Guide
The Hakone Museum of Art is the most historic museum in the Hakone area, located in Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture. Since its opening in 1952, it has focused on collecting Oriental art, with a particular emphasis on Japanese ceramics. The museum boasts a vast garden area of approximately 100,000 square meters known as 'Shinsenkyo' (the Land of the Immortals), which is designated as a national place of scenic beauty. This space creates a unique environment where nature, architecture, and fine art are seamlessly integrated. It is a place for a profound cultural experience where you can touch the essence of Japanese aesthetics in total silence.
The museum was established based on the founder's philosophy of contributing to cultural enrichment and global peace through art. Much of the collection was gathered with the mission of preserving Japan's exceptional cultural heritage and preventing the outflow of important works. The founder's design philosophy is reflected in everything from the architecture to the interior and the display cases, making the building itself a work of art. Furthermore, the surrounding landscape is maintained as 'Shinsenkyo,' preserving a cultural landscape that lives in harmony with nature.
In the exhibition rooms, you can admire a wide range of Japanese pottery, from Jomon period earthenware to jars and urns from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, and exquisite ceramics from the Edo period. In particular, the collection includes significant items such as the Haniwa (terracotta) male figure and flame-style pottery, which serve as vital witnesses to Japanese history. Additionally, the 'Sekirakuen' garden, centered around beautiful stone arrangements and massive rocks, is a highlight that is sometimes opened for special viewing. You can also enjoy matcha accompanied by seasonal Japanese sweets at the tea house 'Shinwatei,' which overlooks the moss garden.
The changing scenery of the four seasons is one of the museum's greatest features. Visitors can enjoy fresh greenery in spring, vibrant lushness in summer, brilliant autumn colors in fall, and a serene, quiet landscape in winter. November is especially spectacular, as the maple trees in the garden turn vibrant shades of red and orange. During this time, the 'Sekirakuen' garden, which is usually closed to the public, is often opened for special viewing on weekends and holidays, offering a deeper connection to the garden's beauty. The garden is most colorful during bright daylight hours, while the atmosphere becomes even more tranquil toward the evening.
Beyond viewing art, visitors can enjoy strolling through the gardens and participating in tea ceremonies. Savoring organic matcha and seasonal sweets while gazing at the moss garden offers a moment of healing away from daily life. You can also find unique museum-related items at the 'Korindo' museum shop. The entire experience is designed to engage all five senses with the natural landscape and traditional Japanese aesthetics.
The museum is located in the Hakone Gora area, near the 'Koen-ue' station of the Hakone Tozan Cable Car. The surrounding Gora area is a popular destination with many hotels, hot spring resorts (onsen), and other museums, making it easy to include the museum in your Hakone sightseeing itinerary.
To enjoy the museum and gardens comfortably, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. To protect the precious cultural assets, there are restrictions on photography in certain areas and a strict no-touch policy for exhibits. For payments, the museum accepts cash and credit cards (such as Visa and MasterCard). Purchasing tickets online in advance allows for smoother entry. While reservations are generally not required, it is recommended to check availability if you wish to use the tea house. Please maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor within the exhibition rooms to preserve the peaceful environment.