Hakone is renowned for its rich ecological environment and diverse seasonal landscapes. It is home to Japan's first open-air ecological art museum, which has seamlessly blended with the natural surroundings over 50 years, creating a grand, immersive ecological world.
Project Background
Hakone, Japan's premier hot spring destination, boasts a thriving tourism industry. Its rich resources, including hot springs, outdoor landscapes, natural scenery, and views of Mount Fuji, attract millions of domestic and international visitors annually, with over 20 million tourists each year.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum, established in 1969, was the first outdoor art museum in Japan. Nestled within a 70,000 square meter park, the museum integrates over 400 sculptures by renowned artists like Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, and Henry Moore, into the landscape. Visitors can experience the harmonious blend of art and nature. The park also features a dedicated Picasso Pavilion, showcasing his ceramics, sculptures, and select paintings. The success of this museum inspired similar outdoor art spaces across Japan, such as the Ueno Forest Museum and Mihara Highlands Museum.
Location
The project is situated in Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, about 55 kilometers southwest of Mount Fuji. The town sits within a temperate monsoon climate, featuring a complex terrain shaped by volcanic activity. With 46.6% forest coverage and 92% of the area consisting of rivers, lakes, grasslands, and mountains, Hakone offers an abundant natural environment.
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Open year-round from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the museum offers general admission tickets priced at ¥1,600 and student tickets ranging from ¥800 to ¥1,200. Group ticket options are also available (see the pricing table for details).
Due to its geographical location, Hakone experiences relatively short summers, with temperatures typically ranging from -2°C to 25°C and rarely dropping below -5°C or exceeding 28°C. The ideal visiting period is during clear, rain-free days with temperatures between 18°C and 27°C, making late July to mid-September the prime season, particularly in the second week of August.
Transportation to the Project
Hakone, the hot spring town where the project is located, is a renowned tourist destination. While there is no airport nearby, the area is well-served by public transportation and road networks. Here are the main options to reach the Hakone Open-Air Museum:
By Car
Road access to the project is highly developed, with highways connecting major transport hubs. Driving from Shinjuku, Tokyo, to the Hakone Open-Air Museum covers approximately 90 km and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. If driving from Tokyo's two major airports:
From Haneda Airport: about 100 km, taking 1 hour and 30 minutes.
From Narita Airport: about 165 km, taking around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
By Train
Taking the Odakyu Romancecar is the most convenient way to reach Hakone. This limited express train travels from Shinjuku directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station in just 80 minutes. The fully reserved-seating train allows passengers to enjoy stunning views of the Pacific coastline, rural countryside, and lush mountains, with glimpses of majestic Mount Fuji on clear days. For a premium experience, reserve the observation seats in the front or rear cars (available on 70000 and 50000 series trains), offering panoramic views of the passing landscape.
The fare from Shinjuku is ¥2,330, which includes the regular ticket price of ¥1,110 and the limited express surcharge of ¥1,220. If you have a Hakone Free Pass departing from Shinjuku, you only need to pay the ¥1,220 express fee. The spacious train cars also offer onboard meals, drinks, restrooms, and free WiFi.
After arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway to reach the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The fare is ¥410 one-way, or opt for an unlimited one-day pass for ¥1,400 (children's tickets are ¥700). The scenic train journey takes 35 minutes.
By Bus and Taxi
In addition to taxis available throughout the Hakone area, the town also has a well-established bus network. Public buses frequently stop at various locations around the town, with a dedicated bus stop directly at the entrance of the museum. Visitors can alight at the "Chokoku-no-Mori" bus stop, where the entrance to the Hakone Open-Air Museum is immediately visible.
Project Visiting Experience
Unlike many of the bustling tourist attractions within Hakone's hot spring town, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is situated in a serene, standalone garden, free from commercial disturbances. The outdoor exhibition area is not flat; it follows the natural terrain, featuring slopes and elevation changes that create dynamic connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, adding to the enjoyment. The garden showcases over 120 permanent pieces of 19th- and 20th-century art, seamlessly integrated with the surrounding natural environment. Additionally, there are five indoor galleries, including the Picasso Pavilion. The entire experience takes approximately 90 minutes. Below is a breakdown of the layout:
Upon arriving at the Chokoku-no-Mori Station via the Tozan Railway, signposts clearly indicate the direction and distance to the museum entrance (100 meters on foot). As you approach the entrance, more signage guides you further. The entrance area is spacious, with well-organized functional zones: from left to right, you will find the self-service locker area, ticket office, entrance gate, information desk, and entrance parking lot. After passing through the ticket gate, visitors descend via an escalator into the park.
At the bottom of the escalator, you enter a tunnel leading outdoors, creating a contrasting spatial experience—first confined, then suddenly open and expansive. Emerging from the tunnel brings you to the outdoor garden’s central hub: the circular plaza, which also serves as the convergence point for both the entrance and exit.
The circular plaza is an open, welcoming space surrounded by mountains and trees, evoking a sense of seclusion and tranquility. It is a focal point where several notable sculptures are permanently displayed, acting as sentinels to greet and bid farewell to visitors.
One prominent piece here is Émile Antoine Bourdelle’s "Herakles the Archer" (1909), a bronze sculpture measuring 248×240×90 cm. It captures the Greek hero Herakles in the moment before releasing an arrow at a mythical bird. Bourdelle, a former assistant to Rodin, broke away from Rodin's romantic realism to pursue a new form of sculpture that combines the strength of architectural structure with mythological themes. His work blends Greek and Roman styles, reflected in the powerful posture of Herakles.
At the heart of the circular plaza stand two remarkable sculptures by Japanese artist Takao Tsuchida: "Sound of Wind" (1988) and "Surprise with the Glare V" (1990). These works not only complement each other but also engage visitors as they move around the plaza, offering shifting perspectives of the expressive human figures. The detailed depiction of facial expressions, in combination with the natural surroundings, leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
As you walk around the sculptures, you gain new vantage points, enhancing your understanding of the artist's intention. The thoughtful integration of the pieces with the environment amplifies the sensory experience, drawing attention to the interplay between art and nature. Signs around the area kindly remind visitors to avoid stepping onto the grass at the base of the sculptures, preserving the integrity of both the artwork and the landscape.
Carl Milles’ "Man and Pegasus" (1949), a striking work of white bronze standing at 250×336×140 cm, is a dramatic portrayal of the Greek hero Bellerophon riding the winged horse Pegasus as they ascend to battle the monstrous Chimera. Positioned on a tall pedestal, the sculpture showcases the dynamic stretch of both man and horse as they strive to fly higher, embodying a sense of weightlessness and upward motion.
Milles’ style is a fusion of various artistic influences, incorporating elements from ancient Greek art as well as Gothic and Baroque aesthetics. His imaginative compositions and free, energetic forms are hallmarks of his work, and this piece is no exception. The sculpture, set against the open sky in the expansive outdoor space, creates a breathtaking scene, especially when illuminated by sunlight.
The visual effect of "Man and Pegasus" truly comes to life in this setting. The open-air environment amplifies the feeling of the figures soaring through the clouds, while the upward perspective from the viewer's position on the ground enhances the illusion that both man and horse are defying gravity. This sculpture also serves as the highest visual point in the Hakone Open-Air Museum, making it a focal piece that captures the grandeur of both art and nature.
At the circular plaza, turn left, and you'll arrive at a serene blue pool, where a massive stone sculpture stands in the water. This is La Pleureuse (The Weeping Angel) by Francois-Xavier and Claude Lalanne, carved from a monumental block of Italian Travertine in 1986. La Pleureuse, meaning "the mourner," lies gracefully in the water, with vibrant green leaves growing from her hair. As you approach, you'll notice a single tear dropping from her cheek into the pool below. The sculpture stands in stark contrast to indoor works, as the interplay of natural light and shadow seems to slowly shift across her face. She is captivating, her ever-green hair complementing the constantly changing seasonal blooms behind her. This delicate harmony between the enduring and the ephemeral adds a timeless charm to the scene.
Walking down from the back of the circular plaza, you'll find a lush lawn that was newly opened in 2021, known as the "Pocket" area. This space feels like a hidden haven shaped by the natural undulations of the terrain. It is home to some of the most vibrant artworks within the Sculpture Forest, where both children and adults can engage in playful exploration while admiring the art. Scattered across the lawn are colorful sofas, a signature feature of the area, offering visitors a relaxing retreat.
This entire space can be likened to a sloped pocket-shaped landscape wrapped in art, inviting visitors to enjoy the expansive views of the blue sky and surrounding valleys. The "pocket" here also symbolizes a personal space of relaxation that each individual can create for themselves. It's one of the most popular areas, known for its surprising elevation changes and the vibrant, dynamic atmosphere it creates through its design and color palette.
Octetra, created in 1968 by renowned Japanese sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988), is a concrete sculpture that embodies his vision of bringing art into the everyday lives of children. Noguchi sought to inspire children's creativity and imagination through his works, and this piece is no exception. Designed as an interactive environmental sculpture, Octetra functions almost like a large-scale playground toy for children, inviting them to engage, explore, and play. It reflects Noguchi's belief that art should not just be observed but experienced, particularly by the younger generation, blending form, function, and creativity.
Cosmic Color Space, created by Japanese artist Naruo Matsubara, is another vibrant installation beloved by children. The artist once stated, "Through the parallel arrangement of objects, space is connected to and fused with the natural environment, creating an ordered outer space." In this work, a series of identical square panels are lined up and painted in rainbow hues. The variation of 12 colors forms a rhythm and harmony, crafting a universe of color.
This open installation invites interaction, with children often running through and around it. The dynamic nature of the piece transforms into a lively display of colors as seen through the eyes of the children in motion, creating a playful, vivid experience. Not only does this bring excitement to visitors, but it also fills the Sculpture Forest Garden with the joyful sounds of laughter.
Passing through the "Pocket" area and continuing up the steps leads you back to the circular plaza. However, choosing the downward steps will guide you to a quiet, secluded corner by a serene pond. This area, shaded by trees resembling a rainforest canopy, offers a cool and tranquil retreat from the rest of the garden, making it an inviting space for peaceful reflection.
Looking down at the pond from the steps, you’ll notice two sculptures, painted in the characteristic vermillion red of Japan, floating gracefully on the water. These are part of the Floating Sculpture series by Hungarian-French artist Marta Pan (1923–2008), a collection she began creating in the 1960s. The inspiration for these works came from dancers and their sense of balance, reflected in the poised and fluid forms of the sculptures.
In the shaded pond, these sculptures resemble koi fish engaging in a silent dialogue with nature. The actual koi fish swimming around them further enhance this impression, as they seem to be in harmony with the art, creating a living, dynamic scene in this serene corner of the landscape.
In one corner by the pond, you'll find a resting area with benches, accompanied by ALBA, a sculpture of a woman by Japanese artist Shuki Aratani. This secluded spot in the open-air environment offers visitors a peaceful place to relax and enjoy a moment of solitude. The combination of the quiet surroundings and the serene presence of the sculpture creates a comfortable and intimate atmosphere, making it an inviting retreat within the larger garden space.
Crossing the suspension bridge and arriving at the lawn area atop the steps, you'll notice a large stainless steel reflective sphere suspended above, titled My Sky Hole by Japanese sculptor Bukichi Inoue. The sphere, delicately hung by four thin rods, mirrors the sky, the surrounding environment, and even the visitors approaching it. This captivating artwork blends seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a unique, ever-changing interaction between art, nature, and the people beneath it. The reflective surface invites contemplation, offering a fresh perspective on the landscape and the viewer’s place within it.
Continuing uphill along the slope, you’ll arrive at a significant area featuring large-scale interactive installations. This space is more expansive, offering a variety of immersive artworks that invite active participation from visitors. Scattered throughout the open grounds are also several smaller groups of sculptures, designed for visual appreciation and providing artistic accents amidst the larger interactive exhibits. The blend of expansive space and diverse sculptures creates a dynamic environment where art, interaction, and observation coexist harmoniously.
Here, a massive structure rises, but it’s not a hill—it’s a carefully stacked arrangement of timber. This piece, Woods of Net, was designed and built by Tezuka Architects. It's the only large-scale work in the Sculpture Forest created by an architectural design team rather than an artist. The entire structure is made solely of interlocking wooden slats, without using any metal materials. A total of 320 cubic meters of wood was used, incorporating over 500 different types of timber. The intricate joinery technique used for the internal structure is inspired by traditional Japanese wooden temple designs. As you step inside, the fresh scent of newly cut wood still lingers in the air, enhancing the immersive experience.
This pavilion was specifically designed to house the works of Canadian-Japanese artist Noriko Horiuchi. As soon as you step through the open doors, you'll be greeted by a vibrant spectacle: Weaving Playground. Horiuchi is known for incorporating the soft, undulating, and curling forms of nature into her art, rather than relying solely on straight lines and rigid geometric shapes. This approach creates a playful and immersive experience that harmonizes with the natural world.
This artwork utilizes over 650 kilograms of woven nylon, which took three months to dye and over a year to crochet into a net. The net symbolizes a cradle, akin to a womb, gently swaying and floating in the air, reminiscent of a baby being held within the mother's body before birth. As an interactive installation, it allows children within certain weight and age limits to play inside. The net responds to even the slightest movements of the children, providing a wave-like feedback that enhances their experience. The more exuberant the play, the more pronounced the wave-like reactions become, creating a dynamic, interactive environment.
Adults, too, are touched by this playful atmosphere. The artist may one day create a similar interactive net for adults, allowing them to rediscover a sense of childlike wonder and escape from daily stresses.
At the entrance stands Personnage, a delightful cone-shaped sculpture by the renowned Spanish surrealist sculptor Joan Miró. The artist intended this piece to express a poetic exploration of art, blending whimsical forms with vivid colors. To many, it feels like a visual poem composed by children, using simple shapes and vibrant hues to convey a sense of playful innocence and creativity. The sculpture invites viewers to engage with it on a more emotional, imaginative level, much like a child crafting their own artistic expression.
Next, you'll encounter the interactive outdoor installation Star Garden. At first glance, it appears to be a landscape flowerbed, but as you get closer, you'll discover it's actually a labyrinth designed with a radial star pattern. Visitors can explore and wander through this intricate maze. Surrounding the labyrinth are several series of sculptures by Japanese artist Yoshitatsu Yanagihara. His works focus on the “humanistic exploration of nature and the essence of life,” aligning perfectly with the Sculpture Forest's theme. This combination successfully captures visitors' attention, as they navigate the low maze and glance up to view the series of sculptures positioned high above.
As you pass through the area, at the highest point of the Sculpture Forest stands a massive building with the word "PICASSO" boldly displayed on the front. Inside this rectangular gallery, over 300 works by the legendary artist are showcased, including paintings, photographs, and ceramic pieces, all donated by his daughter to the Sculpture Forest, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into Picasso’s artistic journey.
Just outside the gallery is the monumental sculpture Le Fleur qui Marche (The Walking Flower) by the artist Léger. Known for his imaginative and creative works during the Cubist period, Léger became a household name. After World War II, he began exploring ceramic sculptures for public squares. This particular piece, The Walking Flower, true to its name, explores a personified form that blends nature and the human spirit.
Following the path, you reach the southernmost point of the forest, home to one of its most iconic installations: the Tower of Light and Shadow. Designed by Japanese architect Jun Itō, the seemingly simple 18-meter-high, 8-meter-wide tower is accessed via a spiral staircase. Inside, however, is a breathtakingly ornate world illuminated by the work of French artist Gabriel Loire (1904-1996). His piece, Symphonic Sculpture, encircles the tower with stained glass that casts a dreamlike glow in the sunlight. Loire, an Impressionist painter, crafted a visual experience reminiscent of Van Gogh’s Starry Night or Monet’s Water Lilies.
Adjacent to the tower, a service building houses a café on the first floor and a gallery on the second. Visitors can take a break here or enjoy indoor artworks.
Upon exiting the café, you'll find a free footbath area, where visitors can soak their feet in warm water from hot springs, relieving their weariness. Benches are available for people to sit and dip their feet, and stones underfoot offer a bit of reflexology. If you don’t have a towel, you can purchase a small souvenir one for 100 yen. The surroundings are serene, with umbrellas providing shade on hot days, and there's a self-service kiosk for drinks.
On the way back from the footbath, you cross a bridge heading north, where various sculptures line the path. Among them is Hand of God by American sculptor Carl Milles (1875-1955), a piece Milles conceived of in a dream, and one of his final works. Its open-air setting invites viewers to look upward along with the figure’s gaze, creating a sense of movement and the passage of time despite the sculpture’s stillness.
On an expansive open lawn stands a singular monumental figure, solely occupying the space. This is Miss Black Power by Niki de Saint Phalle (France, 1930-2002), part of her renowned Nana series from 1965, which marked a radical shift in the artist’s earlier, more somber and politically charged style. The Nana sculptures are large, hollow female figures, and Miss Black Power is one of the most prominent. With its vibrant clothing and playful pose, the figure stands confidently with exaggeratedly stout legs, while the small, simplified head lacks detailed features. This sculpture exudes a powerful sense of feminine energy, celebrating womanhood in a bold, unapologetic form—an anthem of female empowerment sung by women themselves.
Nearby, a giant fried egg rests on the ground, designed for people to sit on its edge and take a break. This playful fusion of functionality and whimsy feels like a scene out of a Japanese animated film. The design was crafted by Klein Dytham architecture, a Japanese architectural studio known for their innovative approach.
Ryoji Goto (Japan, 1951–) has also left his mark on the landscape with his large stainless steel sculpture, Intersecting Space Structure. Goto had previously created Diamond Structure—a piece based on the molecular structure of diamonds where human figures replace carbon atoms, complete with outstretched limbs—housed in the Uemura Highlands Art Museum. Intersecting Space Structure, created in 1978, is its sister piece. It features 72 black male figures and 72 red female figures, intertwined and connected by their limbs. This geometric arrangement strips away sentimentality, leaving a powerful collective energy of humanity dancing in harmony.
Another dynamic sculpture is Sixteen Turning Sticks by Japanese artist Takamichi Ito (Japan, 1939–). Constructed from stainless steel and powered by electricity, the piece features softly rotating curves that glow with an ethereal light. Despite its mechanized nature, the slow, smooth movement evokes a sense of organic fluidity. Ito, a master of dynamic art, studied metalworking at Tokyo University of the Arts before shifting to sculpture. Many of his works can be found in public spaces such as train stations. "Where there is human space, there is light. Where there is natural space, there is motion. These are the central themes of my work," Ito explained.
Never-ending Dialog by Japanese artist Susumu Shingu (Japan, 1937–) features two canvas sails that shift with the wind, sometimes nodding to one another as they move up and down. Created in 1978, its streamlined form was designed with precise calculations of wind speed and resistance, ensuring the sails never stop moving, no matter how the wind blows. The sculpture seems to come alive, animated by the breeze. Since first debuting his work in Milan in 1966, Shingu has continued to craft dynamic sculptures, capturing the invisible rhythms of nature, such as wind and water, in motion.
British sculptor Henry Moore (1898–1986), celebrated worldwide for his monumental abstract sculptures, is represented here as well. Moore’s works, particularly his depictions of the human form—most notably Mother and Child and Reclining Figure—are frequently exhibited in outdoor spaces. He once said, "There is no better background for sculpture than the sky." At the shaded Green Lawn Garden in the Sculpture Forest, 10 of Moore’s works stand timelessly, their solid forms in perfect harmony with the changing landscapes around them, creating an ever-evolving space of wonder.
One of the last figures you'll encounter before the exit is Balzac by Auguste Rodin, a tribute to the French novelist Honoré de Balzac. Rodin, one of the most renowned sculptors in history, did not aim to faithfully replicate the author's likeness. Instead, he sought to capture Balzac’s essence and spirit. The result, with its unusual and somewhat haunting appearance, surprises many visitors, but its expressive power makes a lasting impression.
As you near the exit, you return to the tunnel by the entrance, completing the loop. After passing the escalators, you'll find indoor recreational facilities and a gift shop. Even after leaving the Sculpture Forest, the memories of this outdoor art journey linger.
Project Summary:
Even for those unfamiliar with contemporary art, the natural surroundings of the Sculpture Forest inspire a sense of closeness to new experiences. The presence of these art pieces enlivens the scenery and sparks imagination. In short, it brings the environment to life through stories. The Sculpture Forest sets a benchmark for outdoor art parks, with its theme of "Dialogue between Nature and Art." Unlike typical indoor museums, its unique design and carefully curated outdoor spaces offer a distinct and memorable experience. As Japan’s first open-air art museum, it has inspired numerous similar projects, but it continues to innovate. New works and experiences are set to debut in 2023, promising even more to explore.
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