Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
Walking into The Hakone Open-Air Museum felt like stepping into an art paradise embraced by the forest. I’ve visited Hakone more than five times, and honestly, I always thought adding a museum stop felt a little rushed. But I finally checked this one off my Hakone travel list!
Let me start with the bottom line: if you’re doing a one-day trip to Hakone from Shinjuku, Tokyo, The Hakone Open-Air Museum is absolutely attractive, but squeezing it in might feel rushed, you probably won’t get to fully enjoy the whole park. But if you’re planning a two-day Hakone trip or longer, I personally recommend adding this museum to your itinerary. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, it’s totally worth it.
In this post, I’ll be sharing the museum’s highlights, how to get there, ticket discounts, and my personal thoughts after visiting.
Is the Hakone Open-Air Museum Worth It?
Hakone has many famous attractions, but what sets The Hakone Open-Air Museum apart is that it’s not just a place to view art, it feels like stepping into a forest of artwork, a museum you can experience with your whole body.
The park spans over 70,000 square meters and features more than 120 sculptures displayed outdoors. The artworks are all quite unique and make the perfect backdrop for photos. It’s great for families with kids or anyone looking to unwind with a quiet stroll. Even though it’s an outdoor museum, there are several indoor galleries, so you won’t have to worry if it rains.
One of the highlights is the massive Picasso Pavilion, which showcases rare pieces obtained from Picasso’s descendants. According to the official website, the museum holds more than 300 original works, making it one of the largest Picasso exhibitions in all of Japan. I personally spent over 30 minutes in this building alone. His ceramic works had me completely captivated. It’s more than worth your time.
How Much Time Should You Spend?
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is huge, and if you want to explore every single work in depth, you’ll likely need half a day. But for travelers who want to squeeze in multiple attractions in Hakone, I’d say a minimum of two hours is ideal if you’re aiming to see just the main highlights.
If you’re visiting with kids, there are plenty of child-friendly interactive zones throughout the park, which naturally extends your visit. In that case, I recommend planning three hours, or simply dedicating an entire morning for a more relaxed experience.
Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
At the entrance, there are two ticketing counters: one is staffed, and the other is a self-service machine that accepts cashless payments. That said, on-site tickets are sold at full price, so I recommend buying discounted tickets online beforehand. Currently, only the Japanese ticketing platform Asoview offers these discounts. If you have a Hakone Free Pass, you can also get ¥100 off.
・Adults: ¥2,000 (approx. $13.60 USD)
・University & High School Students: ¥1,600 (approx. $10.90 USD)
・Junior High & Elementary Students: ¥800 (approx. $5.45 USD)
・Discount Info: ¥100 off with the Hakone Free Pass / ¥200 off with Japanese ticketing platform Asoview (Final price: ¥1,800 ≈ $12.25 USD)
・Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
・Open: Year-round, no holidays
How to Get to The Hakone Open-Air Museum
The museum is just a 3-minute walk from Chōkoku-no-Mori Station (彫刻の森駅) on the Hakone Tozan Railway. It’s a super convenient stop on the Hakone train line.
If you have a Hakone Free Pass, you can ride the train from Hakone-Yumoto Station for free—perfect for one- or two-day trips to Hakone!
Parking Info
There’s a spacious parking lot right in front of the entrance, with plenty of available spaces. If you’re driving, you definitely won’t have to worry about parking.
✔️ The Hakone Open-Air Museum (彫刻の森美術館)
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493(Google Maps)
Access: 3-minute walk from Chōkoku-no-Mori Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)
Admission: Adults ¥2,000｜Univ./HS ¥1,600｜Jr. High/Elem. ¥800
Discount Ticket: ¥1,800 via Asoview
Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Last entry: 16:30)
More Info: [Official Website]
3 Must-See Highlights (+1 for Families)
To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve put together a list of 3 unmissable highlights at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, plus 1 bonus zone perfect for families with kids.
If your schedule is a little tight, focus on these three first, then explore the rest of the park as time and energy allow!
Symphonic Sculpture: The Glass Tower
The Symphonic Sculpture (幸せを呼ぶシンフォニーの塔), literally translated as “The Symphony Tower That Invites Happiness,” is a spiral tower constructed entirely of colorful stained glass. Like a visual symphony, the structure rises in harmonious layers. You can climb it from the inside, spiraling upward while enjoying panoramic views of the Hakone mountains.
This is easily one of the most photographed and Instagrammed spots in the entire museum. It doesn’t look especially tall from the outside, but once you start climbing, the height really surprises you, and the spiral staircase adds a bit of a thrill!
The Picasso Pavilion
This gallery was way more impressive than I expected, featuring over 300 original works by Picasso, including ceramics, paintings, and sculptures. A lot of people assume it only displays replicas, but every piece here is authentic, sourced directly from Picasso’s descendants.
Natural Hot Spring Foot Bath
This newly added foot bath area is located right inside the museum grounds and uses 100% natural hot spring water from an on-site source.
You’ll also find handy towels available for just ¥100 (~$0.68 USD), making it super easy to enjoy a soak even if you didn’t bring your own. And hey, why not take the towel home afterward as a practical souvenir?
Bonus for Kids: The Net Forest
The museum’s interactive children’s zone is also a big hit. One especially memorable area is The Net Forest, a giant net structure that kids can crawl inside and play on. It’s a perfect example of how this museum invites you to experience art with your whole body, not just admire it from a distance.
On-Site Facilities
Indoor Rest Areas
In addition to outdoor sculptures, there are several free rest areas indoors. Some have huge glass windows where you can relax while enjoying scenic views of the Hakone mountains.
There are plenty of seats, making these spaces ideal for taking a breather, escaping the heat, or sheltering from unexpected rain.
Café and Museum Shop
There are also a few charming cafés and light snack areas inside the museum, where you can grab coffee, sweets, or a light meal. The interior design matches the artistic vibe of the space perfectly. You’ll also find souvenirs and art-themed items, so take a break, enjoy a drink, and maybe grab a little something to remember your visit!
My Visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum
I purchased my discounted ticket in advance via Asoview, so I was able to skip the line at the entrance. I just showed the QR code and walked straight in, super convenient.
As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by expansive green lawns and all sorts of outdoor sculptures in every direction. I started by checking the museum map and decided to follow a clockwise route, with the Symphonic Sculpture and Picasso Pavilion as my two main highlights, ending with the current special exhibition at the Main Gallery.
Unforgettable Outdoor Sculptures
On the way to the Symphonic Sculpture, I passed by so many eye-catching installations, each one was a reason to stop and snap a photo.
One sculpture I vividly remember looked like a massive reclining human figure next to a huge sunny-side-up egg. It looked so soft and whimsical, I bet lying on it for a picture would look absolutely adorable.
Glass Tower Revisited
From the outside, the tower doesn’t seem all that tall. But once you start climbing inside, you realize it’s much higher than expected. The spiral staircase adds a slight adrenaline rush, especially when you look down from the top!
After circling your way to the top, you’ll arrive at a viewing platform where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the entire museum and surrounding Hakone mountains.
Inside the Picasso Pavilion
The exhibition space is sleek and modern, with a spacious layout that makes it easy to view the works without feeling crowded.
I was surprised by how many Western tourists were there. It almost felt like everyone visiting Hakone had gathered in this building. I guess Picasso’s global reputation really brings people in!
Current Exhibition at the Main Gallery
After exploring the grounds, I headed back to the Main Gallery, located near the entrance. I saved this part for last so I could better manage my time before leaving.
The exhibitions here change periodically, and sometimes they include workshops where visitors can get hands-on with art-making.
During my visit, the featured exhibition was “ARMOURED DREAMER” by contemporary artist Tetsuya Noguchi.
At first glance, these pieces look like historical artifacts. But in fact, they’re made from modern materials like resin and acrylic, combining traditional samurai motifs with contemporary humor. One piece that stood out had a samurai helmet with a glowing, rainbow-like painted effect, so striking and full of artistic power!
Final Thoughts
Compared to museums where you just view the art from behind a barrier, I much prefer places like this, where you can walk around, interact, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Surrounded by fresh air and nature, it’s a peaceful and enriching way to enjoy art.
If you’re traveling in Tokyo and planning a Hakone getaway, whether it’s a two-day trip, a family vacation, or just a day to relax and reset, The Hakone Open-Air Museum is definitely worth adding to your list.
✔️ The Hakone Open-Air Museum (彫刻の森美術館)
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493(Google Maps)
Access: 3-minute walk from Chōkoku-no-Mori Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)
Admission: Adults ¥2,000｜Univ./HS ¥1,600｜Jr. High/Elem. ¥800
Discount Ticket: ¥1,800 via Asoview
Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Last entry: 16:30)
More Info: [Official Website]
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The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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