TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Okada Museum of Art is a private art museum that opened in 2013 near Lake Ashi in Hakone. It houses a collection of over 1,300 pieces, including a wide variety of paintings, folding screens, ceramics, lacquerware, swords, and Buddhist statues, centered on Oriental art that the Okada family has collected over the years. It exhibits a wide range of art, from Japanese art to Chinese art and art from the Korean Peninsula, and hosts special exhibitions in addition to its permanent exhibits. The museum attracts many visitors from both Japan and abroad due to the quality and quantity of its collection, as well as its exhibition space and Japanese garden, which blend in with the natural surroundings of Hakone.
Highlights
- Oriental and Japanese Painting Collection: An exhibition that allows you to see paintings up close, including folding screens and hanging scrolls. You can enjoy a wide range of works, which are rotated according to the season and special events.
- Ceramics and lacquerware: We have a collection of masterpieces, including Kutani, Satsuma, Song and Yuan dynasty ceramics. You can carefully observe the intricate designs and techniques.
- Buddhist statues and crafts: Religious art and swords are also on display, allowing you to learn about the beauty of weapons and crafts.
- Architecture and Gardens: The Japanese gardens and water features connected to the exhibition rooms enhance the scenery both inside and outside the building, creating a relaxing environment for viewing the art.
- Special exhibitions: Special exhibitions with specific themes are held regularly. The works on display change depending on the time of your visit, so you can enjoy them again and again.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Hakone Tozan Railway "Hakone-Yumoto Station" or Odakyu Line "Hakone-Yumoto Station".
- Bus: From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus bound for "Okada Museum of Art" or "Hakone-machi (towards Motohakone)." The ride takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes (depending on the route and traffic).
- From Odawara/Shinjuku: Take a bus or Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara Station to Hakone-Yumoto, then transfer to the bus mentioned above. From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
- From Hakone/Lake Ashi: Accessible by bus from Motohakone, Hakonemachi Port, or Togendai. You may need to transfer from Togendai depending on the route.
- Car/Parking: There is a private parking lot at the museum (limited number of spaces). Hakone roads are prone to traffic congestion, so please allow plenty of time. Search for "Okada Museum of Art" on your navigation system.
- Discount tickets: The Hakone Free Pass allows unlimited travel on buses and mountain railways, and sometimes even offers discounts on museum admission, so it's a good idea to check official information.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Relaxed viewing: 2 to 3 hours (if you want to take your time looking at the whole museum)
- Light viewing: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (focusing on the main exhibits)
- If you include breaks in the garden or the on-site cafe, the time will be an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Nearby spots
- Lake Ashi (Hakone Shrine and Torii Gate): A few minutes by car or bus. Enjoy the lakeside scenery and sightseeing boats.
- Hakone Checkpoint Museum: A spot where you can learn about the history of checkpoints during the Edo period (close to Hakone Town).
- Pola Museum of Art and Hakone Open-Air Museum: Famous art museums in Hakone. Accessible by car or bus.
- Gora Onsen and Owakudani: A popular route for sightseeing in Hakone. Enjoy the scenery of hot springs and geothermal areas.
- Cafes and souvenir shops around Motohakone and Hakone Shrine: A great area for a stroll.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It tends to get crowded on weekends, holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, and during the peak of autumn foliage season. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on weekday mornings.
- Tickets and admission times: Admission may be restricted or require advance reservations during changing exhibits or special exhibitions. Please check the official website for the latest opening hours, admission fees, and reservation methods.
- Photography: There are some exhibition rooms in the museum where photography is prohibited. The use of flash and tripods is often prohibited, so please follow the signs in the exhibition room.
- Clothing/Walking: While shoes are generally required inside the museum, the gardens can become slippery when it rains. Please bring comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather.
- Manners: To protect the artworks, touching the exhibits is strictly prohibited. Please keep your mobile phone on silent mode and make voice calls in designated areas.
- Climate/Season: Hakone is at a high altitude, so the temperature can drop depending on the season. Please bring a jacket, especially from autumn to winter.
Before visiting, be sure to check the Okada Museum of Art's official website for the latest opening hours, admission fees, exhibition information, and access information. Enjoy art appreciation and nature walks along with your sightseeing in Hakone.
