Overview
The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum recreates a corner of Venice in the Hakone mountains. Its European-style garden and collection of 15th–19th century Venetian glasswork transport visitors to another world entirely.
Highlights
- Crystal Glass Garden: An outdoor garden decorated with massive crystal glass trees and light sculptures that shimmer and sparkle in sunlight.
- Historic Glass: Rare goblets, chandeliers, and ornamental pieces from Venice's golden age of glassmaking, including pieces commissioned by European royalty.
- Live Music: Italian canzone performances on an outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and mountains.
History
Opened in 1996, the museum was designed to introduce Hakone visitors to the artistry of Murano glass at a time when international cultural museums were booming across Japan. The building and gardens are modeled on Venetian palatial architecture.
Visitor Tips
- Photo Opportunities: The crystal garden and European-style grounds offer some of Hakone's most unusual photo backdrops.
- Glass Workshop: Try your hand at making a glass accessory in the on-site workshop (reservations recommended).
- Duration: 45–60 minutes.