Narukawa Art Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Narukawa Art Museum?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Children pay discounted entry and can enjoy kaleidoscope displays and short galleries, but most exhibits are “no touch” fine art and there are no play zones, so parents must supervise closely.
Positives:
- Stroller and wheelchair friendly: The museum has elevators and ramps for easy access.
- Compact layout: A smaller museum means children can see everything in one visit.
- Free preschool admission: Kids under school age enter at no cost.
Challenges:
- Quiet museum rules: Children need to speak softly and refrain from running.
- Limited English signage: Some exhibit information is only in Japanese—bring a phrasebook or translation app.
- Cafe seating may fill up: Seating is limited at peak times; plan your break off-peak if possible.
What is Narukawa Art Museum?
- A lakeside museum specializing in modern Japanese Nihonga painting, housing a collection of over 4,000 works.
- Home to one of Japan’s most comprehensive holdings of Yamamoto Yasuto and Hirayama Ikuo paintings alongside rotating seasonal exhibitions of leading postwar artists.
- A minimalist glass-fronted architectural complex that integrates gallery spaces with landscaped gardens and frames panoramic vistas of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji.
What is so special about Narukawa Art Museum for with kids?
- Rotating Nihonga art exhibits that change with the seasons
- Interactive kaleidoscope corner to engage young visitors
- Panoramic lake and mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows
- Compact layout ideal for a 1–2 hour family visit
- Cafe serving matcha sets and kid-friendly snacks
- Garden trail with cherry blossoms in spring and red maples in fall
- Free admission for preschool-age children and stroller access
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Kids can see key exhibits and enjoy the garden without getting tired.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Narukawa Art Museum
Seasonal Nihonga Exhibits:
Browse rotating displays of modern Japanese paintings.
Tip: Check the exhibit schedule to see works matching spring blooms or autumn foliage.
Kaleidoscope Craft Corner:
Explore the craft display featuring large kaleidoscopes and traditional masks.
Tip: Let kids peer through kaleidoscopes to spark their curiosity.
Panorama Lounge:
Enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji.
Tip: Head here early for a family selfie with the lake and torii gate backdrop.
Family Cafe Break:
Relax at the Tea Lounge with matcha sets and kid-friendly snacks.
Tip: Try the matcha set for adults and order grilled sandwiches for kids.
Garden Stroll:
Walk through the outdoor garden along the lakeshore.
Tip: Look for seasonal flowers—cherry blossoms in April and red maples in November.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Narukawa Art Museum
- Buy tickets early: Purchase admission or use a Hakone Free Pass at the entrance to skip lines.
- Start with the view: Visit the Panorama Lounge first to grab a window seat before it gets busy.
- Plan a mid-visit snack: Break at the cafe halfway to keep kids energized for the garden walk.
Reviews of Narukawa Art Museum
Andre Klimov
Tiny, but pretty nice art museum. Beside paintins and scul[ture it has a collection of caleidoscopes, which very attractive for childrens. Whole family can enjoy beautiful cafe-terrace with view to Ashi lwake. And if you are lucky enough - you can see Fuji-san :) Lower terrace park is very compact but nice and decorated with sculptures.
Guillermo
This place has the best views. You need to pay the entrance fee for the cafe but definitely worth it. The museum istels is small but has some amazing pieces. The glass pieces were a nice surprise and fantastic, I wish they had more. People saying it is not impressive clearly have no appreciation for actual art.
Matan Katz
This is a nice museum if you’re interested in modern Japanese art, and want to sit and view the amazing view of the lake and large Torii gate of Moto Hakone. If you only have time for 1 museum in Hakone area I would skip this one though, as the open air museum is much more impressive. The view here is really amazing though!
Gladys Houwen
A good art museum to spend time in if you still had time before leaving Hakone. They had some nice painting collections and a cafe with a magnificent view.
Ian Li
I believe most tourists visit this place for the stunning window view of Mt. Fuji, and it truly lives up to the hype. The view is absolutely breathtaking and an ideal spot for capturing beautiful photos. The paintings on display are also impressive. I was delighted to find a collection of ink wash paintings, which I personally love. The local artists are incredibly talented, and their work adds a...
When is the best time to visit Narukawa Art Museum (Hakone, Japan)?
Visit in April for cherry blossoms around Lake Ashi. Come in November for red maple views through the gallery windows.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2 × ¥1,500) | JPY 3,000 |
| Child admission (5–12, 1 × ¥500) | JPY 500 |
| Preschool child admission (free) | JPY 0 |
| Cafe snacks and drinks | JPY 3,000 |
| Postcards or small souvenirs | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,300 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Narukawa Art Museum
Address: 570 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
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About Narukawa Art Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 460-83-682810 BEST nearby Activities
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