What Is the Hakone Open Air Museum?
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The Hakone Open Air Museum (箱根彫刻の森美術館, Hakone Chokoku no Mori Bijutsukan) is Japan's first open-air art museum, established in 1969 amid the scenic mountains and volcanic valleys of Hakone. Spread across roughly 70,000 square meters of lush, manicured grounds, the museum showcases an extraordinary collection of sculptures and installations by some of the most influential artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, and Niki de Saint Phalle.
What makes this museum truly unique is its seamless fusion of art and nature. Rather than confining masterworks within gallery walls, sculptures are placed outdoors against a backdrop of rolling green hills, forested slopes, and—on clear days—distant views of the surrounding Hakone mountains. The result is an immersive, ever-changing experience where the interplay of sunlight, seasons, and weather transforms how each piece is perceived.
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Highlights and Must-See Exhibits
The Outdoor Sculpture Collection
The museum's permanent outdoor collection features approximately 120 sculptures spread across its spacious grounds. Standout works include Henry Moore's monumental bronze figures, which are among the most photographed pieces on site, and Alexander Calder's kinetic sculptures that sway gently with the mountain breeze. The works are thoughtfully positioned along winding paths, allowing visitors to walk among them at a leisurely pace and view each piece from multiple angles against the natural landscape.
The Picasso Pavilion
One of the museum's crown jewels is the dedicated Picasso Pavilion, which houses over 300 works by Pablo Picasso. The collection spans ceramics, paintings, tapestries, glass objects, and sculptures, offering a comprehensive look at the Spanish master's prolific creative range. Rotated periodically to showcase different aspects of the collection, the pavilion is one of the most significant permanent Picasso exhibitions in Asia.
The Symphonic Sculpture
Gabriel Loire's "Symphonic Sculpture" is a towering stained-glass structure that visitors can enter and climb from the inside. As sunlight filters through the kaleidoscopic panels, the interior becomes a luminous, cathedral-like space of shifting colors. It is one of the most visually arresting and Instagram-worthy experiences in all of Hakone, and a highlight that visitors consistently rank as their favorite moment at the museum.
Children's Playground Sculptures
The Hakone Open Air Museum is not just for art connoisseurs—it is also remarkably family-friendly. Interactive sculptures double as playgrounds where children can climb, crawl through, and explore. The knitted crochet hammock structure and the bubble castle are particularly popular with younger visitors, making this a rare museum where kids are encouraged to touch and interact with the exhibits.
The Foot Bath
Hakone is renowned for its hot spring culture, and the museum has its own natural hot spring foot bath on site. After walking the expansive grounds, visitors can rest and soak their feet in warm, mineral-rich water—a quintessentially Hakone touch that adds an extra layer of relaxation to the art experience.
Admission, Hours, and Practical Information for 2026
Below is the essential practical information for planning your visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum in 2026:
- Admission: Adults ¥1,600; University/High school students ¥1,200; Elementary/Junior high school students ¥800. The Hakone Free Pass provides a small discount.
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily (last entry at 4:30 PM). The museum is open year-round, including most holidays.
- Average visit duration: 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the grounds, galleries, and foot bath.
- Accessibility: Most of the outdoor paths are paved and wheelchair-accessible, though some hilly sections may be challenging. Wheelchairs and strollers are available to borrow at the entrance.
- On-site dining: The museum has multiple dining options, including The Hakone Open Air Museum Café and a more casual buffet-style restaurant. Light snacks and beverages are also available near the foot bath area.
Always confirm the latest hours and prices on the museum's official website before visiting, as seasonal adjustments are possible.
How to Get to the Hakone Open Air Museum
Reading vs. riding
By Train
The most common route is via the Hakone Tozan Railway. From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan train to Chokoku-no-Mori Station. The ride takes about 30 minutes and offers scenic mountain views. From the station, the museum entrance is a short two-minute walk. If you are coming from central Tokyo, take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto (approximately 85 minutes), then transfer to the Tozan line.
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By Car
Driving to the Hakone Open Air Museum from Tokyo takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours via the Tomei Expressway, exiting at Gotemba IC or Odawara-Atsugi Road. The museum has a paid parking lot on-site (around ¥500 for standard vehicles), though it can fill up during weekends and peak seasons like autumn foliage and Golden Week. Arriving early in the morning is recommended if you plan to drive.
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Using the Hakone Free Pass
The Hakone Free Pass, available from Odakyu, covers unlimited rides on most Hakone transportation (buses, ropeway, pirate ship, and Tozan railway) for two or three days. It also provides discounted admission to the Open Air Museum. The pass is highly cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple attractions in the Hakone area.
Best Time to Visit the Hakone Open Air Museum
Because the primary collection is outdoors, the experience changes dramatically with the seasons:
- Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery create a colorful backdrop for the sculptures. Temperatures are mild, making it ideal for walking the grounds.
- Summer (June–August): Lush vegetation surrounds the sculptures, but expect higher humidity and occasional rain. The museum is less crowded on weekdays during summer.
- Autumn (October–November): Arguably the most spectacular season, when the surrounding mountains blaze with red, orange, and gold foliage, providing a stunning contrast with the sculptures. This is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds.
- Winter (December–February): The quietest season with fewer tourists. On crisp, clear days, the sculptures against bare trees and occasional snow can be hauntingly beautiful. The foot bath is especially appealing in cold weather.
For the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, weekdays in late April, early May, or mid-November tend to be optimal. Arriving right at opening (9:00 AM) ensures a more peaceful experience regardless of season.
Combining the Open Air Museum with Other Hakone Attractions
The Hakone Open Air Museum fits naturally into a broader Hakone day trip or overnight itinerary. Many visitors combine it with a visit to Owakudani, the volcanic valley famous for its sulfurous vents and black eggs said to add seven years to your life. The Hakone Ropeway connects the museum area to Owakudani, making it easy to visit both in a single day.
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Other attractions that pair well with the museum include Lake Ashi (where you can ride the iconic Hakone pirate ships), the Hakone Shrine with its famous red torii gate standing in the lake, and the many hot spring ryokan in Hakone-Yumoto. A full Hakone loop—using the Tozan Railway, ropeway, pirate ship, and bus—allows you to see the museum along with these highlights in a single, well-organized circuit.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
- Wear comfortable shoes: The grounds are extensive and include gentle slopes. Sneakers or walking shoes are essential.
- Bring a towel for the foot bath: Small towels are available for purchase on site, but bringing your own saves a few hundred yen.
- Check the weather forecast: Rain does not close the museum, but heavy rain or fog can obscure distant mountain views and make paths slippery. A light rain jacket can be useful.
- Visit the indoor galleries too: Many visitors focus solely on the outdoor sculptures, but the Picasso Pavilion and rotating exhibition halls are well worth your time.
- Allow extra time for photos: The combination of world-class art and natural scenery provides endless photographic opportunities. Budget at least 30 minutes more than you think you will need.
- Consider the Hakone Museum of Art nearby: Located just one station away at Gora, this museum features a stunning moss garden and Japanese ceramics, making it an excellent complement to the Open Air Museum.
Why the Hakone Open Air Museum Stands Out Among Japan's Cultural Attractions
Japan has no shortage of world-class museums, from the vast collections of the Tokyo National Museum to the cutting-edge installations on Naoshima Island. Yet the Hakone Open Air Museum occupies a distinctive niche. It offers the rare opportunity to experience internationally significant artwork in an environment where nature is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the aesthetic experience. The changing light, the mountain air, the seasonal transformations—these elements are as integral to the museum experience as the sculptures themselves.
For travelers based in Tokyo, the museum's proximity makes it one of the most accessible and rewarding day-trip destinations in the Kanto region. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a nature lover, a family with children, or simply someone looking for a memorable experience beyond the city, the Hakone Open Air Museum delivers on all fronts. Combined with Hakone's hot springs, scenic beauty, and volcanic landscapes, it forms part of one of Japan's most complete and satisfying excursion areas.
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Important Information
- The tour begins and ends at the same location (Shibuya).
- If the Daikoku Parking Area is closed, we will instead guide you to another car meet further away.
- The consultant is a cultural expert and navigator, not a taxi service.
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