Introduction to Primary Art

Vol.5 - A Summer Day-Trip Art Excursion

Discover Sublime Masterpieces in Cool, Refreshing Spaces

With the hot weather still continuing, why not set off on a day-trip art excursion to a museum?
Easily accessible by car or train, museums in the Tokyo area offer sophisticated spaces and inspiring artwork—making them the ultimate cool retreat. Here, we introduce our recommended art museums to visit this season.

1. A Harmony of Monet’s Colors and Contemporary Art | Pola Museum of Art (Hakone)


Photo: Shu Nakagawa

The first venue we recommend in the Tokyo suburbs is the Pola Museum of Art, cradled by the rich nature of Hakone.

Currently on exhibit, the exhibition "100th Anniversary of Monet's Death & 25th Anniversary of the Museum: A New Eye – Monet and 21st Century Art" features 19 oil paintings by Impressionist master Claude Monet from the museum’s collection. Alongside Monet’s masterpieces, works by contemporary artists are displayed in resonance with his style, offering a deeply rewarding experience of this exquisite collaboration. Enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by beautiful colors.

For opening hours and tickets, please visit the Pola Museum of Art Official Website.

【Exhibition & Venue Information】

- Exhibition Title: The New Vision: Monet and the Contemporary Gaze

- Dates: June 17, 2026 – April 7, 2027　Open Daily (Closed on December 1)

- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

- Venue: Pola Museum of Art, Gallery 1,2,4, Atrium Gallery, Lobby, and Outdoors

Installation view: The New Vision: Monet and the Contemporary Gaze, Pola Museum of Art, Hakone, 2026, Photo: Shu Nakagawa

2. Breathtaking Views of the Sagami Sea and Japanese Aesthetics | MOA Museum of Art (Atami)

Perched on a mountain in Atami with a view of the Sagami Bay, the MOA Museum of Art is a seaside museum where nature and art resonate together. Upon arriving at the museum after a series of escalators from the entrance, you will be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the Sagami Bay below.
At this museum, you can appreciate splendid collections of Japanese art, including works by Katsushika Hokusai, Rinpa artists, and the National Treasure "Red and White Plum Blossoms" screen.

Starting Friday, September 4th, the "150th Anniversary of His Birth: Yoshida Hiroshi Exhibition" will begin. Through masterpieces in watercolor, oil, and woodblock prints, the exhibition introduces the artistic world of Hiroshi Yoshida, a leading figure in landscape painting.
In addition, the surrounding area offers a variety of dining options—including soba noodle shops, Japanese cuisine made with locally sourced and naturally farmed ingredients, and kaiseki dining—allowing you to enjoy a meal after taking in the art.

For opening hours and tickets, please visit the MOA Museum of Art Official Website.

【Venue Information】

• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)

• Closed: Thursdays (open if it falls on a national holiday) and during exhibition changes

• Venue: MOA Museum of Art (26-2 Momoyama-cho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka)

3. Immerse Yourself in Nature and Contemporary Art at the Foot of Mt. Haruna | Hara Museum ARC (Shibukawa, Gunma)

Located in Shibukawa, near the Ikaho Onsen area in the geographic center of Gunma Prefecture, lies the Hara Museum ARC.

In 1979, Toshio Hara, founder of the Foundation for the Promotion of Contemporary Art, established the original Hara Museum of Art in Shinagawa—a rare museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art at the time. In 1988, he opened its sister venue, Hara Museum ARC, in Gunma. Following the closure of the Shinagawa venue in 2021, the two institutions merged into the present Hara Museum ARC.

Through Sunday, September 6, the museum is presenting "Masako Ando: Ordinary Days," a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Masako Ando, who is based in Seto City. Centered around an installation of more than 150 small Raku-fired ceramic pieces alongside new oil paintings and video works, this exhibition offers a rich experience that thoroughly stimulates the senses.

For details on opening hours and tickets, please visit the Hara Museum ARC Official Website.

【Exhibition & Venue Information】

• Exhibition Title: Masako Ando: Ordinary Days

• Dates: Running through September 6 (Sun), 2026

• Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)

• Closed: Thursdays

• Venue: Hara Museum ARC (2855-1 Kanai, Shibukawa-shi, Gunma)

4. A Queen’s Aesthetics and the Heritage of Fashion | Yokohama Museum of Art (Yokohama)

Photo : Kenshu Shintsubo

Through Monday, November 23 (National Holiday), the Yokohama Museum of Art is hosting the "Marie-Antoinette Style" exhibition.

Explore the iconic style created by Marie Antoinette—history’s most fashionable queen—through a vast collection of garments, jewelry, and fine art. Enjoy a magnificent showcase of a style that has deeply influenced fashion, design, and cinema from the 18th century to the present day.

For opening hours and ticket details, please visit the official exhibition website.

【Exhibition & Venue Information】

• Exhibition Title: Marie-Antoinette Style

• Dates: Running through November 23 (Mon, Holiday), 2026

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Open until 20:00 on November 21 and 22) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing

• Closed: Thursdays (Open on September 24 and November 19)

• Venue: Yokohama Museum of Art (3-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa)

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