Hakone Lalique Museum: A Hidden Art Nouveau Gem with an Orient Express Experience

The Verdict

The Hakone Lalique Museum is an absolute must-visit for art lovers and anyone seeking a sophisticated cultural experience in Hakone. This enchanting museum showcases the exquisite glasswork of René Lalique, one of Art Nouveau’s greatest masters. What sets this place apart is the unique opportunity to enjoy tea inside an authentic 1929 Orient Express railway car decorated by Lalique himself—a truly luxurious and memorable experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.

Tourist Quick Check

Why Locals Love It

The Hakone Lalique Museum has earned a stellar 4.2-star rating for good reason. Locals appreciate this cultural treasure as a peaceful escape where art, nature, and culinary excellence converge. The museum’s thoughtful architecture, with its wood-based interior design, creates a harmonious dialogue between Lalique’s nature-inspired artworks and the surrounding forest landscape.

The on-site restaurant has become a beloved destination in its own right, offering elegant dining experiences from morning through afternoon. Visitors rave about the weekday morning hours (9:00-11:00 AM) when you can enjoy a serene, sophisticated breakfast in an uncrowded setting. The restaurant’s culinary offerings—from fluffy omelets to tender beef stew and perfectly cooked chicken confit—complement the artistic atmosphere beautifully.

What truly captivates visitors is the authentic 1929 Orient Express railway car, where Lalique’s original interior design remains intact. This piece of history allows guests to step back in time and experience luxury travel from the golden age of railways. The museum’s location in Sengokuhara makes it a perfect addition to any Hakone itinerary, especially during autumn when the ginkgo trees turn golden and the garden bursts into fiery fall colors.

Key Highlights

• Exquisite Glass Vase Collection: The second-floor gallery showcases Lalique’s masterful glass vases, considered the crown jewel of the museum’s permanent collection
• Orient Express Railway Car: Experience tea time inside an authentic 1929 Orient Express car with Lalique’s original interior design (reservation required)
• Comprehensive Lalique Collection: From delicate jewelry and decorative accessories to large-scale vases and interior design pieces, explore the full breadth of Lalique’s artistic genius
• Fashion & Art Exhibition: Rotating exhibitions that illuminate the relationship between René Lalique’s work and the fashion world of his era
• Garden Views: Beautiful landscaped gardens that change with the seasons—spectacular golden ginkgo in mid-to-late October and stunning autumn foliage in late October
• Museum Restaurant: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea overlooking the gardens (Emois Set lunch ¥2,750, with salad & dessert buffet add ¥1,760)
• Extensive Gift Shop: One of the most comprehensive museum shops with anything and everything related to Lalique’s aesthetic

Honest Warnings

• Orient Express Reservations: The tea time experience in the Orient Express car is extremely popular and often fully booked. Reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment
• Early Closing Time: The museum closes at 4:00 PM (last entry earlier), which is relatively early. Plan your visit accordingly and arrive with plenty of time to explore
• Restaurant Pricing: While the quality is excellent, restaurant prices are on the higher side. The lunch sets with buffet options can exceed ¥4,500 per person
• Location: The museum is in Sengokuhara area of Hakone, requiring planning for transportation. It’s accessible by local bus but factor in travel time from other Hakone attractions
• Best Timing for Scenery: If you want to experience the magical golden light filtering through the ginkgo trees into the Orient Express car, visit in mid-to-late October specifically
• Limited Crowds = Hidden Treasure: Even during major holidays, visitors report that it remains relatively uncrowded—this is a good thing, but also means it’s easy to overlook when planning your Hakone itinerary

Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Access: Sengokuhara area, Hakone (accessible by local bus)