Off the Beaten Path: The Hakone Open Air Museum
Updated: Sep 18, 2020
If you're wondering how to spend your next weekend, take a trip out to Hakone. Here are 8 reasons you should explore the Hakone Open Air Museum!
#1) It’s in beautiful Hakone!
#sorrynotsorry about this one. Hakone is a lovely hot spring town in the mountains near Mount Fuji. You’ve probably already noticed that this is one of my favorite places. It boasts great food, fabulous views, exceptionally relaxing onsen, and an array of unique experiences. Please venture out there!
#2) You get to see art and nature collide
This Hakone Open Air Museum is basically a huge collection of art plopped down right in the middle of the outdoors. The surrounding mountains are almost majestic, as the park is located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It also has expansive gardens. Viewing the sculptures and exhibits outdoors brings out all kinds of different opportunities for art interpretation.
#3) The sculptures are huge...and impressive
There are many, many sculptures to wow you throughout the museum. They are interesting and thought-provoking...and if you’re not into that type of thing, they’ll make great instagram photos 😆
#4) They have a huge tower made of stained glass
This is the symphonic sculpture by Gabriel Loire. It is surprisingly tall and you can actually walk up the spiral staircase inside that leads to the top of the tower. It is vibrant and colorful, perfect for some beautiful photos to showcase your experience at the museum!
#5) The place is extremely interactive!
You can touch almost everything...and sometimes even climb things. it’s great for both adults and children!
#6) It has the coolest playground I’ve ever seen, hands down
#7) They have a legit Picasso collection
This part of the museum is indoors. But it contains two collections of Picasso’s work (yes it’s real!) including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. It is also peppered with photographs of him and tells his life story.
#8) There is a free footbath!
Hakone is all about hot springs and onsen, so when in Hakone, of course, many places have a free foot bath. Take off your shoes and have a relaxing soak in this one that is sometimes infused with healing citrus fruits.
The Takeaway:
The Hakone Open Air Museum is a wonderful place to spend the day. You can play; and admire beautiful artwork and the breathtaking scenery! All while breathing that fresh mountain air.
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0407, Japan
Click this link for instructions on their website on how to get there.
The museum hours are 9:00 to 17:00 and it is open year round. The cost is about ¥1600 per adult and English maps of the park are available!
#GaijinNinja #Hakone #HakoneOpenAirMuseum #Art #Tokyoweekendtrip
