An Italian-themed glass museum may not be your first choice for a Japan tour itinerary, but the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum 箱根ガラスの森美術館 is a gem worth visiting when you are in Hakone. The museum itself houses rotating displays from the collection of restaurant owner Sadao Ukai. Over 100 pieces, both ancient and modern, are on exhibit at any given time.
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum 箱根ガラスの森美術館 (photo: Kentaro Ohno/flickr)
Even more noteworthy than the interior is the garden with its modern glass displays. There are crystal trees, an arched hallway, and fountains all sparkling with glass and Austrian crystals. Famous designers such as Dale Chihuly are represented in this lovely retreat that looks like a garden from a fairy palace.
In addition to the museum, there are hands-on classes in sandblasting and fusing that start at 1200 yen and last about 30 minutes; you can make key chains, cups, and other items for fun souvenirs of your visit. There is also an excellent Italian restaurant called La Terrazza which features live Italian canzoni singers. The music is performed 6 times per day on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm, and last about 15 minutes.
La Terrazza at Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (photo: detsugu/flickr)
The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm. It costs 1300 yen to enter, or 1100 yen for high school and university students, or 800 yen for elementary and junior high students.
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum glass display (photo: Kentaro Ohno/flickr)
To get to the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, take the Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone Yumoto Station in the direction of Togendai. Get off at The Hyoseki/Hakone Glass no Mori Mae stop. Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara,Hakone-machi,Ashigarashimo-gun,Kanagawa 250-0631 Japan
For more information: http://www.ciao3.com/info/english/index.html
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum chandelier (photo: Kentaro Ohno/flickr)
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum gardens (photo: Nemo’s great uncle/flickr)
