Overview
⚫︎ A Journey through Art, Architecture, and Nature in Kanagawa & Yamanashi
[ Sample Itinerary ]
Experience the harmonious blend of culture, design, and natural beauty in this curated itinerary.
Begin with a visit to Hayama Kachi-tei by Arata Endo, followed by the Odawara Art Foundation Enoura Observatory, designed by the renowned artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto, featuring stunning architecture and scenic views. Explore the celebrated Hakone Open-Air Museum and take in breathtaking vistas on the Hakone Ropeway before staying at Fujiya Hotel or Hakone Retreat Fore.
Marvel at the exquisite collection at the MOA Museum of Art in Atami, paired with a luxurious stay at Suite Villa Curation Atami Sudou Suien or Numazu Club.
Explore the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center by Shigeru Ban, the charming Saiko Iyashi-no-sato, and Oishi Koen, all offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Rest at Hoshinoya Fuji, Fufu Kawaguchiko, or Gakurokusuien.
Conclude your journey with a tour of the Suntory Hakushu Distillery, known for its world-class whisky, and the inspiring Kiyoharu Art Colony, a creative nexus of art and architecture.
Photo:
Hayama Kachi-tei by Arata Endo /©KAYAMA ARCHITECS
Winter Solstice Observation Tunnel and Optical Glass Stage/©Odawara Art Foundation
The Hakone Open-Air Museum /©Japan-guide.com
Fujiya Hotel/©Fujiya Hotel
hakone retreat /©förehakone retreat före
Day 1
Hayama - Hakone
Hayama Kachi-tei by Arata Endo (Optional Stay)
Designed in 1928 by Arata Endo, a protégé of the master architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this masterpiece of modern architecture is a registered tangible cultural property, featuring a beautiful design with Oya stone.
Odawara Art Foundation Enoura Observatory
Designed by renowned artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, this cultural treasure on Odawara’s coast seamlessly combines art, architecture, and nature. Highlights include the "Winter Solstice Tunnel," a stone amphitheater, and stunning views of Sagami Bay.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Immerse yourself in an outdoor gallery where modern and contemporary sculptures are beautifully displayed against Hakone's natural landscape. The museum features works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Henry Moore, and Taro Okamoto, blending art and nature in a unique way. Visitors can stroll through lush gardens, interact with large sculptures, and enjoy art workshops and exhibits in the indoor galleries.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise & Ropeway
Embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Ashi, offering spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding Hakone area. The Hakone Ropeway provides a thrilling aerial journey, taking you above the lush landscapes and giving panoramic views of the lake, mountains, and volcanoes, making it a perfect way to explore this scenic region.
Stay Options
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Fujiya Hotel Hakone
A historic luxury hotel that blends classic elegance with modern amenities, offering unmatched views of Mt. Fuji. With its long-standing reputation for hospitality, the hotel features refined rooms, a renowned French restaurant, and relaxing onsen baths, making it a perfect choice for a luxurious retreat.
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Hakone Retreat före
A serene and contemporary retreat in Hakone, designed for ultimate relaxation. Featuring private villas with open-air onsens, the retreat offers guests an intimate escape, surrounded by nature. Its minimalist design and tranquil atmosphere make it a haven for those seeking peace and rejuvenation.
Photo:
MOA Museum of Art/©MOA MUSEUM OF ART
Suite Villa Curation Atami Sudou Suien/©RESOL HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
Numazu Club /©Numazu Club
Day 2
Atami
MOA Museum of Art
Perched on a hill overlooking Atami, the MOA Museum of Art offers a stunning fusion of art, nature, and architecture. The museum houses an impressive collection of Japanese and East Asian masterpieces, including paintings, ceramics, calligraphy, and sculptures. Highlights include Ogata Kōrin’s "Red and White Plum Blossoms" and a breathtaking Noh theater. With panoramic ocean views, a traditional teahouse, and a serene Japanese garden, MOA provides a truly immersive cultural experience.
Stay Options
1: Suite Villa Curation Atami Sudou Suien
Built in 1920 and now a Registered Cultural Property, this renovated Taisho-era residence blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
2: Numazu Club
The Numazu Club, considered the architect Akira Watanabe’s final masterpiece, offers a blissful retreat where guests can immerse themselves in an extraordinary space that transcends time and place.
Photo:
HOSHINOYA Fuji /©HOSHINOYA Fuji
Fufu Kawaguchiko or Gakurokusuien /©FUFU JAPAN SELECTION
Day 3
Kawaguchiko
Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center by Shigeru Ban
Discover an architecturally stunning tribute to Mt. Fuji's cultural and natural significance, designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban. The center’s striking inverted cone structure reflects Mt. Fuji on its water basin, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. Inside, immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and a spiral ramp leading to a panoramic observation deck offer a deeper appreciation of Japan’s most iconic mountain.
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba
Step into a beautifully restored thatched-roof village, where tradition meets artistry. This open-air museum offers hands-on cultural experiences, including local crafts, samurai armor dress-up, and soba-making, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Mt. Fuji.
Oishi Park
A serene lakeside escape offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji. Famous for its seasonal flower displays, including vibrant lavender fields in summer and fiery autumn foliage, the park provides a perfect setting for a scenic stroll or a peaceful moment by Lake Kawaguchi.
Stay Options:
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Hoshinoya Fuji
A luxury glamping retreat nestled in the forest, offering minimalist cabins with private terraces overlooking Mt. Fuji. Enjoy open-air dining, guided nature experiences, and a tranquil escape into Japan’s wilderness.
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Fufu Kawaguchiko
An intimate luxury onsen resort near Lake Kawaguchi, where private hot spring baths, refined kaiseki cuisine, and panoramic views of Mt. Fuji create a deeply relaxing experience.
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Gakurokusuien
A charming ryokan blending traditional architecture with modern comfort. Guests can unwind in natural hot springs, savor seasonal kaiseki dining, and experience warm Japanese hospitality.
Photo:
Suntory Hakushu Distillery Tour /©2018 - 2025 JTB Publishing
Kiyoharu Art Colony/©Kiyoharu Art Colony
Gasbom Metabolism gallery/©Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores Co.Ltd.
Day 4
Hokuto
Suntory Hakushu Distillery Tour
Located in the pristine forests of Hokuto City, Suntory Hakushu Distillery is renowned for its award-winning single malt whisky. Visitors can explore the distillery, learn about the whisky-making process, and enjoy tastings of Hakushu’s signature smoky and refreshing flavors. Surrounded by lush nature and pure mountain water, this distillery offers a unique experience for whisky enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Kiyoharu Art Colony / Gasbom Metabolism Gallery
Located in Hokuto City, Kiyoharu Art Colony is a unique cultural space where art, architecture, and nature harmoniously blend. It features museums, artist studios, and historic buildings, including relocated works by renowned architects such as Tadao Ando, Yoshio Taniguchi, and Terunobu Fujimori. The Gasbon Metabolism Gallery presents contemporary art exhibitions in a striking architectural setting, offering an inspiring experience for art enthusiasts.
Dining Options:
1: Terroir Ai to Ibukuro
A farm-to-table restaurant in Hokuto City that celebrates local ingredients and seasonal flavors. With a focus on sustainability, it offers beautifully crafted dishes that highlight the region’s rich agricultural heritage in a warm, rustic setting
2: Notori Fuji
A charming new restaurant in Hokuto City known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Using carefully selected local ingredients, it offers a refined dining experience that blends tradition with creativity.