The Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum located only a 2-minute walk away from the Choukoku-no-Mori Station ."Chokoku-no-Mori"literally means a forest of sculptures. The museum, established in 1969, was Japan's first outdoor museum. The grounds cover a sprawling 70,000 square meters and are representative of the beautiful nature filled with sculptures by renowned international artists such as Rodin, Bourdelle, Moore, Zadkine and Picasso. In recent years, more than 100 additional sculptures and carvings have been, or are currently being, exhibited. But perhaps the most impressive feature of the Hakone Open-Air Museum is the Picasso collection. The comprehensive articles on display includes over 200 pieces of Picasso's works, representative of each stage in his career. There are also 4 indoor galleries except Picasso's Pavillion allowing visitors to enjoy the collection regardless of the weather. In addition, the museum also offers other diverse highlights, such as a garden maze for children, touchable art-piece statues, and an observatory tower from which the entire surrounding area of Hakone is visible. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a truly unique place where every visitor can find something special to enjoy.