The Hakone Open-Air Museum (箱根彫刻の森美術館, Hakone Chōkoku no Mori Bijutsukan) is Japan’s first open-air art museum, blending contemporary sculpture with the stunning natural landscape of Hakone. Opened in 1969, it spans around 70,000 square meters and features over 120 sculptures from renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Rodin, Picasso, and Niki de Saint Phalle.
The museum’s biggest draw is its expansive outdoor exhibition, where large-scale sculptures interact with the changing seasons of Hakone’s mountains. The works are strategically placed to complement the scenery, creating a dynamic art experience. There are about 40 different exhibits/sculptures/displays in the expansive outdoor exhibition area.
The museum is also famous for the Picasso Exhibition Hall, which spans across two stories, containing over 300 paintings, ceramics, photos, and other pieces of work from the famous artist.
Other interesting exhibits include the Symphonic Sculpture – a small tower that visitors can enter and ascend a small spiral staircase, encased in a pillar of vibrant stained glass. There is a permanent hall and special exhibition hall, which gets changed out about twice a year. There are also several spaces for the kids to enjoy as well, including Zig Zag World and other interactive art displays.
Explore Hakone
Top Attractions
Hakone Ropeway
Panoramic cable journey linking Hakone’s highlights
Owakudani
Geothermal attraction with Mt. Fuji Views
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashinoko, with Mt. Fuji Views.
Hakone Shrine
Viral shrine with torii gate floating in the lake.
Lake Ashinoko
Scenic lake in Hakone
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Last entry at 4:30)
- 2000 JPY (door sales)
- 1900 JPY (With the Hakone Free Pass)
- 1800 JPY (Online Presale)
- Average Time Spent: 1 Hour
- Official Website
Accessing the Hakone Open Air Museum
The Hakone Open Air Museum is located only a short walk from Chokokunomori Station, on the iconic Hakone Tozan Electric Railway.
From Gora Station, the journey is only 3 minutes and costs 160 JPY.
From Hakjone-Yumoto Station, the journey costs 460JPY and takes about 35 minutes.
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Where to Stay
Yoshiike Ryokan
Modern Japanese Ryokan, with stunning facilities, gorgeous indoor and outdoor onsen and beautiful gardens.
Hakone Hotel
Luxury hotel, featuring rooms with unforgettable lake views, world class dining, and immaculate facilities.
Odakyu Hotel De Yama
Lake-side hotel, boasting large gardens to explore and relax in, convenient location, just a 5 minute drive from the port.
Explore more in Hakone
Hakone Checkpoint
Edo era checkpoint, often used by samurai and travelling merchants
Hakone Open Air Museum
Outdoor museum with interactive displays
Hakone Ropeway
Panoramic cable journey linking Hakone’s highlights
Hakone Shrine
Viral shrine with torii gate floating in the lake.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashinoko, with Mt. Fuji Views.
Hakone Tozan Railway
Railway that snakes up a mountain leading to Hakone