Narukawa Art Museum

The Narukawa Museum of Art (成川美術館, Narukawa Bijutsukan) is a must-visit for enthusiasts of nihonga, a traditional Japanese painting style that fuses classical materials—such as mineral pigments on washi paper or silk—with modern themes and sensibilities. Opened in 1988, the museum houses over 4,000 works, with a rotating selection of paintings by celebrated postwar and contemporary nihonga artists, including Kyujin Yamamoto and Fumiko Hori. Its elegant galleries, designed with simplicity and harmony in mind, provide a contemplative atmosphere that deepens one’s appreciation for this refined art form.

Beyond the artwork, the museum offers one of the most scenic viewpoints in all of Hakone. The panoramic lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ashinoko, with uninterrupted views of Mount Fuji and the iconic floating torii gate of Hakone Shrine. A cozy café within the lounge serves tea and traditional desserts, allowing visitors to take in the landscape in comfort. The museum also features a small garden and an outdoor sculpture display, enhancing the sense of harmony between art and nature.