Pola Museum of Art

History & Cultural Significance

Founded in 2002 by the late Toshio Saito, former president of Pola Corporation, the Pola Museum of Art was born from a lifelong passion for art and a vision to share beauty with the public. Saito’s personal collection—over 9,500 works spanning centuries—forms the museum’s core, with an emphasis on French Impressionism and the École de Paris, including masterpieces by Renoir, Degas, and Modigliani.

The museum’s location within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is no accident; it reflects Saito’s belief that art and nature are inseparable. The surrounding landscape, with its ever-changing seasons and views of Mount Fuji on clear days, frames the collection in a living context, creating a dialogue between human creativity and the natural world.

What to See & Do

Step into the gallery spaces and be greeted by luminous Impressionist canvases bathed in soft, golden light—Renoir’s intimate portraits, Degas’ graceful dancers, and Pissarro’s tranquil countryside scenes feel almost alive in this serene setting. The museum also features rotating exhibitions that spotlight lesser-known artists from the École de Paris, offering fresh insights into early 20th-century modernism.

Don’t miss the 670-meter Pola Museum of Art Nature Trail, added in 2013, which winds through native forests and moss-covered stones, culminating in a viewing platform where you can gaze across the Hakone Valley toward Mount Fuji. Along the path, interpretive signs connect seasonal flora and fauna to the artworks inside, making it a sensory journey as much as a walk.

Atmosphere & Experience

There’s a quiet reverence here—one that invites slow contemplation rather than hurried sightseeing. The architecture by Nikken Sekkei blends seamlessly with the landscape: glass walls dissolve boundaries, allowing forest light to filter into the galleries, while stone pathways echo the rhythm of nature. Even the scent of pine and damp earth lingers in the air, subtly enhancing the experience.

Insider Tips

Visit on a weekday morning just after opening—fewer crowds mean you can linger with each painting without distraction, and the light through the skylights is at its most dramatic.

Bring a thermos of tea or hot chocolate; the museum’s small café offers a cozy corner with panoramic views, perfect for sipping while reflecting on the art.

Walk the Nature Trail before entering the museum—letting the forest calm your mind helps deepen your appreciation of the artworks inside.

Check the museum’s calendar for special events like 'Art & Tea' sessions, where curators lead informal discussions over matcha and wagashi in the garden pavilion.

If visiting in autumn, time your trip around late November when the maple trees along the trail blaze crimson, casting a warm glow over the entire site.