Hakone Glass Museum is one of the top destinations for travelers visiting the scenic Hakone region in Japan. The museum features Italian styled buildings that house a museum and a collection of glassworks. The museum is known for its unique collection of art pieces created by some of the most talented glass artists from around the world.

The Hakone Glass Museum was founded in 1964 by Okiharu and Kazuko Asahi, who were both avid collectors of glassware. The museum has been a popular destination for travelers since its inception, and it has expanded over the years to include a beautiful strolling garden that surrounds a canal-like pond. The museum and the garden are designed to complement each other, and the garden features many large glass sculptures laid out in carefully curated locations.

The museum’s collection includes glass pieces from various eras, including medieval times and the Renaissance period. The pieces range from traditional Japanese glassware to contemporary glass sculptures from Europe and America. Visitors to the museum can take a guided tour of the exhibits to learn more about the history and techniques of glass making.

The museum’s shops offer visitors the chance to purchase a variety of glass products, including hand-blown glassware, jewelry, and other decorative items. The shops feature both traditional and modern designs, and visitors can choose from a wide range of products to suit their tastes and budgets.

One of the highlights of the Hakone Glass Museum is the large strolling garden that surrounds the museum. The garden is meticulously landscaped and features a wide range of trees, plants, and flowers. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the garden, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and take in the beautiful views of the glass sculptures that are placed throughout the garden.

The museum’s cafe is located at one end of the garden and offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The cafe features an open terrace where live canzoni (Italian ballads) performances are held. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful music while taking in the views of the garden and the museum’s exquisite glassworks.