The POLA Museum of Art

The POLA Museum of Art (ポーラ美術館) is an architectural masterpiece hidden within a lush forest of beech and hime-shara trees in Hakone’s Sengokuhara district. Opened in 2002 by the Pola Orbis Group, the museum was built to house the extensive private collection of Suzuki Tsuneshi, the former head of the cosmetics conglomerate. To protect the surrounding environment of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the structure was designed to be mostly subterranean. This “invisible” approach results in a striking glass-and-concrete facility that blends seamlessly with the woodland, using a massive glass ceiling to flood the underground galleries with soft, natural light.

The collection is one of the most significant in Japan, boasting over 10,000 pieces that bridge the gap between Western Impressionism and modern Japanese art. Visitors can view iconic works by masters such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Pablo Picasso. Reflecting the museum’s corporate heritage, there are also dedicated exhibits featuring exquisite glasswork and historic cosmetics containers from around the world. Outside the galleries, a 670-meter nature trail known as the Forest Promenade allows guests to appreciate contemporary sculptures nestled among the trees, offering a meditative experience where art and the Hakone wilderness become one.

Visitor Information
Address	1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone, Kanagawa 250-0631 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
Price	Adults: ¥1,800 / University & HS Students: ¥1,300 / Middle & Elementary School Students: ¥700
Website	Visit Website

Access Information
Method	Transport	Access Details
Bus	Hakone Tozan Bus	From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the “K” line bus directly to the museum (approx. 40 mins).
Shuttle	Museum Shuttle	A free shuttle for museum visitors runs from Gora Station (approx. 15 mins).
Car	Parking Available	Large on-site parking lot available for a small fee.