The Narukawa Art Museum was formed in 1988 from the collection of entrepreneur Minoru Narukawa. It primarily focuses on Japanese paintings, starting from the mid-20th century, and specifically highlights the works of painters Kyujin Yamamoto and Ikuo Hirayama. A permanent exhibit also displays Chinese works, and four thematic temporary exhibits are held each year.
Travelers usually visit this museum independently or on private guided tours of Hakone. In addition to showcasing Japanese art, the museum affords some of the best natural views of the area, best seen from the ground-floor Panorama Lounge.
The Café Kisetsufu at the museum is a lovely place to sit and take in the views across Lake Ashinoko. It serves a seasonal menu featuring some local Hakone specialties.
There’s a fee to enter the museum. Students and disabled visitors and their helpers pay a reduced fee, while admission is free for kids under the age of 5.
Wheelchairs are available for use, and the museum has an elevator for accessibility.
Free parking is available at the museum.
The museum is in the town of Hakone, in Kanagawa Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo and Yokohama. It’s close to Mount Fuji and is a popular place with travelers that’s easy to reach. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen or Tokyo-Odakyu line to Odawara station. From there, take a bus to the Moto Hakone pier, and the museum is across the road.
The museum is open every day of the year, from mid-morning until late afternoon. For the best chance of views of Mount Fuji, visit during the winter.
Hakone is renowned for its excellent art museums, and another worth checking out is the Hakone Open-Air Museum. This sculpture park exhibits the work of famous sculptors including Picasso and Henry Moore among beautifully landscaped gardens. There are also indoor areas and exhibits to explore.