The Hakone Open-Air Museum was Japan’s first open-air sculpture park, and it remains one of the most delightful art experiences near Tokyo. Set across a sweeping hillside in the Hakone mountains, it scatters more than 100 sculptures by masters like Henry Moore and Niki de Saint Phalle across lawns, gardens and valley views. Highlights include a dedicated Picasso Pavilion, the stained-glass tower Symphonic Sculpture you can climb, playful works kids can clamber on, and a free hot-spring foot bath to soak tired feet. Art, nature and onsen combine for a memorable Hakone stop.
This guide covers the highlights, tickets, the foot bath and how to get there.
🗓️ Quick Reference
| Location | Ninotaira, Hakone, Kanagawa |
| Hours | ~9:00–17:00 |
| Admission | ~¥1,600 (adults) |
| Time needed | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Good for | Art, families, mountain scenery, onsen |
Highlights
- Outdoor sculptures: 100+ works by Henry Moore, Niki de Saint Phalle and others, framed by mountains and valley views.
- Symphonic Sculpture: a tower of vivid stained glass with a spiral staircase to a viewing deck.
- Picasso Pavilion: an indoor gallery of ceramics, paintings and prints.
- Family-friendly works kids can climb and explore.
Foot bath & tips
- A free natural hot-spring foot bath (bring a towel) lets you soak while you admire the art.
- Allow 1.5–2.5 hours; there’s a café with valley views.
- Mostly outdoors — go on a clear day and dress for mountain weather.
Combine your visit
The museum sits on the Hakone sightseeing loop:
- It’s a stop on the Hakone Tozan Railway — combine with the ropeway, Owakudani and Lake Ashi — see our Hakone guide .
- Stay overnight in a hot-spring ryokan — see our Hakone onsen guide .
How to get there
- Hakone Tozan Railway → Chokoku-no-Mori Station, ~2 min walk.
- From Tokyo: Odakyu “Romancecar” to Hakone-Yumoto, then the Tozan line (~25 min).
