For centuries, Hakone has drawn visitors in search of faith and healing, with few places in Japan comparing with its natural scenery, atmosphere, religion, art, medieval history, food and onsens.
Hakone’s contribution to Japanese art is one that melds nature and man and far surpasses the output of other cities with more than 10 times its population. Blend this with the magnificent views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji and the respect and appreciation of life shared by all of the townsfolk and you have a superb destination for escaping Tokyo.
Hakone is blessed with some fantastic scenery and some of the finest is to be found as you approach the Hakone open-air sculpture garden where images of lush forestry, which covers the rolling hills are reflected in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of color that changes with the seasons. The picturesque valleys are also home to outstanding works of man-made art by some of the most famous practitioners of sculpting to of worked and combined they make for many a striking visual.
The indoor exhibition rooms are without doubt amongst the most well stocked of Japanese art galleries and are home to a series of works by Renoir and Picasso. Within are approximately 300 pieces of rare ceramic work and once you have walked your way through that you can rest your feet in the foot baths that have been made by utilizing the natural hot springs of the town.
All of the photographs here have been taken from walking around the outside gardens and the works that are display there, amongst 70,000 square meters of grass land are works by sculptors including Henry Moore and Rodin.
Boasting a great literary heritage in Japan as well, once being home to noted literii, politicians and foreign dignitaries in the Meiji and Taishō and early Shōwa periods and should also be noted for its contribution to craftwork with parquetry.
One of the greatest joys of visiting Harkone is, of course, the people themselves. Polite, meditative, always ready to help and, if there is a single way to characterize the local people – it is living life to its most beautiful, creating and maintaining a fantastic atmosphere so much in evidence across town – so go and see for yourself.
