Private Hakone Art Tour: Sculptures, Glass, and Beautiful Gardens

Hakone , Japan

Private Hakone Art Tour: Sculptures, Glass, and Beautiful Gardens

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About this experience

Create your private, fully customizable art adventure in Hakone, choosing 3–4 top museums to explore at your own pace. Stroll among life-sized outdoor sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, marvel at sparkling glass art and elegant paintings at the Pola Museum of Art or Hakone Lalique Museum, and discover ancient East Asian masterpieces at the Okada Museum of Art.

Enjoy hands-on traditional crafts, wander through tranquil Japanese gardens, and let Hakone’s serene natural beauty refresh your senses. Capture photos, feel the textures of art, and soak in the calm, contemplative atmosphere.

This flexible private tour allows you to create a personalized, unforgettable art journey. Pickup is available from Hakone-Yumoto Station, Odawara Station, or your hotel. Transportation is by public trains and buses (not private car), and fares are not included.

Available options

Private Hakone Art Tour: Sculptures, Glass, and Beautiful Gardens

What's included

Accompaniment by an English-speaking guide

Assistance with photography

On-site support and interpretation

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Japan’s first open-air museum, opened in 1969, showcasing around 2,000 modern and contemporary sculptures. The expansive grounds feature interactive art installations perfect for children, making it a hit with families. Stroll through nature while enjoying art in a unique outdoor setting.

Stop 2

Home to the private art collection of the Pola cosmetics family, this museum displays Western paintings, glasswork, contemporary art, and cosmetics from around the world. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful garden and experience art bathed in natural light.

Dedicated to the works of French glass artist René Lalique, this museum exhibits exquisite glass art and jewelry. Take a break at the museum’s café, set inside an Orient Express carriage, and relax on the lush lawns surrounded by stunning artworks.

Featuring approximately 450 Japanese and East Asian artworks, the museum’s centerpiece is an enormous golden folding screen (12m x 30m). Guests can unwind in the footbath café while appreciating traditional and contemporary art in a serene atmosphere.

Explore Japanese history through ancient pottery from the Jomon period and burial figurines from the Kofun era. The museum is set amidst the beautiful, nationally recognized Gora garden, offering a peaceful retreat into Japan’s artistic heritage.

Discover the traditional craft of Hakone Yosegi marquetry with over 200 intricate woodworks on display. Try your hand at creating your own piece and browse unique souvenirs, experiencing an authentic taste of local artistry.

Stop 8

Nestled on the shores of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is a serene Shinto sanctuary famous for its iconic red torii gate rising from the water. Stroll through tranquil forest paths, enjoy lakeside views, and feel the spiritual atmosphere of this historic site.

What's not included

Please note that lunch and drinks are not included in the tour.

Transportation is by public trains and buses, not by private car.

Transportation fees (including trains, buses, ropeway, and boat cruises)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Let’s meet at the Hakone Yumoto Tourist Information Center.
After exiting the main gate of Hakone-Yumoto Station, turn slightly left.
You’ll see the Tourist Information Center near the bus stops and taxi area.
It’s only a 1-minute walk from the station.

About Hakone

Hakone is a renowned onsen (hot spring) town in Japan, famous for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and relaxing hot baths. Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, it offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding nature, making it a perfect getaway from Tokyo.

Top Attractions

Hakone Open-Air Museum

An outdoor museum featuring a variety of sculptures and art installations in a beautiful natural setting.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (¥1,600)

Lake Ashi

A scenic lake formed in the caldera of a volcano, offering beautiful views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains.

Nature 1-2 hours Included in the Hakone Free Pass

Owakudani

A volcanic valley known for its sulfur vents, hot springs, and black eggs boiled in the hot springs.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (eggs cost ¥500)

Hakone Shrine

A Shinto shrine located on the shore of Lake Ashi, known for its beautiful torii gate and traditional architecture.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Hakone Old Tokaido Road

A historic road that was part of the Tokaido route, featuring traditional buildings, teahouses, and inns.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kurotamago (Black Eggs)

Eggs boiled in the hot springs of Owakudani, turning the shells black and giving the eggs a unique sulfuric flavor.

Snack Contains eggs

Hakone Soba

Buckwheat noodles served with a variety of toppings, often made with local ingredients.

Main Course Vegetarian options available

Onsen Tamago

Eggs cooked in the hot springs, giving them a unique flavor and texture.

Main Course Contains eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Paragliding Onsen (hot spring) bathing Spa treatments Nature walks Temple and shrine visits Traditional craft workshops

Best Time to Visit

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the best time to visit Hakone for its beautiful fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. The scenery is breathtaking, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

10°C to 20°C 50°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Hakone is a very safe destination with low crime rates. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Haneda Airport • 70 km from Hakone
Narita Airport • 150 km from Hakone

By train

Hakone-Yumoto Station, Hakone Station

By bus

Hakone-Yumoto Station

Getting around

Public transport

The train and bus network covers most of Hakone's attractions. The Hakone Tozan Railway is a scenic mountain line.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hakone-Yumoto Gora Togendai

Day trips

Kamakura

50 km from Hakone • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a historic town known for its temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great day trip from Hakone for those interested in history and culture.

Yokohama

80 km from Hakone • Full day

Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city, offering a mix of urban attractions, cultural sites, and waterfront activities. It's a great day trip for those looking for a change of pace from Hakone's natural beauty.

Fuji Five Lakes

60 km from Hakone • Full day

The Fuji Five Lakes area offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and visiting museums.

Festivals

Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu • November (specific dates vary) Hakone Kamakura Kaido Torch Festival • January (specific dates vary) Hakone Ekiden • January 2nd and 3rd

Pro tips

Purchase the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited train, bus, and boat rides within the Hakone area
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views of Mount Fuji
Try local specialties like kurotamago (black eggs) and Hakone soba
Respect onsen etiquette and follow proper bathing procedures
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and between indoor and outdoor settings