Hakone Museum of Art (Kanagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | The Charm of Japan’s Oldest-Class Ceramic Collection and Spectacular Garden
The Hakone Museum of Art, located in Gora, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, is the oldest museum in Hakone, having opened on June 15, 1952 (Showa 27). It is known for its collection centered on ceramics among East Asian and Japanese art, displaying precious works spanning Japanese ceramic history from Jomon pottery to Edo-period colored porcelain. The Japanese gardens surrounding the museum, including moss gardens and bamboo gardens, are also major attractions, offering a special space where natural beauty and art of all seasons harmonize.
History and Establishment of Hakone Museum of Art
The Hakone Museum of Art was founded by Mokichi Okada (1882-1955). Known as both a religious leader and businessman, Okada was also an excellent art collector who opened the museum in Hakone based on the philosophy of “enriching people’s hearts through beauty.”
The museum’s collection policy, centered on ancient Japanese ceramics from its opening, has been consistently maintained to the present day. In Hakone, a tourist destination, it has served as a pioneering institution providing opportunities for serious art appreciation beyond hot springs and leisure activities, captivating numerous visitors for over 70 years.
Enriched Collection | Treasure House of Japanese Ceramics
Lineage of Japanese Pottery Beginning with Jomon Pottery
The Hakone Museum of Art’s collection begins with pottery from the Jomon period. Jomon pottery is among the world’s oldest pottery cultures born in the Japanese archipelago, characterized by powerful forms and unique patterns. The museum displays representative Jomon pottery including flame-shaped vessels, allowing visitors to experience the origins of Japanese ceramics.
Substantial Works from the Six Ancient Kilns
The six ancient kilns—Tokoname, Shigaraki, Seto, Bizen, Tanba, and Echizen—developed from the medieval to early modern periods and are extremely important production centers in Japanese ceramic history. The Hakone Museum of Art houses a wide range of works from these six kilns, from powerful, substantial everyday vessels such as pots, jars, and grinding bowls to tea ceramics.
Particularly highly valued are works such as large Bizen pots and Shigaraki seed jars, which, though simple, possess striking presence and represent the crystallization of beauty created by Japanese earth and flame. The beauty of the surface patterns created by ash and flame effects during firing, without the use of glaze, never ceases to fascinate viewers.
Brilliant Colored Porcelain of the Edo Period
With the Edo period came the full-scale production of colored porcelain, centered in Arita (Imari). The Hakone Museum of Art displays numerous fine examples of Hizen porcelain such as Imari and Nabeshima wares.
Imari porcelain is characterized by brilliant colors of red, green, and gold, along with precise patterns, and was exported to Europe where it became known worldwide as “IMARI.” Nabeshima porcelain, on the other hand, was fired at the Saga clan’s official kiln as tribute ware, featuring refined design and advanced techniques.
These colored porcelains represent the technical and artistic pinnacle achieved by Japanese ceramics and speak to the rich culture of the Edo period.
Other Notable Collections
Beyond the above, the Hakone Museum of Art houses various other Japanese ceramics. Through representative works from each era and production center—such as Old Seto from the Muromachi period, Shino and Oribe from the Momoyama period, and Kyoto pottery from the Edo period—visitors can systematically learn about the flow of Japanese ceramic history.
During special exhibitions, valuable works normally not on display are sometimes opened to the public for limited periods, offering new discoveries even for repeat visitors.
The Charm of Japanese Gardens Colored by the Four Seasons
Moss Garden | A Healing Space of Green Carpeting
A discussion of the Hakone Museum of Art cannot omit the Japanese garden surrounding the museum. Among these, the moss garden is the greatest highlight, creating a beautiful landscape where approximately 130 varieties of moss harmonize with Japanese maples.
Covering approximately 2,000 tsubo, the moss garden spreads like a green carpet with Japanese maples scattered throughout, truly an artwork woven by nature. It presents different faces throughout the four seasons—fresh green in early summer, autumn foliage, and snowy winter scenery.
Spectacular Views in Autumn Foliage Season
The autumn foliage at the Hakone Museum of Art is known as among the most beautiful in the Hakone area. The best viewing period is typically early to mid-November, when the maples in the moss garden turn brilliant red, creating breathtakingly beautiful scenery against the green moss.
During foliage season, many tourists visit, but the spacious garden allows for relatively leisurely viewing. Visiting during the quiet morning hours allows for a more ethereal atmosphere.
Bamboo Garden and Stone Music Garden
Beyond the moss garden, there are gardens with different characters such as the bamboo garden and stone music garden. The bamboo garden creates a refreshing atmosphere with lush bamboo groves, providing a cool space even in summer.
The stone music garden is a powerfully shaped garden featuring large rocks and mountain streams, expressing the grandeur of nature. The pleasant sound of water flowing through the rocks makes visitors forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Herb Path
In autumn, the herb path is also not to be missed. Walking along the small path where herb flowers bloom abundantly allows full appreciation of the mood of a Japanese autumn. Benches are placed throughout the garden for leisurely viewing.
Matcha Experience at Tea Room “Shinwatei”
The Hakone Museum of Art features a tea room called “Shinwatei,” where visitors can enjoy matcha and traditional sweets while viewing the garden. A moment to have matcha in a quiet tea room after art appreciation and garden walking is a luxurious experience of Japanese culture at its finest.
Matcha sets are provided for an additional fee, and matcha served with seasonal sweets offers a casual enjoyment of formal tea ceremony atmosphere. The matcha enjoyed while viewing the moss and bamboo gardens through the windows has an exceptional taste.
Access Information | How to Get to Hakone Museum of Art
Access by Train
From Hakone-Yumoto Station:
- Hakone Tozan Railway (bound for Gora) for approximately 41 minutes, get off at “Gora Station”
- From Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car (bound for Souun-zan) for approximately 3 minutes, get off at “Koen-kami Station”
- Approximately 1 minute on foot from Koen-kami Station
The museum is located just outside Koen-kami Station, making access extremely convenient. The journey by Hakone Tozan Railway and cable car itself is part of Hakone sightseeing enjoyment.
Access by Car
Approximately 30 minutes from “Gotemba IC” on the Tomei Expressway, or approximately 40 minutes from “Odawara-nishi IC.” The museum has a parking lot, but early arrival is recommended during busy seasons such as the autumn foliage period.
Address
1300 Gora, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Closed Days
Opening Hours
- April–November: 9:30–16:30 (last admission 16:00)
- December–March: 9:30–16:00 (last admission 15:30)
Closing times vary by season, so confirmation before visiting is recommended.
Admission Fee
- General: ¥1,430
- University and high school students: ¥900
- Junior and elementary school students: ¥400
※Fees may change, so please check the official website for the latest information.
Closed Days
- Thursdays (open if a holiday)
- Year-end and New Year period
- Periods when displays are being changed
Opening schedules may change during special exhibitions or planned exhibitions, so confirmation on the official website before visiting is recommended.
How to Enjoy Hakone Museum of Art | Visit Tips
Recommended Visiting Periods
While the Hakone Museum of Art has beauty in all seasons, the autumn foliage season (early to mid-November) is especially recommended. The maples in the moss garden are most beautifully colored, and many photography enthusiasts visit during this time.
Conversely, the fresh green season (May–June) is also a hidden gem period to enjoy the garden quietly, with vivid moss green. During the rainy season, moss shines more beautifully, offering a unique charm found only on rainy days.
Time Duration Guide
Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for museum exhibition viewing and 30 minutes to 1 hour for garden walking is standard. Allowing approximately an additional 30 minutes if enjoying matcha at the tea room is wise. Approximately 2 hours total allows leisurely enjoyment.
Photography
Photography is permitted in the gardens but prohibited in exhibition rooms. The beautiful garden scenery is worth documenting, but care should be taken not to interfere with other visitors’ appreciation.
Combining with Surrounding Attractions
Art Museum Tour in the Gora Area
The Gora area where the Hakone Museum of Art is located has other charming museums scattered about. Multiple facilities such as Hakone Hakone-Gora Park and Hakone Meissen Antique Art Museum can be visited on foot.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Located one station away on the Hakone Tozan Railway, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is Japan’s first outdoor art museum centered on outdoor sculpture. It offers a contemporary art experience in contrast to the Hakone Museum of Art.
Pola Museum of Art
The Pola Museum of Art in the Sengokuhara area is known for its collection centered on Impressionist and 20th-century Western paintings. Appreciating East Asian and Japanese art at the Hakone Museum of Art and Western art at the Pola Museum provides an enriched art experience.
Combining with Hot Spring Facilities
The Gora area has many day-use hot spring facilities, and relaxing in hot springs after museum appreciation is recommended. Popular facilities such as Tenzan Yujiro are nearby.
Gourmet Information | Nearby Restaurants and Cafes
Restaurants in the Gora Area
The area around Gora Station has various dining options such as the eel specialist “Unagi Tomoei” and the stylish “NARAYA CAFE.” The Hakone Museum of Art has no restaurant or cafe in the facility, but besides the matcha set at the tea room, dining uses surrounding establishments.
Lunch Recommendations
Enjoying lunch around Gora Station before or after museum appreciation is recommended. Abundant options include cuisine using Hakone ingredients and restaurants with fine views. Some popular restaurants require reservations, so checking in advance is wise.
Precautions When Visiting Hakone Museum of Art
Clothing and Belongings
The garden has slopes and stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Especially during the foliage season or in rainy weather, the ground becomes slippery and caution is necessary.
Even in summer, the garden has much shade and is relatively cool, though bringing something to drink for hydration is advisable. In winter, do not forget cold-weather preparation.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Weekends and holidays during the autumn foliage season are particularly crowded. Visiting shortly after opening or on weekdays is recommended. Additionally, rainy days are typically less crowded, and the rainy garden has its own charm.
Barrier-Free Information
The garden has many stairs and slopes with limited wheelchair accessibility. While exhibition rooms are relatively flat, calling the museum before visiting to confirm is recommended.
Reviews and Reputation of Hakone Museum of Art
Visitors frequently comment, “I was moved by the beauty of the moss garden,” “The ceramic collection is wonderful,” and “The quiet, serene atmosphere is nice.” The garden receives particularly high evaluation, with many repeat visitors coming for the garden more than as an art museum.
Conversely, some opinions include “The exhibition room is somewhat small” and “The museum would be better with a cafe or restaurant inside.” However, the compact nature allows for focused engagement with works, and the tea room matcha experience serves as a dining alternative.
Summary | Fully Appreciating the Charm of Hakone Museum of Art
The Hakone Museum of Art is a cultural facility representing Hakone, where masterpieces of Japanese ceramics and beautifully seasonal gardens harmonize. The collection systematically teaching Japanese ceramic history from Jomon pottery to Edo-period colored porcelain is clearly displayed not only for art enthusiasts but also those encountering ceramics for the first time.
The landscape woven by the moss garden and maples presents different faces with each season, offering new discoveries with each visit. Particularly exceptional is the beauty during autumn foliage season, becoming a highlight of Hakone sightseeing.
Including the matcha experience at the tea room, one can experience the aesthetic sense of Japanese culture through all five senses in a luxurious time. When visiting Hakone, be sure to experience the harmony of Japanese beauty and nature at the Hakone Museum of Art. Combining with other tourist spots in the Gora area will make for a more fulfilling Hakone trip.
In the rich nature of Hakone, a special experience of touching Japanese traditional beauty awaits you at the Hakone Museum of Art.
