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.
Highlights
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
+1Best 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. +1
🍽️ 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. +1
🍽️ 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. +1
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. +1
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the art itself might appeal more to older children and adults, the interactive elements of some exhibitions and the overall serene environment can make for a pleasant family outing. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to ensure a more relaxed experience. The availability of free lockers is also a plus for families managing strollers and bags. The museum restaurant provides a convenient option for meals, making it easier to manage a day out with younger visitors.
🌳 Nature Lovers
+1 The dedicated nature trail offers a chance to immerse yourself in the serene woodland, discover outdoor sculptures, and enjoy the changing seasons. The forest itself is often highlighted as a work of art, with visitors remarking on the beauty of the trees and the peaceful ambiance. This integration of art and nature provides a refreshing and contemplative experience, setting it apart from more traditional museum visits. It's an ideal destination for a leisurely stroll combined with artistic discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture and Setting
+1This thoughtful design extends to the outdoor areas, where a nature trail invites visitors to explore the forest and encounter sculptures scattered amongst the trees. The museum's location within Hakone National Park further enhances its serene atmosphere. The combination of modern architecture and the tranquil forest setting is frequently cited as a major draw for visitors, offering a unique and peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Visitors often praise the museum for its ability to balance artistic appreciation with a connection to nature. The forest itself is considered an artist, with the Japanese stewartia trees being a particular point of admiration. This holistic approach ensures that a visit to the Pola Museum of Art is not just about viewing art, but also about experiencing a profound sense of place and tranquility.
Key Art Collections and Exhibitions
Beyond its permanent collection, the Pola Museum of Art is known for its engaging special exhibitions. These temporary shows often focus on specific themes, artists, or art historical periods. Exhibitions like 'The Secrets of Color' have received significant acclaim for their curation and the depth of insight they provide into the use of color in art, from Impressionism to contemporary works.
+1These exhibitions are a major draw for visitors, offering fresh perspectives and opportunities to see rare or newly interpreted works. The museum's commitment to presenting high-quality, thought-provoking exhibitions ensures that there is always something new and exciting to discover, making repeat visits worthwhile.
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Social
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