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Hakone Open-Air Museum
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tourist-attraction
The Hakone Open-Air Museum, located in the scenic mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, was the first outdoor art museum in Japan when it opened in 1969. Spanning over 70,000 square meters, the museum creates a harmonious dialogue between modern and contemporary sculpture and the lush landscape of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The collection features over 1,000 works, with approximately 120 sculptures permanently displayed outdoors, including masterpieces by artists such as Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, and Joan Miro. A major highlight is the Picasso Pavilion, which houses a world-class collection of more than 300 works by Pablo Picasso, ranging from ceramics and oil paintings to tapestries. Another iconic feature is the 'Symphonic Sculpture,' a tower clad in spirited stained glass that visitors can climb via a spiral staircase for a panoramic view of the grounds. The museum also provides a natural hot spring footbath, allowing visitors to relax while surrounded by art and nature across the changing seasons.
- Location: Japan
- Top sights: Hakone Open-Air Museum · Okada Museum of Art · Odawara Local Culture Museum
- Nearby: Hakone (7 km)
📋 Practical info
Visiting
This expansive museum seamlessly combines impressive open-air sculptures with several enclosed pavilions, including the famous Picasso exhibition. The grounds are designed for visitors to actively experience art surrounded by pristine nature.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open year-round from early morning until late afternoon, with the last admission usually 30 minutes before closing. It can get remarkably crowded on weekends and during major Japanese national holidays.
Photography
The outdoor sculptures against the spectacular mountain backdrop offer fantastic photo opportunities that beautifully change with the seasons. However, photography is strictly prohibited in some of the enclosed exhibition halls.
Time needed
To leisurely explore both the expansive outdoor grounds and the fascinating indoor areas, you should budget around two to three hours. Families with young children often spend even more time here due to the fun interactive artworks.
Combine with
The visit perfectly pairs with a scenic ride on the mountain railway or a relaxing soak in one of the many traditional onsen hot springs in the region. The pretty mountainous area features endless tourist combination options.
Getting there
The museum is very conveniently accessible by train or the Hakone Tozan mountain railway, with the station just a short walk from the entrance. Arriving by local bus or car is also entirely straightforward thanks to excellent signposting.
Insider tip
Don't forget to pack a small towel in your day bag: there is a lovely free hot foot bath on the grounds where you can relax after walking. Lockers for heavy luggage are usually readily available for rent right in the entrance area.
Geography
Facts
- The museum opened in August 1969 as the first outdoor art museum in Japan.
- The grounds house one of the world's largest collections of Henry Moore sculptures.
- The Picasso Pavilion contains more than 300 original works by the artist.
- The 'Symphonic Sculpture' tower features floor-to-ceiling stained glass panels.
- The museum's total outdoor area covers approximately 70,000 square meters.
- A natural hot spring footbath is located within the museum for public use.
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Sights in the town Hakone Open-Air Museum (16)
Odawara Local Culture Museum🏛 museum
Founded in 1955, this museum showcases the history and folklore of the Odawara region.
🌐 city.odawara.kanagawa.jp🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Hakone Open-Air Museum special?
It combines modern sculptures by artists like Moore and Rodin with the impressive mountain backdrop of Hakone.
Are there indoor areas in the museum?
Yes, the Picasso Pavilion showcases a large collection of ceramics and paintings by the famous artist indoors.
Is the museum child-friendly?
Yes, there are special interactive sculptures and play areas like the 'Woods of Net' that are convenient for children.
What happens in bad weather?
Free rental umbrellas are provided during rain, and indoor pavilions offer shelter during the visit.
Is there a footbath on the grounds?
Yes, there is an outdoor warm onsen footbath where visitors can relax after their tour.
Hakone Open-Air Museum: where is it located?
Hakone Open-Air Museum is located in Japan.
Hakone Open-Air Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hakone Open-Air Museum, Okada Museum of Art, Odawara Local Culture Museum.
Hakone Open-Air Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Hakone Open-Air Museum, located in the scenic mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, was the first outdoor art museum in Japan when it opened in 1969.
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