Art and Natural Splendor Await at the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Admire the works of the world's greatest artists in harmony with nature

Few museums in Japan can claim a more stunning setting than this one located in the verdant hills of the hot spring paradise of Hakone. Located just off the Hakone Tozan cog railway line to Gora, this museum showcases sculptures and paintings by some of the world’s most influential artists, from Henry Moore to Auguste Rodin and beyond. A highlight is the Picasso Pavilion, where nearly 320 of the Spanish master's works are displayed on a rotating basis.

Another must-see feature is Gabriel Loire’s Symphonic Sculpture, an 18-meter-tall lookout tower of eye-popping stained glass enveloping an interior spiral staircase.

Set against the beautiful hills and valleys of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the sculpture-filled garden is the perfect marriage of art and environment. If you’re visiting with kids, be sure not to miss the climbable sculptures. To relax after exploring the grounds, try the on-site foot bath featuring natural hot spring water.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum