Overview
Narukawa Art Museum(成川美術館) is one of the places I visit when an exhibition catches my interest.
For me, the biggest attraction isn’t just the Japanese paintings or the panoramic view of Lake Ashi—it’s being able to enjoy both together in one place.
I think that combination makes this museum unique in Hakone.
On the other hand, if you’re expecting a large art museum or you’re only visiting for the scenery, it may not be worth the admission fee.
Here’s what I enjoyed during my latest visit.
Japanese Art with a View of Lake Ashi
The first place I headed after entering the museum was the panoramic lounge.
A large window overlooks Lake Ashi, with the mountains stretching out beyond it.
I’ve seen Lake Ashi countless times from the lakeside, but looking down on it from here feels completely different. The red torii gate of Hakone Shrine appears small in the distance, and the entire landscape looks almost like a painting.
When I visited, Mt. Fuji was hidden behind the clouds. Even so, the quiet atmosphere made the view just as memorable.
The Japanese Paintings
Narukawa Art Museum mainly exhibits Japanese-style paintings.
The museum itself isn’t very large, and you won’t find hundreds of famous masterpieces here. Instead, it’s a place to appreciate each work at your own pace.
I especially enjoyed the paintings of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji. The peaceful atmosphere drew me in.
This section features a special exhibition.
One of the highlights for me was Reiji Hiramatsu’s Monet’s Pond Reflecting Clouds, shown on the far right. The large folding screen immediately caught my attention.
What I like most about Narukawa Art Museum is the combination of Japanese paintings and the view of Lake Ashi.
I can enjoy beautiful artwork inside the galleries, then relax with the same landscape spread out beyond the windows.
One section of the museum was dedicated to the special exhibition “Beyond Realism: Depicting the Sacred Beauty of Mt. Fuji.”
I enjoyed seeing how each artist expressed the same mountain in a completely different way.
Upstairs, I found a collection of delicate flower paintings.
While the large landscapes and Mt. Fuji paintings were impressive, these small flower paintings had their own charm.
Tea Lounge with a Lake View
The tea lounge was another highlight of my visit.
I enjoyed matcha and a seasonal Japanese sweet while looking out over Lake Ashi.
After spending time in the galleries, sitting quietly by the window felt like a natural continuation of the experience rather than just a coffee break.
It was a nice place to rest, especially after walking around Hakone Shrine or Moto-Hakone.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
I think Narukawa Art Museum is especially easy to add after visiting Hakone Shrine.
Hakone Shrine is beautiful, but it can be crowded, especially around the famous red torii gate by the lake.
After visiting the shrine, Narukawa Art Museum is a nice place to slow down.
You can see the same Lake Ashi area from a completely different angle, and you can take a quiet break indoors.
It is also a good option on a cloudy or rainy day.
Even if Mt. Fuji is not visible, the lake view is still beautiful, and you can enjoy the museum without worrying too much about the weather.
Who I Recommend This Museum For
I recommend Narukawa Art Museum for people who:
- want to see Lake Ashi from above
- are visiting Hakone Shrine or Moto-Hakone
- are interested in Japanese paintings
- want to enjoy a tea lounge with a beautiful view
It may not be the best choice for people who want interactive exhibits, modern art, or a museum where children can actively play and explore.
But if you want to enjoy Japanese paintings and one of the best views of Lake Ashi from indoors, Narukawa Art Museum is worth considering.
It felt completely different from seeing the lake from the ground.
Photo Credit: All photos were taken by the author unless otherwise noted.
Visitor Information
Access
Area: Moto-Hakone, near Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine
Address: 570 Moto-Hakone, Hakone, Kanagawa
Nearest bus stop: Moto-Hakone Port
Access: About a 3-minute walk from Moto-Hakone Port bus stop
Parking: Free parking is available for museum visitors
