Japan's first open-air museum showcases over 100 sculptures against mountain backdrop, including works by Picasso, Rodin, and Moore. The Picasso Pavilion houses over 300 works. Natural hot spring foot baths and indoor galleries complement the outdoor exhibition spaces.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum (Chokoku no Mori Bijutsukan), located in Ninotaira in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture, opened in 1969 as Japan's first permanent outdoor sculpture park. Set on a hillside with views toward the Hakone mountains, the 70,000-square-meter grounds display over 120 sculptures by both Western and Japanese artists arranged among landscaped lawns, water features, and walking paths. The collection includes major works by Auguste Rodin (The Thinker, Gates of Hell), Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, and Ossip Zadkine, among others. The Picasso Pavilion within the grounds houses the world's most significant collection of Picasso works in Japan — over 300 paintings, ceramics, and sculptures spanning his career. Two additional indoor galleries rotate temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The outdoor Stained Glass House, a domed structure with colored glass panels, creates kaleidoscopic light effects inside. One of the park's most popular features is the natural hot spring (onsen) foot bath (ashiyu) that allows visitors to soak tired feet at stations positioned with mountain views — included in the general admission price. The museum is directly served by Chokoku-no-Mori Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, making it easily integrated into the standard Hakone sightseeing circuit. The Hakone Freepass (covering the Romancecar train from Shinjuku and multiple Hakone transit modes) includes a discount on museum admission.
Good to know
- Hours
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best for
- art lovers, families, day trippers from Tokyo, nature enthusiasts
Location
1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0407
35.2464, 139.0459 View on map
Highlights
- 120+ outdoor sculptures by Rodin, Moore, Miró, and Giacometti across 70,000 sq meters
- Picasso Pavilion housing over 300 paintings, ceramics, and sculptures
- Free outdoor hot spring foot baths with mountain views included in admission
- Stained Glass House dome creating interior kaleidoscopic light effects
- Direct railway access via Hakone Tozan Line at Chokoku-no-Mori Station
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Hakone's other attractions using the Hakone Freepass
- The foot bath area offers relaxation with mountain views
- Weather can be unpredictable; bring layers
- Interactive art installations are fun for children
When to visit
Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) offer the best weather and seasonal color complementing the sculptures. Weekday visits avoid the Tokyo weekend day-tripper influx. Mountain views are clearest on dry winter mornings.
Accessibility
The outdoor grounds have paved and gravel paths on gentle slopes; some sections require mild uphill walking. Wheelchairs are available to borrow from the entrance. The main gallery buildings have elevator access. The foot bath facilities are accessible at ground level.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum take?
A thorough visit covering the outdoor sculpture garden, Picasso Pavilion, and indoor galleries takes 2–3 hours. The foot bath adds 20–30 minutes of relaxation time.
Is the Hakone Open-Air Museum suitable for children?
Yes. The outdoor setting, interactive sculptures, stained glass house, and foot bath make it one of Hakone's most family-friendly attractions. Some sculptural installations are climbable by children with appropriate supervision.
Is the museum accessible with the Hakone Freepass?
The Hakone Freepass covers transportation to the museum on the Hakone Tozan Railway and provides a discounted admission rate. The museum is not included in the pass for free but the discount is significant.