Hakone Glass no Mori (箱根ガラスの森美術館), or the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, is a beautiful glass museum and garden located in the Hakone area of Japan. It was opened in 1996 and is known for its impressive collection of glass art from around the world, particularly Venetian glass, as well as its stunning natural setting.
The museum is spread out over a vast 50,000 square meters, featuring several indoor galleries and outdoor gardens. Visitors can explore two main museums: the Venetian Glass Museum, which showcases masterpieces of Venetian glass from the 15th to 19th centuries, and the Modern Glass Museum, which exhibits works by world-renowned contemporary glass artists.
One of the highlights of Hakone Glass no Mori is its beautiful garden. The garden is adorned with a variety of seasonal flowers and plants, such as roses, hydrangeas, and autumn leaves, along with glass sculptures and installations like the “Crystal Glass Corridor” and the “Venetian Glass Fountain.” The garden is particularly enchanting during spring’s cherry blossom season and the fall foliage season.
The museum also features workshops where visitors can experience glassblowing, sandblasting, and fusing techniques, creating their own unique glass souvenirs.
In addition to the art and gardens, the museum has a cafe and restaurant serving delicious local cuisine. There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind glass items.
Getting there
By Train and Bus
From Odawara Station (JR Line, Odakyu Line) or Hakone Yumoto Station (Odakyu Line):
- Take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for “Togendai”
- Get off at “Hyoseki/Hakone Garasu-no-Mori-Mae” bus stop
- Journey time from Hakone-Yumoto: About 20 minutes
- Cost: 840 yen
- Frequency: 4-5 buses per hour
By Car
- Take Tomei Expressway and exit at Gotenba
- Then take National Route 138 to Sengoku-hara (approximately 20 minutes)
- The museum is located along National Route 138
Details
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Reception closes at 5:00 PM. |
| Admission | Adults: 1,800 yen High school and university students: 1,300 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 600 yen |
| Phone | +81 460-86-3111 |
| Address | 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631 |
| Official Website | https://www.hakone-garasunomori.jp/en/information/ |