A five-minute walk from the Gora Station of the Hakone Tozan Railway, Gora Park is a pleasant break on a tour of Hakone. It features a western-style flower garden with a fountain and roses, plus two greenhouses. Relax on a bench and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding region. Gora Park is open from 9 am to 5 pm year round, and costs 500 yen. Admission is free with the Hakone Free Pass.
On the grounds of Gora Park is the Craft House, which has a gallery with work by local artisans. You can also try your hand at one of many different art forms, such as glass blowing, etching, pottery, or dried flower arrangement. Classes cost from 1000 to 3500 yen, and last for 30 minutes to an hour. For more information: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5216.html
photo by: bsterling