Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum is a collection of glass art in Sengokuhara set within a recreated medieval Venetian environment complete with gardens and water features. The buildings display works from different periods and styles, surrounded by fountains and landscaping that evoke the original Italian city.

The museum opened in 1996 and brought centuries of Italian glass artistry to Japan. Since then, it has become a place where this European craft tradition meets Japanese hospitality and landscape traditions.

The name references Venetian craftsmanship and reflects how this European tradition is honored in a Japanese mountain setting. You can observe how the architecture and gardens blend European aesthetics into the local landscape.

The location is in a mountain setting and is accessible by bus from nearby towns. You should wear comfortable shoes since the gardens and outdoor areas involve considerable walking.

The museum shop holds hundreds of glass items created by artisans from around the world, going beyond just Venetian pieces. This gathering of work from many countries shows techniques and approaches that visitors rarely encounter all in one place.