In the afternoon on day 2 we headed to the HAKONE OPEN AIR MUSEUM. When I first heard the name I had not idea what that meant, (air? flying? science? what?) but once I googled photos I absolutely knew I had to go. Photographers paradise...you will soon see why.
It cost about $15 to enter, and they had lockers outside to keep our bags in so we could walk around freely and relax. *thank you Japan*
I soon learned that "open air" meant...outside. duh! The museum is a big park of amazing statues and art installations...basically a park for adults lol.
LOL how amazing is this egg installation! I've always wanted an egg bed.
This statue was rad...it was called "the hand of God"
There was also some Sakura in bloom!
Typical Japan...that umbrella area down there is a place where you can soak your feet in hot water.
I wasn't sure what that tall circular building was on the left..but dad wanted to see inside so we entered and immediately I was BLOWN AWAY....WHAT THE...
A giant building of stained glass!!! It reminded me a lot of the coolest building I have ever been to, Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona Spain...and I was really just blown away by how magical it looked inside.
You could walk up the giant spiral staircase in the middle of the building to the rooftop. Pretty rad...but not for the faint of heart.
The Open Air Museum also had a fabulous Picasso gallery that showed some of his more creative works (clay, mirrors, glass work etc).
Another rad installation was this insane play structure! I was so tempted to go in but it was for kids 12 and under (darn) but what a dream this is for the little ones!
Japan is too cool.
Me on Mondays. lol
This was a play area for kids (and parents to relax!)
The Open Air Museum is definitely a place I recommend...honestly one of the coolest museums I have ever been to!
We eventually headed back to the main train station to catch the Shinkansen (Bullet train) back to Tokyo.
Awesome granola snack at the train station...and in less than 45 minutes we were back at Tokyo station and had to go to ramen street to eat the ever popular ROKURINSHA!
This place has been hyped up on every Tokyo food blog and for that reason always has a loooooong line. When we arrived (3pm on a Tuesday) the line was surprisingly short and we ended up waiting only about 30 minutes.
"roku" in Japanese means "six" and "rinsha" is the word used for wheels...for example,"ichi-rinsha" means "unicycle" ...so rokurinsha's logo is a hexagon - get it!?
They're known for their Tsukemen...thick noodles served separately that you dip into thick broth...and I knew I definitely had to order a soft boiled egg.
WHOAAA. HELLO BEAUTIFUL
IT. WAS. GOOD. Lived up to they hype forsure.
Such a good day!