The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a unique and captivating art space that blends stunning modern sculpture with the natural beauty of the Hakone mountains. As Japan's first open-air museum, it features a sprawling 70,000-square-meter park where visitors can wander through a collection of over 100 masterpieces by renowned sculptors, including Henry Moore and Rodin. The art is strategically placed to interact with the landscape, creating a new experience with every season. Beyond the outdoor exhibits, the museum includes several indoor galleries, most notably the Picasso Pavilion, which houses an extensive collection of works by the artist, including paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. The museum also offers interactive art installations for children and a natural hot spring footbath, allowing visitors to rest and rejuvenate while enjoying the scenery. It's a perfect destination for both art lovers and those seeking a peaceful, beautiful walk in nature.

Lake Ashi, also known as Ashinoko, is a scenic crater lake located in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture. Formed by a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago, it's famous for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the serene waters, and, on clear days, the iconic backdrop of Mt. Fuji. One of the most popular ways to experience the lake is by taking a sightseeing cruise on one of the iconic "pirate ships" that traverse the waters. The cruise offers fantastic photo opportunities of the beautiful landscape and the famous red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, which appears to float on the water's edge. Beyond the cruises, the area around Lake Ashi is rich with attractions, including the historic Hakone Shrine, the reconstructed Hakone Sekisho Checkpoint, and the Onshi Hakone Park, once a summer retreat for the imperial family. The lake is a key part of the Hakone sightseeing loop, connecting to the Hakone Ropeway, which provides even more breathtaking aerial views.

Gora Park, located in the charming hot spring town of Gora in Hakone, is a beautiful and historic French-style landscape garden. Opened in 1914, it was one of Japan's first formal Western-style parks. The park is built on a sloping hillside, which allows for stunning views and a variety of unique spaces. The centerpiece of the park is a large symmetrical fountain, surrounded by vibrant seasonal flowers and a well-maintained garden. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy different blooms, from cherry blossoms and azaleas in the spring to hydrangeas in the summer and a beautiful rose garden. Beyond its floral displays, Gora Park is also home to the Hakone Craft House, a popular hands-on facility where you can try various activities like glassblowing, pottery, and sandblasting. There is also a traditional teahouse where you can relax and enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony. The park is easily accessible from Gora Station and is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and a peaceful escape.

(Optional)Hakone Shrine (箱根神社, Hakone Jinja) stands at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi. The shrine buildings are hidden in the dense forest, but are well advertised by its huge torii gates, one standing prominently in the lake and two others over the main street of Moto-Hakone. A path leads from the torii gate in Lake Ashi up a series of steps flanked by lanterns through the forest to the main building of the shrine, which sits peacefully among the tall trees. The shrine is beautiful throughout the year, and is particularly breathtaking when shrouded in mist. A second shrine, Mototsumiya ("original shrine") stands at the summit of Komagatake, one of Mount Hakone's multiple peaks. It is accessible by the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone-en or via hiking trails.

(Optional) Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan's most popular outlet malls, situated in Gotemba, Shizuoka, with an impressive view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. This massive shopping complex is a major destination for both Japanese and international visitors, offering a wide array of over 200 stores. The mall features a vast selection of high-end international and domestic brands, ranging from luxury fashion and sportswear to household goods and electronics, all at discounted prices. The spacious layout is divided into a West Zone and East Zone, connected by a scenic bridge that provides a great vantage point for photos of the surrounding landscape. In addition to shopping, the outlets include a variety of restaurants, cafes, and a food court to refuel. It's a key shopping stop for travelers exploring the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park region, offering a convenient blend of retail therapy and picturesque scenery.