, Hakone also boasts some of Japan’s finest world-class art museums that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Hakone Open Air Museum
The Hakone Open Air Museum opened its doors in 1966 with a mission to foster a dialogue between nature and art. Nestled in the heart of the Japanese countryside, the museum features an extensive collection from both legendary international and local artists, including Miro, Rodin, and Yoshitatsu Yanagihara, all beautifully integrated into the expansive 77,000 square meters of grounds. One of the museum's highlights is The Picasso Exhibition Hall, which is dedicated entirely to the iconic artist and showcases over 300 works, including paintings, photographs, ceramics, and more.
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0407
URL: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/
POLA Art Museum
A pioneer in Japan's beauty industry, the POLA Group has expanded its ventures into the art world by establishing the POLA Museum of Art, which showcases the extensive private art collection of its late owner. Sharing a vision similar to that of the Hakone Open Air Museum, POLA aims to harmonize Hakone's lush natural surroundings with fine arts. To achieve this, the museum's architecture is primarily designed to be underground, minimizing human impact and preserving the natural ecology.
The museum's permanent collection features exquisite European art from renowned artists such as Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, and other masters of Impressionism. Additionally, the museum hosts regular exhibitions, including the upcoming Surrealism exhibition, which will showcase works by the legendary Salvador Dalí.
Address: 1285 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631
URL: https://www.polamuseum.or.jp/english/
Okada Museum of Art
As one of the newest additions to Hakone's vibrant museum scene, the Okada Museum of Art opened its doors a few years ago to showcase the impressive private art collection of casino mogul Okada Kazuo. The collection features a diverse array of art pieces that span from ancient to modern times, highlighting exquisite East Asian treasures from China, Korea, and Japan. After immersing themselves in the world of ancient art, visitors can relax with a refreshing drink at Kaikatei, a Showa-era tea house located at the entrance of the museum garden. To fully embody the spirit of Hakone, the museum also offers a complimentary foot bath for visitors, using natural hot spring waters to enhance the overall experience.
Address: 493-1 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0406
URL: https://www.okada-museum.com/en/
The Little Prince Museum
One of the most beloved children's tales, *The Little Prince* by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is beautifully brought to life at Hakone's very own *The Little Prince Museum*. The museum pays tribute to the author's life and upbringing by recreating a charming French townscape and a picturesque European garden. Nestled in the highlands of Sengokuhara, the museum is adorned with stunning illuminations every winter season, enchanting visitors until the first week of January.
Address; 909 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631
URL: https://www.tbs.co.jp/l-prince/en/
Hakone Museum of Art
Perfectly embodying the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics, the Hakone Museum of Art showcases collections dedicated exclusively to Japanese art, complemented by beautifully designed traditional gardens created by the museum's founder, Mokichi Okada. The main building features ancient ceramic pieces that span from prehistoric times through the Edo Period. Rich in the nation's values and culture, the museum is surrounded by lush nature that is best enjoyed in November when the autumn foliage is at its most vibrant.
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408
URL: http://www.moaart.or.jp/hakone/
Conclusion
Just a short drive from Tokyo, Hakone offers a blissful escape to a region brimming with picturesque scenery and aesthetic charm. Renowned as a dream destination for art collectors, Hakone showcases an impressive array of treasures for public viewing. The harmonious coexistence of nature, art, and architecture beautifully embodies the ideals of Japanese aesthetics. From contemporary masterpieces to ancient artifacts, art lovers will find endless opportunities for aesthetic enjoyment in this captivating area.