Hakone Open-Air Museum
Good for: Art Lovers · Families · Nature Lovers
1969
Founded
120
Outdoor Sculptures
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Hakone Open-Air Museum in Hakone, Japan — founded in 1969, the Hakone Open-Air Museum (Hakone Chokoku no Mori Bijutsukan) was Japan's first open-air sculpture museum, displaying around 120 works across seventy thousand square metres of mountain meadow and forest in the Hakone resort area. Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: ¥1,600 standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Hakone Open-Air Museum
Founded in 1969, the Hakone Open-Air Museum (Hakone Chokoku no Mori Bijutsukan) was Japan's first open-air sculpture museum, displaying around 120 works across seventy thousand square metres of mountain meadow and forest in the Hakone resort area.
Sculptures by Henry Moore, Rodin, Miro, and Niki de Saint Phalle are set against views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Indoor pavilions include the Picasso Pavilion, with more than 300 works donated by the artist's daughter Maya Widmaier-Picasso.
The museum is a natural stop on the Hakone Loop route — reachable by the scenic Hakone Tozan Railway and cable car. A natural hot-spring foot bath is free for all visitors.
Allow half a day to combine the museum with Hakone's other attractions: Owakudani volcanic valley, Lake Ashi, and the pirate ship cruise.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Hakone Open-Air Museum without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
Symphonic Sculpture
📍 Central meadow
A 18-metre stained-glass tower visitors can climb inside, with coloured light flooding the spiral staircase — the museum's most photographed work.
- 2
The Thinker
📍 Rodin Pavilion garden
A bronze cast of Rodin's iconic figure set on a hillside terrace overlooking the central meadow.
- 3
Picasso Ceramics Suite
📍 Picasso Pavilion
More than 300 works including ceramics, paintings, and sculptures from Picasso's prolific later years, housed in a dedicated pavilion.
- 4
La Grande Tempête
📍 Lower meadow
A colourful mosaic sculpture from the artist's Nana series, contrasting with the green hillside and sky.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Hakone Open-Air Museum — and why they matter.
Symphonic Sculpture
Gabriel Loire · 1975
📍 Central meadow
A 18-metre stained-glass tower visitors can climb inside, with coloured light flooding the spiral staircase — the museum's most photographed work.
The Thinker
Auguste Rodin · cast
📍 Rodin Pavilion garden
A bronze cast of Rodin's iconic figure set on a hillside terrace overlooking the central meadow.
Picasso Ceramics Suite
Pablo Picasso · 1940s–50s
📍 Picasso Pavilion
More than 300 works including ceramics, paintings, and sculptures from Picasso's prolific later years, housed in a dedicated pavilion.
La Grande Tempête
Niki de Saint Phalle · 1986
📍 Lower meadow
A colourful mosaic sculpture from the artist's Nana series, contrasting with the green hillside and sky.
Collections & highlights
- • Symphonic Sculpture stained-glass tower
- • Picasso Pavilion — 300+ works
- • Henry Moore landscape sculptures
- • Hot-spring foot bath
- • 120 outdoor sculptures in mountain setting
Frequently asked questions
Is the museum easy to reach?
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto to Chokoku-no-Mori station.
Is the foot bath free?
Yes — visitors can use the natural hot-spring foot bath at no extra cost.
How long should I spend at Hakone Open-Air Museum?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Hakone Open-Air Museum best known for?
Founded in 1969, the Hakone Open-Air Museum displays around 120 sculptures across seventy thousand square metres of mountain meadow and forest. Key highlights include Symphonic Sculpture stained-glass tower, Picasso Pavilion — 300+ works, Henry Moore landscape sculptures.
How do I get tickets for Hakone Open-Air Museum?
¥1,600 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/en/
Can I see Mount Fuji from the museum?
On clear days, especially in winter, Mount Fuji is visible from the central meadow and upper terraces.
World Animal Rescue Network
Protect Africa's lions
African lions have lost half their population in twenty-five years. Donations fund conflict mitigation, snare removal, and cub rehabilitation. Please consider a donation to support this work.
Enjoying our free guides? Support World Museum Guide — optional, and every guide stays free.