Hakone Art Museum

Hakone Museum of Art (箱根美術館, Hakone Bijutsukan), located in the Gora district, was established in 1952 by Okada Mokichi, founder of the Mokichi Okada Association (MOA). As the oldest museum in Hakone, it focuses primarily on Japanese ceramics, with a remarkable collection spanning from the Jōmon period (prehistoric times) to the Edo period. Highlights include large earthenware vessels, ceramics from the Heian and Kamakura periods, and a notable haniwa burial figure, designated an Important Cultural Property for its historical significance.

In addition to its indoor exhibitions, the museum is also renowned for its beautiful gardens. The moss garden, with its soft green carpet of moss, winding stone pathways, and maple trees, offers a serene setting that changes beautifully with the seasons—vibrant reds and oranges in autumn, and lush greens in spring and summer. The museum grounds also feature Sekirakuen, a traditional Japanese landscape garden designed by Okada himself. It includes carefully arranged decorative stones, a flowing mountain stream, and panoramic views of the surrounding valley, making it a tranquil and culturally rich destination year-round.