In between Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula lies Hakone - about 80 kilometers west of Tokyo and attracting about 19 million visitors each year. It is a mountainous region whose form has changed over the years with volcanic activity and eruptions, and was also the historical checkpoint on the road linking eastern and western Japan. Today, it is known as the nearest onsen resort area to Tokyo but boasts numerous attractions and holds up to its claim as a must see in the Kanto area.

There are many attractions in the area. Here are some of the major sites of interest:

Hakone Open-air Museum
This was the first open-air art museum in Japan and features works from world renown artists including Rodin, Bourdelle, Miro, and one of the largest collections of British sculptor Henry Moore. There is also a Picasso Pavillion with a collection of over 300 pieces. The Hot Footbath spa (free-of-charge) makes a nice relaxation stop as it will take a couple of hours to walk around and enjoy the grounds.
http://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/eng/

Lake Ashi
A crater lake, "Ashi-no-ko" is known to be one of the best viewing spots for Mount Fuji - though that is dependent on it being a clear day - visibility is usually better in the colder seasons. Sightseeing boats can be taken over the lake and many visitors stay at nearby resorts in the area as the Hakone Ropeway can be caught from the lake (Togendai Station). For a first dramatic view of Mount Fuji, take the ropeway up to Owakudani Valley from the other side of the mountain before heading down to Lake Ashi.

Hakone (Jinja) Shrine
Hakone (Jinja) or shrine was constructed in 757 and hosts crowds of worshippers during New Year celebrations. The Hakone Daigongen - local deity of the Kanto region - is enshrined at this temple, and other exhibits housed in the Jinja Shrine Treasure Museum include the daggers which belonged to the Soga brothers (the heroes of one of the country's most famous historical vendettas). The unmistakeable red "torii" gates leading up to the shrine can be seen at the edge of Lake Ashi.

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
The region itself is dotted with several onsen (hot-springs) however if you're looking for something a bit more extraordinary you may want to visit this hot spring "theme park". Their spa resort services and water attractions are for both young and old. The wide variety of baths include "Roman style", "Turkish style", traditional Japanese baths, and even the more unusual coffee, wine, and green tea baths to name a few.
http://www.yunessun.com/

The Owakudani Valley (The Great Boiling Valley)
Previously named the "Valley of Hell" the Owakudani Valley was created by the last vaporous eruption of the Hakone mountains about 3000 years ago. Kuro-tamago or "black eggs" are cooked in the hot sulfur springs which steam up around the mountain. There is a short "hike" up a path to the hot springs site (about 1 kilometer) where you can also buy the eggs. Eating one is said to extend your life by 7 years. The fact that they are sulfur springs won't pass you by as you can smell them even as you approach the site.

Links of Interest

Hakone Navi
- http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/
National Park Hakone
- http://www.hakone.or.jp/english/
Japan National Tourism Organization - http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/