
Pola Museum of Art
A modern museum in Hakone's forest, showcasing Impressionist to contemporary art with a unique nature trail and sculptures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Pola Museum of Art
Best Time
Enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern museum in Hakone's forest, showcasing Impressionist to contemporary art with a unique nature trail and sculptures.
"Art, food, and nature — the perfect balance."

🎯 Shuttle Service Available
A free shuttle from Gora Station makes getting here easy! Check the schedule online.
🎒 Free Lockers Provided
Secure your belongings in free lockers, perfect for backpacks and umbrellas.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 5,368 reviews
Type
Art museum
Website
polamuseum.or.jpHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Colors' Exhibition
A highly acclaimed exhibition focusing on the impact and secrets of color, featuring diverse artistic periods.

Impressionist and Modern Masters
Admire works by Cézanne, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso, displayed in a modern, elegant setting.

Outdoor Sculpture and Nature Trails
Wander through the surrounding forest to discover outdoor sculptures and enjoy peaceful nature walks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Forest Setting
Check Exhibition Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Shuttle Service Available
A free shuttle from Gora Station makes getting here easy! Check the schedule online.
🎒 Free Lockers Provided
Secure your belongings in free lockers, perfect for backpacks and umbrellas.
🌳 Explore the Forest Trail
Don't miss the nature trails with outdoor art; different lengths available.
🍽️ Museum Restaurant Dining
Enjoy a meal at the museum restaurant for a balanced art, food, and nature experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Shuttle Service Available
A free shuttle from Gora Station makes getting here easy! Check the schedule online.
🎒 Free Lockers Provided
Secure your belongings in free lockers, perfect for backpacks and umbrellas.
🌳 Explore the Forest Trail
Don't miss the nature trails with outdoor art; different lengths available.
🍽️ Museum Restaurant Dining
Enjoy a meal at the museum restaurant for a balanced art, food, and nature experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pola Museum of Art for its stunning blend of art, architecture, and nature. The serene forest setting, combined with a thoughtfully curated collection of Impressionist to contemporary works, creates a peaceful and elegant experience. Many highlight the outdoor sculptures and nature trails as unique features that set it apart. While the art is appreciated, the harmonious integration with the natural environment is a recurring theme in positive reviews.
"A peaceful and elegant afternoon in the forest.
The collection features beautiful works by Cézanne, Monet, Picasso, and Renoir, all thoughtfully displayed in a serene, modern space.
I had lunch at the museum’s restaurant, then wandered through the forest trail surrounded by quiet and trees.
Art, food, and nature — the perfect balance."
LiamFromUK
"Such a cool museum. We saw the COLOR exhibit and it’s one of the best exhibits I’ve ever seen. So good we had to buy the book. There are lockers to store your backpack and umbrellas if it’s raining. These were especially helpful for the nature walk that was through a gorgeous forest. Art outside is my new favourite thing. Highly recommend if you’re in Hakone."
Tess Ciarloni
"As with most things Japanese the harmony of the art work, the architecture of the building and the surrounding nature make for a very appealing visit.
There is both a bus stop out front as well as a free shuttle to and from Gora. There are free lockers for personal items as well as cables to secure large suitcases in case this is your last activity on the way out.
The colours exhibition was memorable and well curated. Do also have a stroll in the forest. There are short, medium and long options for the walk and you get to see some of the fantastic supporting structure that makes this building float on the mountain.
The Japanese stewartia trees make a compelling argument that nature is the best artist."
L Can
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station. From Gora, you can take a free shuttle bus directly to the Pola Museum of Art.
Yes, a free shuttle bus operates between Gora Station and the Pola Museum of Art, making access convenient.
Yes, local buses also serve the museum, offering a scenic drive through the lush vegetation of Hakone.
The Hakone Free Pass is recommended for easy travel on various modes of transport, including trains, buses, and ropeways, allowing you to explore the area before or after your museum visit.
Yes, the museum is accessible by car, and there is parking available. However, navigating Hakone's roads can be challenging, so public transport or the shuttle is often preferred.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. It is usually closed on Tuesdays, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours and any special holiday closures.
Admission fees vary depending on current exhibitions. General admission is around ¥2,000 for adults, with discounts for students and children. Special exhibitions may have separate or additional charges.
While tickets can often be purchased at the museum, buying them in advance online is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for popular special exhibitions, to avoid queues.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. Some passes, like the Hakone Free Pass, might offer minor discounts on museum entry. Check the museum's website for details.
Time slot bookings are not always mandatory, but for popular special exhibitions, it's advisable to check if they are required to manage visitor flow and ensure a better experience.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts a diverse collection, including Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, modern and contemporary art, and Japanese paintings.
Yes, the museum provides free lockers for visitors to store their backpacks, umbrellas, and other personal items, which is very convenient.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in the permanent collection galleries, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited. Special exhibitions may have stricter rules.
The nature trail winds through the surrounding forest, featuring outdoor sculptures and offering a peaceful escape. There are options for short, medium, and long walks.
Yes, the museum has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy lunch or refreshments, offering a pleasant break amidst the art and nature.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can differ per exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography is allowed in permanent collection areas, but always check signage or ask staff for specific exhibition guidelines.
The outdoor sculpture garden and the nature trails offer beautiful photographic opportunities, blending art with the natural landscape. The museum's architecture itself is also quite photogenic.
Special exhibitions often have more restrictive photography policies. It's common for flash photography and even non-flash photography to be prohibited to protect the artworks.
Some exhibitions, like those featuring mirrored installations or immersive art, can offer unique and captivating photo opportunities, but always adhere to the museum's rules.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the focus on art and nature, a lens that captures both detail and landscape would be ideal. Avoid tripods as they are usually not permitted.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit