Introduction
The Okada Museum of Art (岡田美術館, Okada Bijutsukan) in Hakone is a private museum showcasing a vast collection of art pieces from ancient times to the modern era. Opened in 2013, this museum is renowned for its extensive collection of East Asian ceramics, sculptures, and paintings, all housed in a spacious, modern facility surrounded by expansive grounds featuring a Japanese garden, a teahouse, and a café with a hot spring foot bath.
Key Information
- Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
- Admission: 2800 yen (includes museum and foot bath; 200 yen discount with Hakone Free Pass)
- Address: 493-1 Kowakidani, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Main Exhibits: Chinese and Japanese ceramics, sculptures, paintings
- Features: Modern facilities, Japanese garden, hot spring foot bath
Historical Background
The Okada Museum of Art was founded by renowned Japanese entrepreneur Kazuo Okada and officially opened to the public in 2013. The museum’s establishment aims to showcase and disseminate East Asian art culture, particularly Chinese and Japanese artistic masterpieces. Over the years, Mr. Okada amassed an impressive collection of precious artworks, spanning a wide range of periods and art forms, from ancient bronze ware to modern paintings.
Main Attractions
Chinese and Japanese Ceramics Gallery
The core collection of the Okada Museum of Art is located on the first and second floors, primarily showcasing an extensive array of Chinese and Japanese ceramics and sculptures. Here, visitors can admire ancient Chinese bronzes, Tang and Ming dynasty porcelain, and early Japanese pottery. The exhibits span from ancient times to the near-modern era, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the development of East Asian ceramic art. Each item on display is accompanied by basic information in four languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, catering to visitors from different countries. This gallery not only demonstrates the exquisite craftsmanship of East Asian ceramic art but also reflects the social and cultural backgrounds of different periods, serving as an excellent window into the development of East Asian civilization.
Japanese Art Gallery
The upper floors of the museum are dedicated to Japanese art, covering various art forms and periods. From traditional ukiyo-e prints to modern abstract paintings, from exquisite lacquerware to unique ink paintings, this section gathers the essence of Japanese art. Particularly noteworthy is the gallery’s display of works reflecting Japan’s four seasons and cultural customs, allowing visitors to deeply experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Japan. The exhibition layout cleverly juxtaposes works from different periods and styles, enabling viewers to understand the developmental trajectory of Japanese art while appreciating the unique charm of different artistic schools.
Japanese Garden and Tea House
Beyond the indoor galleries, the outdoor spaces of the Okada Museum of Art are equally worth exploring. The meticulously designed Japanese garden blends traditional garden art with modern landscape design, offering unique scenery in each season. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, lush greenery flourishes in summer, red leaves blaze in autumn, and snow blankets the landscape in winter, presenting different beautiful views throughout the year. The tea house within the garden provides visitors with an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Here, guests can not only taste fragrant matcha but also personally experience the Japanese tea ceremony spirit of “ichigo ichie” (one time, one meeting). The design of the garden and tea house cleverly echoes the artistic themes of the museum, offering visitors a perfect space to relax and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Hot Spring Foot Bath Café
The unique hot spring foot bath café within the museum is an ideal place to relax after touring the exhibits. This innovative space combines Japanese onsen culture with a modern café concept. Visitors can enjoy a warm and comfortable foot bath while savoring carefully prepared coffee and desserts. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can also appreciate the beautiful garden scenery. This innovative design not only provides a resting space for visitors but also allows people to personally experience Japanese hot spring culture after appreciating art, serving as a perfect finale to the Okada Museum experience.
Best Time to Visit
The Okada Museum of Art is open year-round, with each season offering its unique charm. However, considering Hakone’s climate and scenery, the following times may provide a better visiting experience:
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms in full bloom, pleasant scenery inside and outside the museum
- Autumn (October-November): Foliage season, particularly beautiful maple leaves around the museum
- Winter (December-February): Opportunity to enjoy rare snow scenes if snowfall occurs
It’s advisable to avoid peak tourist seasons such as Golden Week in Japan (late April to early May) and the New Year period (late December to early January) for a quieter visiting environment.
Transportation Guide
The Okada Museum of Art is located just a few steps away from the Kowakien bus stop. You can reach it by:
- From Hakone-Yumoto Station: Take a frequent bus, about 25 minutes, 650 yen
- From Hakonemachi: Take a bus, about 20 minutes, 660 yen
- From Gora Station: Take a bus, about 5 minutes, 230 yen
Please note that while Hakone Tozan buses are covered by the Hakone Free Pass, Izuhakone buses are not.
Opening Hours and Admission Fees
- Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
- Closed: December 31, January 1, and irregular closures between exhibitions
- Admission Fees:
- Museum + Foot Bath: 2800 yen (200 yen discount with Hakone Free Pass)
- Garden: 300 yen
- Foot Bath Only: 500 yen
Visitor Tips and Advice
- Book in advance: Weekends and holidays can be crowded, so it’s advisable to book through the official website in advance
- Be aware of security measures: The museum has strict security; phones, cameras, bags, and stationery must be stored in free lockers
- Wear comfortable shoes: A visit may take 2-3 hours, so comfortable footwear is recommended
- Use audio guide services: English audio guides are available for rent, providing in-depth information about the exhibits
- Enjoy the foot bath: Don’t miss the relaxing hot spring foot bath experience after your visit
- Purchase souvenirs: The museum shop offers many unique art-related souvenirs worth buying
Official Website
Conclusion
The Okada Museum of Art is a place that perfectly combines the essence of East Asian art with modern exhibition concepts. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history researcher, or simply a tourist wanting to experience Japanese culture, this museum offers a unique and unforgettable experience. From ancient ceramics to modern paintings, from traditional gardens to innovative hot spring foot baths, the Okada Museum of Art presents an artistic feast that transcends time and space for every visitor. We sincerely invite you to explore the charm of East Asian art here and feel the depth of Japanese culture. We believe that every exhibit and every scene here will leave a profound impression on you.