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Hakone, solo trip, Things to Do
Japan/Things to Do in Hakone, solo trip

The Hakone Open-Air Museum (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is The Hakone Open-Air Museum?

90%Solo-Friendly
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A solo traveler can wander 70 000 m² of sculpture lawns, duck into the Picasso Pavilion, and soak in the foot-bath without scheduling anyone else, with clear English signage easing independent exploration.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 13,935 reviews)
Hakone Open Air Museum - Is It Worth Visiting?
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Hakone Open Air Museum - Is It Worth Visiting?
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[Japan Travel Vlog] Hakone Open-Air Museum | First open-air museum in Japan | Picasso Pavilion
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[Japan Travel Vlog] Hakone Open-Air Museum | First open-air museum in Japan | Picasso Pavilion
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Positives:

  • Quiet Spots: Multiple benches offer peaceful breaks ideal for solo reflection
  • Barrier-Free Access: Wide paths and ramps make it easy to navigate at your own pace

Challenges:

  • Hilly Terrain: Uneven slopes and cobblestone paths can be tiring after a long walk
  • Narrow Tower Stairs: The Symphonic Sculpture spiral stairs are steep and tight

What is so special about The Hakone Open-Air Museum for solo trip?

  1. Unique open-air gallery with over 120 modern sculptures
  2. Stained-glass tower offers solo photo ops and mountain views
  3. Indoor Picasso Pavilion for a change of pace
  4. Free hot spring footbath overlooking art
  5. Solo-friendly cafés and resting areas
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Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to explore both outdoor sculptures and indoor halls at a relaxed pace

(View The Hakone Open-Air Museum on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Self-Guided Sculpture Walk:

Wander the 70,000 m² park to find over 120 modern sculptures by masters like Moore and Rodin

Tip: Pick a map at the entrance and follow numbered markers to avoid missing pieces

Climb the Symphonic Sculpture:

Ascend the 18 m stained-glass tower for panoramic views of the grounds and mountains

Tip: Visit midday for the brightest light through the glass walls

Explore the Picasso Pavilion:

View roughly 300 works by Picasso including ceramics, paintings, and sculptures

Tip: Head here first to beat indoor crowds and spend 20–30 minutes

Soak in the Foot Bath:

Relax in the free natural hot spring footbath overlooking outdoor artworks

Tip: Bring a small towel from your bag to dry off before rejoining the trail

Solo Café Break:

Enjoy a coffee or light snack at the Open-Air Museum Café amid sculpture-like seating

Tip: Order early to grab a window seat facing the hillside sculptures

Content Notice: Some content on this page may be written with the assistance of AI tools. We regularly update to ensure accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Museum admissionJPY 2,000
Café snackJPY 800
Souvenir postcardJPY 500
Total EstimatedJPY 3,300

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

When is the best time to visit The Hakone Open-Air Museum?

Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage add color to the sculpture park. Visit early for misty mornings.

How to Maximize Your Visit to The Hakone Open-Air Museum

  1. Go Early: Arrive at opening time to enjoy exhibits before mid-day groups
  2. Map Your Route: Plan a clockwise loop from outdoor park to indoor halls to avoid backtracking

Map of The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493, Japan

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Reviews of The Hakone Open-Air Museum

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amanda l

amanda l

Aug 2025

beautiful museum with a unique concept. went in the summer so it was fairly warm, but there were plenty of indoor spaces and shaded areas to rest at. quirky museum shop and cafes in the space as well as a couple of indoor museums spaces including a picasso exhibition. well curated and really novel!

Lauren Koff

Lauren Koff

Aug 2025

One of the most incredible museums I’ve ever visited! The installations are so huge and fun to walk through. Even on a cold rainy and snowy day we walked the entire grounds and saw each exhibit. There’s a sweet hot foot soak area about mid way through where there is also a gift shop and little cafe. Don’t miss going inside the tower with all the stained glass, it’s other worldly.

Itziar Azua

Itziar Azua

Jul 2025

One of my favorite places to visit. It was stunning, the openness of the space, the views with all the art surrounded by nature. The Picasso exhibition is very nice, mostly the second floor with his bullfighting pieces. I felt like you can experience a lot of Japan’s unique nature in one place, they have a little foot bath with hot water to experience the “onsen”, a small but charming bamboo fores...

Serene Lim

Serene Lim

Jun 2025

Loved the concept of an outdoor museum, very nice to stroll around the big park going up and down especially in good weather. Many random sculptures and structures here and there (so-so), Picasso exhibition at the middle was amazing (lots of exhibition), the spiral staircase with coloured glass and very nice views from the top. Also, super interesting kids playground with lots of begs and colorful...

Pradini Sugiharto

Pradini Sugiharto

May 2025

A cool and charming place, definitely a must-visit when you're in Hakone. It's located not far from Chokoku-no-Mori Station. There's also a bus stop right in front of the museum. The parking area is spacious. Coin lockers of various sizes are available, with the largest one big enough to fit a 26-inch suitcase. Inside the museum, there’s a cafe and two restaurants. The cafe situated right in the ...

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About The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 460-82-1161

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