Hakone Open-Air Museum

The Hakone Open-Air Museum was so much better than I expected.

I love a good museum with open air and plants, flowers, and trees, cafes and a gift shop so I knew I wanted to check this place out. I didn’t realize it would be such an enjoyable experience for the whole family that we easily spent 3 hours at.

The kids were happy to have some fresh air outside of the city where they felt more free to wander. As a family, we enjoyed guessing what the names of statues might be as we approached them on our leisurely walk and then read the name plates with the “answers” as we arrived. For example, we thought the above might be “Crossing Rabbits” or “Bunny Crossing” but it wasn’t.

Along the way were many places to sit, an art “maze” that was fun to go in and watch others explore, a playground for kids 12 and under, other large art structures like the “Symphony of Light,” and a free onsen foot bath that we all enjoyed very much.

But rather than just describing it, below is a video that captured much, but not all of it for you to see.

My mom and mentor recommended it to me and I am so glad we went and now highly recommend it to you. Go when the weather is nice!

Finding peace by piece:

There’s something about art that brings peace to our mind and stirs up reflective thoughts of creativity as we appreciate each piece.