You really can't miss this super fun open-air museum when visiting Hakone! Japan's first open-air museum to combine nature and art, it has around 120 sculptures scattered throughout its lush green grounds. You can admire them while strolling around, without any of the pressure of visiting a traditional art museum. It's even more pleasant when the weather is nice. The route is clearly marked, and about 1.5–2 hours is just right for a full loop. The especially popular “Symphonic Sculpture” is absolutely gorgeous in photos, with the light shining through the glass against the blue sky!
The Hakone Open-air Museum | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
A sightseeing ship that operates on Lake Ashinoko, a scenic spot in Hakone. The three ships, Royale II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko, are characterized by their colorful and luxurious decorations. Each of them has a capacity of about 500 passengers and takes 25 to 35 minutes each way between Togendai Port, Hakone-machi Port, and Moto-Hakone Port. On a sunny day, the open deck is a great place to enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the pleasant breeze and the seasonal views of nature and mountains.
You have to ride the pirate ship at least once when you visit Hakone! The luxurious ship looks very impressive, and as it sails across Lake Ashinoko, you can enjoy views of the lake and mountains along the way. When the weather is good, you may even get to see Mount Fuji.
My favorite part was passing Hakone Shrine, where you can see the very popular “Torii Gate on the Lake” from the water. The angle is completely different!
The roughly 30-minute ride is just right. You can enjoy the breeze and scenery, or sit down, rest, and have a cup of coffee. Plan Hakone Shrine, the pirate ship, the ropeway, and Owakudani together—they're all along the way and fun!
When you visit Hakone, don't just focus on sightseeing. Taking a boat ride and zoning out for a while is also great〜 -
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Lake Ashinoko
The lake is said to have been created about 3100 years ago when a phreatic explosion caused by volcanic activity caused the sediment from a large collapsed mountain to dam the river. In fact, most of the water is rainwater rather than spring water, which is the source of the river. It is a huge puddle of water.
When you come to Hakone, Lake Ashinoko is a great final stop on your trip! Cruising slowly across the lake on a sightseeing boat, you’re surrounded by lush green mountains, and when the weather is clear, you may even get to see Mount Fuji. The whole scene is so soothing.
After spending the whole day exploring Hakone, once I got to Lake Ashinoko, I suddenly didn’t feel like rushing anywhere. I just wanted to sit by the lake, enjoy the breeze, and take in the scenery. The water was very calm and the breeze was gentle. Even time seemed to slow down.
If Hakone is a journey, then Lake Ashinoko is the most relaxing ending. You don’t need to plan much. Just sitting there and zoning out is already worth it. -
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Hakone Ropeway
From Sounzan to Togendai Station, a ropeway runs about 4km. You can ride in a gondola and look over the lush nature of Hakone mountains, Lake Ashinoko, Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. Enjoy a skywalk for about 24 minutes.
You have to ride the ropeway at least once when visiting Hakone! It's about 4 kilometers long and travels high above the valleys, with lush greenery all along the way and a bird's-eye view of the extremely popular Owakudani. As the gondola slowly moves along, the volcanic landscape with white smoke rising appears right before your eyes. It really feels like you're flying over Hakone!
The best part is that the Hakone Freepass includes the ropeway, so you can enjoy transportation and attractions together, making it a really great value! When the weather is good, the views are wide open, and you might even see Mount Fuji. This trip through the sky is absolutely worth it! -
