Pola Museum of Art
ポーラ美術館
A museum in the rich forest of Sengokuhara, designed with an underground structure to harmonize with the natural surroundings. It houses a collection of about 10,000 works, gathered over more than half a century by the cosmetics maker Pola, ranging from French Impressionism to modern Japanese painting, allowing visitors to view works by masters such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. Highlights include the open, glass-walled architecture and the "Forest Promenade," a walking trail through the woods, making this one of Hakone's leading museums where visitors can enjoy art and nature at once.
A museum with an underground structure in harmony with the forest
Built in the forest of Sengokuhara at about 1,000 meters elevation, the museum has a unique structure with most of the building embedded underground to preserve the surrounding natural landscape. The open, glass-heavy spaces offer views of the beech forest through every season.
Masterpieces of Western painting by Monet, Renoir, and others
The museum houses a collection of about 10,000 works gathered over more than half a century by the cosmetics maker Pola. Visitors can view a wide range of works, from French Impressionist masterpieces by Monet's "Water Lilies," Renoir, and Cézanne to works by masters like Picasso and Chagall, as well as modern Japanese painting.
Enjoying art and nature on the Forest Promenade
Around the museum, the "Forest Promenade" has been developed to make the most of Hakone's nature, letting visitors enjoy forest bathing while strolling past outdoor sculptures and along boardwalks. The museum shop and restaurant are also well appointed.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
A season when the fresh-green beech forest harmonizes with the light inside the museum.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The autumn foliage along the Forest Promenade is spectacular, unfolding like a painting.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Visitors can appreciate the works in a tranquil atmosphere against a backdrop of snow-covered forest.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 1.5-2.5 hours to view
- Crowd levels
- Tends to be crowded on weekends during popular special-exhibition periods
- Best time to visit
- Weekdays or morning right after opening offer a relatively relaxed viewing experience
| Address | 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30), open during exhibition periods (occasional temporary closures) |
| Admission | Adults ¥2,200, university/high school students ¥1,700, junior high school and under free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 8 min walk from Gora Station (About 8 minutes by free shuttle bus (13 runs per day))
- 40 min walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station (About 40 minutes by sightseeing facility loop bus (Route S), get off right at "Pola Museum of Art")