Location
Hakone is home to over 20 museums, featuring world-class art, sculpture gardens, and cultural exhibits. This guide covers the best museums for art lovers, families, and culture enthusiasts. Explore Mt Fuji & Hakone on a full-day trip with sukiyaki lunch, Hakone Cruise, Ropeway & Shinkansen return
1. Hakone Open-Air Museum
Why Visit: Japan's first open-air museum with 120,000 sqm of sculpture gardens
- Collection: 1,200+ sculptures (Picasso, Moore, Calder)
- Admission: ¥1,600 (adult), ¥1,200 (student), ¥800 (child)
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (varies by season)
- Access: 2 min walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥200 discount Discover Mt Fuji's 5th Station, World Heritage Center & Owakudani volcanic valley on this scenic Hakone day trip
Highlights:
- Picasso Pavilion (500+ works)
- Symphonic Sculpture (climbable tower)
- Foot bath (relaxation)
- Kids' play area Best For: Art lovers, families, photography
2. Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Why Visit: Stunning Venetian glass art in romantic Italian gardens
- Collection: Venetian glass (15th-20th century)
- Admission: ¥1,500 (adult), ¥1,000 (student/child)
- Hours: 9:00-17:30
- Access: 10 min bus from Sengokuhara
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥500 discount
Highlights:
- Crystal corridor (photo spot)
- Glass-blowing demonstrations
- Italian gardens
- Afternoon tea (cafe) Best For: Couples, photography, glass art
3. POLA Museum of Art
Why Visit: Impressionist masterpieces in architectural masterpiece
- Collection: 12,000+ works (Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh)
- Admission: ¥1,800 (adult), ¥1,000 (student)
- Hours: 10:00-17:00 (closed Tue)
- Access: 15 min bus from Gora Station
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥500 discount
Highlights:
- French Impressionist gallery
- Japanese modern art
- Architecture (built into mountain)
- Cafe with garden views Best For: Art enthusiasts, architecture, quiet contemplation
4. Hakone Museum of Art
Why Visit: Japanese ceramics in traditional setting
- Collection: 1,500+ Japanese ceramics
- Admission: ¥1,000 (adult), ¥800 (student), ¥500 (child)
- Hours: 9:30-17:00 (closed Tue)
- Access: 10 min walk from Gora Station
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥200 discount
Highlights:
- Tea ceremony room
- Japanese garden
- Seasonal exhibitions
- Tea house (matcha experience) Best For: Japanese culture, ceramics, tea ceremony
5. Okada Museum of Art
Why Visit: Japanese and Asian art with hot spring baths
- Collection: 3,000+ works (Japanese, Chinese, Korean)
- Admission: ¥2,500 (includes onsen)
- Hours: 10:00-17:00 (closed Tue)
- Access: 10 min bus from Hakone-Yumoto
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥300 discount
Highlights:
- Onsen (hot spring bath)
- Japanese garden
- Rotating exhibitions
- Cafe with garden views Best For: Art + onsen combo, relaxation
6. Hakone Lalique Museum
Why Visit: Art Nouveau glass and jewelry
- Collection: Lalique glass (jewelry, perfume bottles)
- Admission: ¥1,500 (adult), ¥1,000 (student/child)
- Hours: 9:00-17:30
- Access: 10 min bus from Sengokuhara
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥500 discount
Highlights:
- Jewelry collection
- Perfume bottle gallery
- Glass-blowing shows
- French cafe Best For: Jewelry lovers, Art Nouveau, couples
7. Narukawa Art Museum
Why Visit: "Forest of Art" contemporary museum
- Collection: Contemporary Japanese art
- Admission: ¥1,500 (adult), ¥1,000 (student)
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Wed)
- Access: 15 min bus from Gora Station
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥300 discount
Highlights:
- Forest sculpture park
- Contemporary exhibitions
- Lake Ashi views
- Cafe with terrace Best For: Contemporary art, nature, photography
8. Hakone Museum of Photography
Why Visit: Photography exhibitions in historic building
- Collection: 4,000+ photographs
- Admission: ¥800 (adult), ¥500 (student/child)
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Tue)
- Access: 5 min walk from Gora Station
- Time Needed: 1 hour
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥200 discount
Highlights:
- Rotating exhibitions
- Historic building (1930s)
- Japanese garden
- Photography workshops Best For: Photography, history, quiet visit
9. Sengokuhara Folk Museum
Why Visit: Traditional Hakone life and culture
- Collection: Folk artifacts, traditional tools
- Admission: ¥500 (adult), ¥300 (child)
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Tue)
- Access: 5 min walk from Sengokuhara
- Time Needed: 1 hour
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥200 discount
Highlights:
- Traditional farmhouse
- Silk production exhibits
- Seasonal events
- Craft workshops Best For: History, families, budget travelers
10. Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Why Visit: Native Hakone plants in natural setting
- Collection: 1,700+ plant species
- Admission: ¥500 (adult), ¥250 (child)
- Hours: 9:00-16:30 (varies by season)
- Access: 10 min bus from Sengokuhara
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥200 discount
Highlights:
- Wetland boardwalk
- Seasonal flowers (iris, autumn leaves)
- Nature trails
- Visitor center Best For: Nature lovers, hiking, budget travelers
Hakone Free Pass
Coverage: Discounts at 15+ museums Discounts:
- ¥200-500 off per museum
- Unlimited transportation
- Other attraction discounts Price: ¥5,140-6,100 (2 days) Worth It?: Yes, if visiting 3+ museums
Hakone Kamonoyu Day Pass
Coverage: Museum + Onsen combo Price: ¥2,500-3,500 Worth It?: Yes, for art + relaxation combo
Art Lover's Day (1 Day)
Morning:
- 9:30: Hakone Open-Air Museum (2.5 hours)
- 12:30: Lunch at museum cafe Afternoon:
- 14:00: POLA Museum of Art (2 hours)
- 16:30: Hakone Museum of Art (1 hour) Total: 3 museums, 6-7 hours Cost: ¥4,000-4,500 (with discounts)
Family Day (1 Day)
Morning:
- 9:30: Hakone Open-Air Museum (kids' play area)
- 12:00: Picnic in sculpture garden Afternoon:
- 14:00: Sengokuhara Folk Museum (craft workshop)
- 15:30: Hakone Botanical Garden (nature walk) Total: 3 attractions, 5-6 hours Cost: ¥3,000-3,500 (family of 4)
Culture & Relaxation (2 Days)
Day 1:
- Morning: POLA Museum of Art
- Afternoon: Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
- Evening: Onsen at ryokan Day 2:
- Morning: Okada Museum of Art (with onsen)
- Afternoon: Hakone Museum of Art (tea ceremony) Total: 4 museums, 2 days Cost: ¥8,000-10,000 (with accommodation)
Opening Hours
Typical Hours:
- Open: 9:00-10:00
- Close: 17:00-17:30
- Last Entry: 30 min before closing Closed Days:
- Most museums: Tuesday (or Wednesday)
- New Year: Dec 29 - Jan 3
- Maintenance: Varies (check websites)
Admission Prices
| Museum Type | Adult | Student | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major | ¥1,500-2,500 | ¥1,000-1,500 | ¥500-1,000 |
| Medium | ¥1,000-1,500 | ¥800-1,000 | ¥400-600 |
| Small | ¥500-1,000 | ¥300-500 | ¥200-400 |
Discounts
Hakone Free Pass:
- ¥200-500 off per museum
- Valid at 15+ museums Group Discounts:
- 20+ people: 10-20% off
- Advance booking required Other Discounts:
- Students (with ID)
- Seniors (65+)
- Disabled visitors
By Car
From Tokyo:
- Distance: Approximately 60 km
- Time: 90 minutes (without traffic)
- Route: Tomei Expressway → Yokohama-Shinjuku Line
- Toll: Approximately ¥2,000-¥3,000
- Parking: Available at most attractions (¥500-¥1,000/day)
From Yokohama:
- Distance: Approximately 30 km
- Time: 50 minutes
- Route: Yokohama-Shinjuku Line → Local roads
- Parking: Available (¥300-¥500/day) Note: Traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays. Public transportation I highly recommend during peak seasons.
By Taxi
From Nearest Station:
- Time: 5-15 minutes
- Cost: ¥1,000-¥2,000
- Availability: Readily available at major stations
By Bicycle
Rental: Available at some stations and tourist centers
- Cost: ¥500-¥1,000 per day
- Recommended: For exploring local areas
- Note: Some areas have steep hills
Wheelchair Access:
- ✅ POLA Museum (fully accessible)
- ✅ Okada Museum (fully accessible)
- ✅ Hakone Open-Air Museum (mostly accessible)
- ⚠️ Some museums have limited access Facilities:
- Wheelchair rental: Available at major museums
- Accessible toilets: Most museums
- Elevators: Most major museums
1. Timing
Best Time:
- Weekdays: Less crowded
- Morning: Fresh, fewer crowds
- Autumn: Fall foliage + museums Avoid:
- Weekends: Very crowded
- Holidays: Extremely crowded
- Rainy days: Indoor museums packed
2. Budget Tips
Save Money:
- Buy Hakone Free Pass
- Visit 3+ museums for discounts
- Pack lunch (museum cafes expensive)
- Check for free admission days Free Admission Days:
- International Museum Day (May 18)
- Culture Day (Nov 3)
- Varies by museum
3. Photography
Allowed:
- ✅ Most outdoor areas
- ✅ Some permanent collections
- ⚠️ Check signs (varies by exhibition) Not Allowed:
- ❌ Flash photography
- ❌ Tripods (without permission)
- ❌ Video recording
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8-10 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, perfect for photos Late afternoon (4-6 PM): beautiful lighting, local life, less crowded than midday
What I Recommend
- Don't rush: Take your time to explore the side streets and hidden spots
- Talk to locals: They often know the best hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks
- Try the local specialties: Each area has its own unique food and souvenirs
Things to Watch Out For
- Some shops close on weekdays or have irregular hours
- Parking can be challenging during peak seasons
- Cash is still king at many smaller establishments
Yokohama Area
| Restaurant | Type | Official Website | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ringer Hat Yokohama | Ramen | 🔗 Official Website | 11:00-23:00 | ¥800-1,500 |
| Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes | Cafe | 🔗 Official Website | 10:00-20:00 | ¥1,000-2,000 |
Ringer Hat Yokohama
- 🏷️ Type: Ramen
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.ringerhut.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-45-XXX-XXXX
- ⏰ Hours: 11:00-23:00
- 💰 Price: ¥800-1,500
- 📍 Area: Yokohama Station
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes
- 🏷️ Type: Cafe
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.redbrick.or.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-Use the official Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website for current visitor support options.
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00-20:00
- 💰 Price: ¥1,000-2,000
- 📍 Area: Minato Mirai
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (busiest, make reservations)
- Cafe: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (relaxed atmosphere)
- Dinner: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (popular spots fill up quickly)
Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted at major restaurants
- Cash: Still preferred at smaller establishments and ramen shops
- IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Accepted at chain restaurants and cafes
Dietary Requirements
- Vegetarian options: Limited but available at larger restaurants
- Halal: Very limited, check in advance
- Allergies: Most restaurants can accommodate with advance notice
Useful Apps
- Tabelog: Japan's largest restaurant review site (English available)
- Google Maps: Check reviews and hours
- Omakase: Restaurant reservations
Summary
| Museum | Best For | Admission | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Air | Families, sculpture | ¥1,600 | 2-3 hours |
| Venetian Glass | Couples, glass art | ¥1,500 | 1-2 hours |
| POLA | Impressionist art | ¥1,800 | 2-3 hours |
| Art of Art | Japanese ceramics | ¥1,000 | 1-2 hours |
| Okada | Art + onsen | ¥2,500 | 2-3 hours |
Bottom Line: Hakone offers world-class museums for every interest. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must-visit, while art lovers should prioritize POLA Museum. Use the Hakone Free Pass for best value. Best For: Art lovers, culture enthusiasts, rainy day activities Budget: ¥1,000-2,500 per museum (less with discounts) Time Needed: 1-3 hours per museum
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Conclusion
Best Museums In Hakone Guide 2026 provides everything you need to make your Kanagawa trip smooth and enjoyable. With these tips in hand, you're ready to explore this beautiful region with confidence. Safe travels!
Anaba OffJapan — Avoid the Crowds, Go Deeper into Japan.
Best Museums In Hakone From traditional art to contemporary exhibitions, the museums in this guide showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Kanagawa. Plan your visit according to your interests, and allow enough time to fully appreciate each venue's unique collections.
