Hakone Open-Air Museum Photo-essay

On my most recent Japan trip, I went to Hakone -- a popular destination for Tokyoites that lies less than 100 kilometers away from the Japanese capital city and is easily reachable by rail.  But while many Japanese are attracted to Hakone's hot springs, the number one Hakone attraction as far as I was concerned was the Hakone Open-Air Museum that is Japan's first open air museological establishment dedicated to exhibition art.

With more than 100 sculptures displayed in its 70,000 square meter grounds, the Hakone Open Air Museum is one of those institutions where wandering around is a must.  And that is precisely what I did for several hours -- over the course of which I came across many interesting and lovely sculptures but, also, scenic natural landscapes that formed great backgrounds for art -- and a relaxing hot spring foot bath which was as enjoyable as it was popular. ;b

On the other side of this tunnel like structure are

wonderful views and art works! :)

An optical illusion makes it look like an archer is 

shooting at Carl Miles' Man and Pegasus sculpture

 Peter Pearce's Curved Space Diamond Structure is both

a sculptural work of art and a working children's play area

On this giant ball's surface, you can see a self portrait

along with other reflected images :)

Torao Yazaki's Religious Medicant is a rare 19th century 

sculpture that can be found in the grounds of this museum's 

whose collections appear to mostly date to the 20th century

Picasso is big and well represented at this museum

Gabriel Loire's Symphonic Sculpture was my favorite

art work on display within the museum's grounds though

And Puppet Ponyo is a fan of that art work too

-- so much so that she had to be photographed on the

staircase inside the work! :b