FAQ

Q1.
When is the museum closed?
The museum is open throughout the year, but it may be temporarily closed while exhibitions are being changed. Please see this page for details on the next closure.
Q2.
How long does it take to see the museum?
On average, it takes about an hour and a half.
Q3.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and JCB as well as UnionPay. However, only contactless payment is accepted in the parking area.
Q4.
Do you have coin lockers?
Yes, we have free coin lockers that require a deposit of 100-yen, which will be returned after use.
Q5.
Is the museum equipped with barrier-free services and facilities?
Yes, our barrier-free facilities include a slope to access the museum, multi-purpose restrooms, and wheelchair loans. Please see this page for details.
Q6.
Do you have any services for small children?
Yes, our services for children include nursing and restrooms, a picture-book area, and baby carriage loans. Please see this page for details.
Q7.
Are pets allowed in the museum?
In order to protect the artworks, pets are not allowed in the museum, but you are welcome to bring your pet to the Nature Trail. We kindly ask, however, that you refrain from grooming your pets in the area. Please see this page for details on the Nature Trial.

Note: Assistance dogs for people with visual, hearing or another disability are permitted in the museum.
Q8.
Is there a place to eat a lunchbox at the museum?
There is no place inside the museum for eating and drinking. Please use the restaurant or café.
Q9.
Are there any vending machines at the museum?
Yes, some vending machines are located near the exit of the parking area.
Q1.
What kind of works can I see at the museum now?
Please refer to the information about the current exhibition and the list of collection works that are now on display.
Q2.
Is it okay to take photographs in the museum?
Photographs can be taken of some of the works. Please refer to the information panels in each gallery for details.
Q3.
Is it okay to take notes in the galleries?
Yes, taking notes is allowed but only with a pencil or mechanical pencil (the use of pens is prohibited). This precaution is designed to prevent accidents in which ink adheres to the works – something that would be difficult to repair. If you do not have a pencil, please ask one of the staff in the gallery to borrow one.
Q4.
Why is the lighting so dim in the galleries?
Many of the artworks are sensitive to light and heat, which might cause the colors to fade or change. This makes it necessary to lower the lights, especially for prints and watercolor paintings.

The museum has devised lights that do not emit very much heat and that can be adjusted to a brightness that is appropriate for the materials used to make each work.

Although this may sometimes result in an environment that is uncomfortable for the visitor, we ask for your understanding as these measures will enable us to protect the works and preserve them for future generations.
Q5.
Isn’t there some way to reduce the reflection of the glass used to frame the works?
In some cases, we make use of low-reflection glass for the frames. There are also plans to gradually replace the glass used for some of the works with a low-reflection type. However, as low-reflection glass is thicker and heavier than normal glass, it is not possible to use this type of glass in every frame.
Q1.
I’d like to take the free shuttle bus from Gora station.
We operate Free Shuttle Bus service between Gora Station and the Pola Museum of Art.
You can reach directly to the museum in about 8 minutes by this bus.
More Information [Link to the access page]
Q2.
Is it possible to take a taxi from the museum?
Taxis are usually available in the bus parking area. However, when there are no taxis, we ask that you call one yourself. Telephone numbers for each of the taxi companies can be found at the lobby (1F) inside the museum.

The following is a list of approximate travel times and fares from the museum:

To Gora Station: App. 10 min and 1,700 yen
To Miyanoshita Station: App. 15 min and 2,500 yen
To Hakone Yumoto Station: App. 25 min and 4,600 yen
Q3.
What kind of road conditions can I expect in the winter?
Snow and frost are not uncommon during the winter, so snow tires or chains may be necessary. For traffic information in Hakone-machi, please refer to the Hakone-machi website.
Please see this page for details.
Q1.
What time of year is the Nature Trail open?
The trail is usually open daily on business days, but in some cases we are forced to closed it due to bad weather or road conditions.
Q2.
What are the hours of the Nature Trail?
9:00AM to 4:30PM
Q3.
How long does it take to walk the trail?
The entire trail is approximately one kilometer, and it takes about 40 minutes to walk the length of it.
Q4.
Is it okay to eat lunch along the trail?
In order to preserve the natural environment, we ask that you refrain from eating lunch on the trail.
Q5.
What kind of plants can I see along the trail?
Tall stewartia trees, which are rare and valuable, and woodland peonies (Paeonia japonica) grow in the area.

Early July is the optimal time to see tall stewartia trees, and early May is best for woodland peonies, which only bloom for two or three days.

You can also see many other precious plants and wild birds. Please see this page for details.
Q1.
Can I make a reservation at the museum restaurant?
Reservations are limited to museum patrons in groups of ten or more.
For reservations or more details, please call 0460-84-2111 or contact us using the Inquiry Form.
Reservations must be made at least one week prior to your visit.
Q2.
Can I get into the restaurant without waiting in line?
The restaurant has a total of 120 seats, so except for busy periods in August, October, and November, we should be able to show you to a table without much of a wait.
Q3.
Can I access the restaurant or café without entering the museum?
Anyone is welcome to access the restaurant, but only museum patrons can make use of the café.
Q4.
Can I access the museum shop without entering the museum?
Only museum patrons can make use of the museum shop. However, you are welcome to visit our online shop here.
Q5.
Can I buy original museum goods without visiting the museum?
Our original goods are available online or by mail order.
For mail order service, please call 0460-84-2111 and explain what type of item you would like along with the price, and method of payment, or contact us using the Inquiry Form.
Q1.
What are the benefits of visiting the museum as a group?
Groups of 15 or more are eligible for a discount to the museum. Groups of ten or more can also make a reservation at the restaurant and order from the special group menu.
Q2.
Is it necessary to make a reservation for a group visit?
Groups of 15 or more, or visitors traveling by chartered bus are required to make a prior reservation.
It is also necessary to make a reservation for the group menu in the restaurant (the latter must be made at least one week prior to your visit).
For reservations or more details, please call 0460-84-2111 or contact us using the Inquiry Form.
Q3.
Is it possible to visit the museum as a school class, outing or club?
We have a special plan for school visits. We also provide consultations for any school that would like to conduct a class based on viewing works in the museum. For details, please see this page.
For inquiries, please call 0460-84-2111 or contact us using the Inquiry Form.
Q4.
Do you have a parking facility to accommodate large-sized buses?
Yes, there is a special parking area for buses.
Q1.
What are some of the other sights in the area?
Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
The garden is particularly popular for its skunk cabbage, which is best seen in late March and early April.

Hayakawa Riverbank Cherry Blossoms (Miyagino)
The blossoms are best seen from early to mid-April.

Hydrangea Train
The Hakone Tozan Railway operates a train that is affectionately known as the “Hydrangea Train” during the middle of June, when the hydrangeas are in bloom. At nighttime, Hydrangea Point is also illuminated. Due to the difference in elevation, there is some disparity in the flowering season, enabling visitors to enjoy the hydrangea until the end of July.

Sengokuhara Plateau Pampas Grass
The fields of pampas grass extend for an area of 180,000 square meters at the northwestern foot of Mt. Daigatake. The Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Bus operates for a limited time between early October and early November on weekends and holidays. For details, please refer to the Hakone Navi website.
Q2.
When can I see autumn leaves?
Autumn leaves are best seen from mid- to late November. The Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which runs from Gora to Mt. Soun provides an excellent view of the leaves.

Another famous site for autumn leaves in Hakone’s Sengokuhara area is Choan-ji Temple, which is located near the Sengokuhara intersection along National Route 138. Choan-ji’s close association with flowers led to its designation as one of the 100 Flower Temples of Eastern Japan, an honor bestowed on temples in the Kanto region that are known for their beautiful flowering trees and shrubs.
Q3.
How long does it take to drive to the museum from Lake Ashinoko?
From the Kojiri or Kogendai area, it takes approximately ten minutes on Prefectural Route 75 via Route 733.
From Hakone Shrine (the Motohakone area), it takes approximately 30 minutes on Prefectural Route 75.
Q4.
How long does it take to drive to the museum from Owakudani?
It takes approximately 20 minutes on Prefectural Route 735 via Prefectural Route 75.
Q5.
How long does it take to drive to the museum from Miyanoshita or Kowakudani?
It takes approximately 15 minutes via National Route 138.

For Inquiries, please contact:

Pola Museum of Art / Pola Art Foundation
1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi
Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, 250-0631 Japan
Tel.: 0460-84-2111
Fax: 0460-84-3108

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