Hakone Museum of Art (箱根美術館)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Opened in Showa 27 (1952), this is Hakone's oldest art museum, with a garden that is the nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty 'Shinsen-kyo' (神仙郷). The autumn leaves are typically at their best from mid to late November. The moss garden, spreading like a carpet of about 130 species of moss, is planted with more than 200 maple trees, and the contrast of green and red ranks among the most beautiful of Hakone's autumn scenery. At the tea house within the garden, you can enjoy matcha while taking in the autumn colors. Open April-November 9:30-16:30 (last entry 16:00); closed Thursdays (open on public holidays). Admission is 1,430 yen for adults and 660 yen for high school and university students, with junior high school students and younger free. Nighttime illumination has been held during the autumn leaf season in past years (not yet officially announced for 2026 — please check the official website).

Season & hours

Tips

In 2026 the museum will be closed for renovation from May 7 to October 29, and is scheduled to reopen on October 30 (it will be open during the expected autumn leaf season). Check the official website for the latest opening information before you go. If using the cable car, it's a short walk from Koen-kami Station (公園上駅).

Best time to visit

Afternoon, in the slanting light — this is when the green of the moss garden and the red of the autumn leaves stand out the most

Access & map

1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0408