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Sometimes, I sit down to write and realize I’m not actually writing anymore. I’m performing. Not for readers, not even for myself, but for ZeroGPT. 

Instead of letting my thoughts flow, I catch myself pausing mid-sentence, wondering if a line sounds "too polished" or "too coherent". I constantly ask myself whether an AI would write this, or if it sounds like something a tired human at 12:14 AM would type while overthinking everything. 

The irony is that I am the human. These are my words. And yet I still find myself refreshing a detector like it has moral authority over my keyboard. 

So instead of free writing, I end up writing defensively. I edit not for clarity, but for plausibility. I second-guess sentences that actually sound like me. Sometimes I even leave small typos on purpose, just to feel more “real” and to see the "0% You Text is Human Written" from ZeroGPT, which is honestly a strange thing to admit. 

Writing used to be the one place where I didn’t need permission. Now, somehow, I’m checking whether my own thoughts pass a machine’s vibe check. 

Maybe that’s the real plot twist here. Not AI replacing writers, but writers slowly outsourcing their confidence to detection tools. 

So am I writing freely, or am I writing against ZeroGPT? I’m still not sure. But if this post gets flagged as AI, then congratulations to the algorithm. You’ve officially outed a human who thinks too much. 

(lwk a rant while writing my reflection post #2 for my business ethics class this MBA term.)

--

hahahahahahahahaha



People always ask me, “Rona, why did you take your MBA?” 

And every start of a new semester, a professor asks the same question - which means I have to stand up, introduce myself again, and explain myself in front of my classmates like it’s a courtroom hearing.

The truth is...

I never really planned on taking an MBA.
If you asked 18-year-old me, or even 21-year-old me fresh from Japan, I probably would’ve said something like, “No thanks, I’m tired.”

But life has a funny way of steering you toward things you didn’t think you needed -- until you’re suddenly in the middle of it, eating accounting sheets (i hate accounting) and case studies (there's just too much) for dinner and midnight snack.

So yes, at this point, I’ve memorized my answer.
Here’s the full version - both the serious ones and the slightly chaotic one (my personality, really).

1. Because - initially - I was bored

Let’s start with the honest (and funny) reason - which, according to my METRES prof, is valid. :>
I took my MBA partly because life felt too routine, too predictable, too “wake up, work, sleep, repeat.”

Basically, “because I was bored.” 

So, I complicated my life by enrolling in grad school. (Peak decision making lol)
Healthy coping mechanism? Debatable.
Effective? Absolutely.

Of course, that’s the version I say jokingly during introductions.
But there are deeper reasons too.

2. Because I wanted to understand the business behind the tech

I’ve spent my entire career inside the tech world: engineering, SAP, AI, Japanese systems, and all the glorious chaos that comes with them.

But somewhere along the way, I realized something important:
It’s one thing to build technology.
It’s another thing to understand why companies need it, how they pay for it, and what value it creates.

Suddenly, I didn’t just want to know how a system works.
I wanted to know why companies decide to build it, invest in it, or scrap it entirely.

MBA felt like the missing puzzle piece.

3. Because I’m leading teams now - and leadership needs more than technical skills

When I started handling people, clients, and entire delivery lines, I officially learned that technical skills aren't enough.
I realized leadership is not just “being good at your job.”

It’s:
  • understanding how businesses move
  • managing people with different personalities
  • making decisions backed by data, not vibes
  • communicating clearly
  • balancing budgets (stressful, would not recommend)
  • and having the confidence to speak for your team

MBA became the safe space where I could learn all these without risking a multimillion-yen project.

4. Because I wanted to grow outside my comfort zone

Most of my life has been all about tech, and I wanted to expand my world - I wanted to learn from people who think differently.

And MBA gave me that.
It stretched my thinking and challenged the way I solve problems.

Studying with people from different backgrounds - finance, marketing, HR, operations, med, creatives - helps me see things from angles I’d never encounter in my day-to-day work.

MBA feels like a reset button.
A chance to step back and think bigger.

Uncomfortable? Yes.
Worth it? Also yes.

5. Because future Rona will thank present Rona

I know myself.
I would never regret learning more, but I would regret not taking opportunities when I had the chance.

Whether I stay in tech forever, shift to strategy, move deeper into leadership, or end up building something of my own - this MBA will support that version of me.

And honestly?
Right now, I’m trusting the version of me who said “Why not?” and sent in that MBA application.

So, yeah, taking my MBA wasn’t really part of the plan.
But I’m glad I’m here - learning, growing, tired, caffeinated (with matcha only lol), and building the next chapter of my life.

Here’s to the journey. 🦅💙

hi lyon, 
i’m a little braver today. 

guess what i did? 
of course, i painted my nails. 
two months in a row. 

twice in a row. 
two more than i did in the past ten years. 
the only two since you said i shouldn’t. 
can you believe it? 

must be a move to show i can defy you now, 
or that i've moved on, 
or that i’m ready to forget, 
ready to let go of that one-sided pact i had with you— 
to finally prove i’m braver. 

at least, that’s what it was supposed to mean. 

but here’s the irony, lyon: 

i used to think painting my nails would be the sign — 
the sign — that i was finally letting you go. 
that color meant closure. 
that gloss meant growth. 
that choosing a shade meant choosing myself instead of you. 

but the moment the brush touched my nail, 
i thought of you. 
and when the color settled, 
i thought of you. 
and when it dried into something pretty, 
something i was once too scared to wear because of you, 
i still thought of you. 

maybe all of this wasn’t a declaration of independence. 
maybe it wasn’t proof that i had moved on. 

maybe it was just a loophole. 
an excuse to think about you. 
an excuse to hold on a little longer. 
an excuse to remember your voice, 
your laugh, 
your stupid insistence that nails didn’t suit me. 
(you were wrong. 
they do.) 

because every time i see my glittered hand, 
i remember you. 
i am reminded. 
you are still here. 

here. with me. 
even though others probably already forgot. 
you are. with me. 

i’m a little braver today, lyon. 
but not that much. 

turns out, the color fades. 
the memory doesn’t. 
maybe i’m meant to carry you a little longer. 

---

a friend asked me recently if i knew what "second death" meant. 
i do. 
it’s when the world forgets you. 
but i haven’t. 
not yet. 
not today. 


Hello, it’s Rona - glad to see you here. 🌸 

Let me tell you how I ended up in Tech. 
Spoiler: it’s not as dramatic as you think, but it is very me. 
The Very Early Beginning 

Back in high school, I was under a contract with Philippine Science High School that basically told me, “Pick a course in science, math, or technology.” 
So I did the math (pun intended) and enrolled in BS Electronics and Communications Engineering at UP Diliman. 

Not exactly a passion-led choice -- more like contractually obligated, but it worked out surprisingly well. 
How Japan Entered the Chat 

One random career fair in UP changed everything. 
A Japanese company called Anritsu visited, conducted an exam and interview for around 300+ students, and somehow I became one of only seven people who passed. 

Thanks to that accident (a story for another day haha), I got hired even before graduating in June 2018. 

By October 2018, armed with basic Japanese, three suitcases (two medium-sized, one hand carry), and naive optimism, I flew to Japan, lived alone in a company dorm, and officially entered the tech world. 
My First Real Job (and the Hardest One for My Brain)

My first role was as a Research and Development Engineer at Anritsu in Kanagawa, Japan.
This is the job that used my brain cells the MOST. Like… ever.

I designed metal detection systems for food and pharma industries, tweaked frequencies, worked on image processing, and handled end-to-end hardware and software development.
It was exhausting (an understatement) but incredibly fulfilling (also, an understatement).

It also forced me to speak better Japanese, because apparently you need language skills to argue with senior engineers about electromagnetic waves. lol

During my three years there, I automated as many processes as I could and eventually received four company awards:
  • 3 Quality UP Awards
  • 1 High Performance Award

Not bad for a girl who still couldn’t eat natto.
Pandemic Arc: The Homesick Era

Then the pandemic happened.
I got homesick (for a small reason, but with big emotions), packed my things, and went back home.

I accepted the first job that hired me -- not the most strategic choice, but honestly one of the decisions I’m most grateful for.
Because that’s where my actual Tech career in the Philippines began.
My Tech Journey (a.k.a. The SAP Era)

Accenture

My first tech job in the Philippines was at Accenture, under the Order-to-Cash (OTC) process for the SAP Sales and Distribution (SD) module.
This is where my SAP story started.

And because I hate manual work, I ended up automating accounting processes “for fun,” which got me a recognition award.
Then I left one year later, as one does.

Fujitsu (Philippines and Japan)

After Accenture, I spent two years at Fujitsu as a Bilingual SAP Consultant / Bridge System Engineer (BSE).

I handled their biggest SAP account, worked across PH and Japan, and collected two more awards before moving on.
IBM Chapter: The Now Era

Currently, I’m with IBM as the Department Head for SAP Technologies and Applications and Operations Service Line Lead for the Japan Client Service Unit (JCSU).

My work involves:
  • Building and strengthening SAP capability in the center
  • Bridging Japanese clients with our PH delivery teams
  • Hosting and collaborating with Japanese companies
  • Winning projects for the center (my favorite part, i guess)
  • Occassional singer for visiting clients from Japan (don't ask)

On the side, I champion AI adoption in the SAP field.
In just one year since starting (Nov 4, 2024), my SAP AI teams have:
  • Built 2 original SAP AI assets
  • Localized 5 SAP AI assets into Japanese

AI girl era unlocked.
Looking Back

Sometimes I amaze myself knowing everything connected so neatly:
  • My Japanese background led me to Accenture
  • My SAP foundation led me to Fujitsu
  • My SAP + project management experience led me to IBM

If the order had been different, would I still end up here?
Maybe. Maybe not.

But so far, seven years in tech have been unexpectedly great.
Looking forward to year eight. 💙

RONALAINE TOMAS CUTILLON: An Autobiography 

Ronalaine Tomas Cutillon, often called “Rona” by colleagues and “Eljaye/LJ” by family, is a Japanese bilingual IT professional whose career reflects technical expertise and continuous growth. She built her career across Japan and the Philippines, spending more than seven years in the IT and business applications field. She began as a Research and Development Engineer at Anritsu Inc. in Kanagawa, Japan, before taking on roles as a Bilingual Business Process Analyst at Accenture, and later as a Bilingual SAP Consultant at Fujitsu in both Manila and Osaka. She now serves as Department Head for SAP and Oracle Practices at IBM’s Client Innovation Center Philippines (CIC PH), Japan Client Service Unit. In this role, she manages teams and projects, leads discussions on AI in SAP to improve client productivity and value, and actively promotes CIC PH capabilities in IBM Japan and CIC India. 

Rona’s academic background complements her career. She holds a degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she built the foundation that supports her work in the IT field. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business to strengthen her leadership and managerial skills, ensuring she contributes more effectively to both her organization and the broader IT community. 

Beyond corporate leadership, Rona is committed to teaching and mentorship. Certified in Japanese language (JLPT N2) and trained by the Japan Foundation, she teaches beginners as a volunteer and part-time instructor. She also runs the YouTube channel @ronasensei, helping Filipinos and IT professionals learn Japanese to expand their career opportunities. As a certified SAP Generative AI Developer, she coaches colleagues on AI adoption in the SAP landscape. She is also a published author. [1] 

Rona’s journey demonstrates how engineering, IT, and management converge to create innovation, leadership, and opportunities for others. 

[1] R. T. Cutillon, J. J. S. Marciano and S. M. C. Cheng, "Optimal Distance Measurements of Near - Field Antennas for Cellular Frequency Translators," 2018 International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation (ISAP), Busan, Korea (South), 2018. 

- - -

^ Literally what I submitted for the Autobiography requirement in my Information Technology class at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

Hi, I’m Rona — nice to meet you here!
I’m still figuring out how to introduce myself without sounding like a LinkedIn post, but here we go. 

The basic ones: 
・People call me: Rona, Elaine, LJ/Eljaye, Ronabells, Ronacakes, Ronababes, Miss Rona 
・Birthday: February 2 
・Colors: #ff8888, #00c1ce 
・Info I memorized in case anyone asks: Aquarius, ENTJ (sometimes INTJ, INFJ in 2024) 

The not-so-fun things about me: 
(aka the serious stuff I actually worked hard for) 
・Graduated with a degree in BS Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of the Philippines Diliman 
・Currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business 
・Works as SAP Department Head at IBM's Japan Client Service Unit. 
　・Part-time singer for clients visiting from Japan (not by choice)
・Published author: read the boring stuff here 
・Certified Japanese Language Teacher 
・Certified Generative AI Developer (still not sure how I passed) 
・Occasionally reads academic papers for fun (and regrets it immediately) 

The probably fun things about me:
(things I talk about when I’m trying to sound interesting/boring, depending on my mood)
・I speak English (average), Filipino (not good), Ilocano (also not good), and Japanese (N2 level and not aiming higher)
・I like traveling (personal goal: at least 2 countries a year)
　・All-time high: five countries in one year (2025!)
・I have a twin brother
・I attempted to play the piano (failed), guitar (failed), and ukulele (also failed)
・I like reading books
　・All-time fave: ACOTAR, ACOMAF, and ACOWAR by Sarah J. Maas
　・Favorite fictional character: Rhysand (i swear I fell in love at some point loljk)
・Lwk, a plug: I own a Youtube Channel - Rona Sensei
・I like taking pictures (mostly of flowers and trees; also people, when forced)
・I do pole dancing and aerial hoop for exercise (i hate the regular gym)
・I join fun runs (only to end up walking the entire time)

The fun things about me:
(the side my friends actually know)
・I can sing Karaoke from 6 PM–5 AM (only because that’s the limit for Japanese KTV bars)
・I take great photos of my friends; they take ones that make me question our friendship
・I have a 90% chance of dropping something or tripping over nothing at least once a day
・I’m the funniest friend in every group — don’t fact-check this.
・I am horrible at directions!!! (If I say “I know the way,” my friends know that I do not.)
・I get dizzy for free — thanks, anemia (and friends who keep buying me matcha)
・I really, really like matcha (way before people started calling it performative)
・I don’t drink coffee, but I never say no to a café hangout (it’s about the yapping)
・I can tell 12 different stories in 1 minute (i probably need this checked)
・If it’s not scheduled or on my calendar, it’s cancelled (by default, by me)
・Don’t say “let’s travel” unless you mean it — I’ll book the flights and hotels right away (you can pay later)

The things you probably didn't want to know:
(you have been warned)
・My Spotify playlist is probably 99% sad songs (they calm me down)
　・Current favorite: Nothing/Sad N Stuff by Lizzy McAlpine
・I started playing Valorant and Genshin Impact after getting my heart broken at 23 years old
・I laugh at my own jokes so you don’t have to (sometimes even in serious situations)
・I’m an unapologetic oversharer, and if this post doesn’t prove it… I rest my case.

That's everything I can legally share about me, I guess.
Feel free to reach out if you’ve got ideas on what else I should share. ⭐

--

Testimonials:

“She said she wasn’t competitive. Then she turned our casual team game into a corporate strategy meeting.”
— Coworker, slightly traumatized but impressed

“Somehow manages to be both the smartest and funniest person in the room. And she’ll still ask if you’ve eaten.”
— Group chat moderator/emotional support friend

“She once said, ‘Let’s get you coffee,’ and two hours later, we were already planning a trip abroad. That’s the kind of energy she brings.”
— Friend with no remaining vacation leaves

“Her love life is currently our main source of entertainment.”
— Group chat historian/unpaid therapist

“She doesn't party but every moment with her feels like one.”
— Introvert friend she adopted and tried to convert into an extrovert

“Rona is living proof that you can be both chaotic and put-together at the same time.”
— Everyone who’s ever met her, probably

Hello, everyone! 

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet. 

This website started as RONALAINE’S DIARY way back in September 13, 2018 — a personal journal where I poured out my thoughts, shared the poems I wrote, posted my go-to recipes (because living alone meant cooking for myself), and told late-night stories from when I first moved to Japan fresh out of college. (I've archived most of the entries, btw)

Over time, it evolved into a travel blog full of my favorite itineraries, and later, a space for sharing Japanese tips and lessons I’ve picked up along the way. 

Tbh, it’s been a while since I last updated this site (except that one random post in October 14, lol). But here I am again — partly because my postgrad professor asked us to make a website, and thought, why not recycle this one? 

So right now, it’s temporarily rebranded as RONALAINE’S WEBSITE to sound more professional. (Let’s pretend it does.) 

Anyway, thanks for visiting! I hope you find something here that makes you smile, think, or at least stay a bit longer than you planned. :) 

- Rona





I don't write anymore. 
And it's funny -
how years later,
my nails, in thoughts of you,
compelled me to. 

It's funny, too, 
how I can't seem to remember you: 
your full name, 
your birthday 
your voice - 
and yet, 
I can still hear you. 

I went to a wedding. 
fifth of the year 
probably tenth of my lifetime 
but the first 
I was brave enough 
to put on nails for. 

I watched as the glue fixed 
the press-ons in place, 
the scent disgusted me. 
I willed my thoughts 
to fly anywhere 
but you. 

The nails looked pretty. 
Would you think they were, too? 

The wedding ended 
but you didn't. 

Google search: 
how to remove press-on nails? 
Hot water. 
Dishwashing soap. 
Oil. 
Fifteen minutes - 
repeat until it doesn't hurt. 

Too many steps 
for something 
that shouldn't hurt much. 

So, in mourning, 
I tore them off 
by force, 
without the hot water. 

It broke my nails. 
And it hurt. 

And this hurt: 
I miss you. 




It’s been four years since your passing, but I still find myself being constantly reminded of you, especially these past couple of days. And today, I almost got my nails painted.

Not because I already forgot how much you used to bother me with your insistent remarks about how I shouldn’t get my nails colored, but because I thought I’d finally be able to bury that memory of you — but I couldn’t. God forbid because at that moment, I can almost hear your voice pissing me off for the nth time, questioning one of my personal choices in life and I found myself reliving how I exasperatedly rolled my eyes and said “whatever”, but ended up removing that shade of blue after I went home that very same day, vowing to never let you see my nails painted ever again.

Guess you won again today.

——

You may be gone, and the world may not know. Still, I see you, celestial. (“Everglow”, Coldplay)


For Ueno-Asakusa-Akihabara Day Adventure, I suggest this itinerary.

Ueno Park is a good place to go to just relax and have fun with your friends and family on a weekend morning stroll. The place features a zoo, different museums, and temples which you can check out on your visit to the area. However, this itinerary focuses on the Ueno Zoo.

Ueno Zoo's entrance fee is ¥ 600 for adults, ¥300 for seniors, ¥200 for students, and free for children under 12 years old. Inside, you can see about 3,000 different animals from 400 species ranging from insects, forest animals, sea animals, avian animals, endangered ones, and of course the one that everyone lines up for - the pandas. I would warn, however, that trying to line up for the Panda-viewing takes about 30 to 2 hours depending on the volume of people during your visit. Hence, it will take up most of your time, but if you really like pandas, then just give it a go. They look really cute anyway!

Here's a map of the Ueno Zoo and the animals that you can see there. I also attached here a few shots I've taken myself during our visit.
Click here to download a map of the Ueno Zoo


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A post shared by Ronalaine Cutillon (@msronalaine) on Dec 30, 2018 at 5:39am PST


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A post shared by Ronalaine Cutillon (@ronalainecutillon) on Dec 28, 2018 at 4:42am PST
For lunch, there are several restaurants near the vicinity so it wouldn't really be much of a problem to look for one.

In the afternoon, you may head to the 8th floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center to view the Tokyo Sky Tower for free from afar. You will absolutely have a good view of the Asakusa Shopping District and Asakusa Temple from here. You may also chill at the café located on the floor, or head straight to the Asakusa Temple area which is only about a 10-minute walk from the Information Center.



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Ronalaine Cutillonさん(@ronalainecutillon)がシェアした投稿 - 2019年 1月月25日午後10時27分PST
In Asakusa Shopping District, you may  see or buy from kimono stores, snack tents, souvenir stores, jewelry stores, and other stores of just about anything that resounds the Japanese culture. Walking right to the end of the shopping district leads you to the Asakusa Temple.



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Ronalaine Cutillonさん(@msronalaine)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年12月月31日午後8時46分PST

Senso-ji (Asakusa) Temple is the oldest temple in the capital featuring a five-story pagoda. Japanese people often go to this place to pray or just seek for their fortune. But for tourists, the temple gate is a great place for a photoshoot and most people line up for this spot which takes about 5 to 15 minutes. They say that if you drop a coin, say your pray, and ring the temple bell loudly, your prayers will be answered.



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Ronalaine Cutillonさん(@msronalaine)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年12月月31日午後8時49分PST
If you still have time left, you may want to visit the Tokyo Tower which is about a 15-minute walk from the Senso-ji Temple. You can enter the Tokyo Tower to see a skyline view of the city.

In the evening, you may head to Akihabara for some fun night experience. Akihabara is most popular for its stores featuring anime, video games, manga, exhibits, made cafes, toy houses, and collectibles. 


Accommodation:

We rented Odawara Guest House from booking.com. For 3 days and 2 nights, 2 separate bedrooms with maximum of 3 people each only cost us ¥22,108.00 in total. The place is big, with a common lounge, kitchen, and a shared bathroom with free amenities (shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, etc). Actually, the place is cheap considering what it has to offer. 

Thrift tip: 

You may purchase the Hakone 3-day Free Pass for only ¥5,640 and you will be able to enjoy unlimited rides from all of the mentioned means of transportation here and more... I promise, it's worth it!

Day 1: Shopping, Shrines, and Temples

Hakone-Yumoto Station

From Shinjuku Station, you may ride the Hakone-Tozan Line to get to the Hakone-Yumoto Station. This station is only the first stop for the day, but you can already get to see the Shoutengai (Shopping District) and the scenic view of the Ajisai-bashi River upon arriving at the station.


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A post shared by Ronalaine Cutillon (@ronalainecutillon) on Jan 27, 2019 at 5:42am PST

About 10 to 15-minute walk from the Ajisai-bashi leads to the Shirayama Temple and the Sounji Temple. People often go to these temples to pray, so you should not expect a lot of commotion or people in this area, although, you can still have your pictures taken.


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A post shared by Ronalaine Cutillon (@ronalainecutillon) on Dec 31, 2018 at 3:01am PST


Lake Ashi  and Hakone Shrine

From the Shirayama Temple, you may ride the Motohakone-Ko bus to Lake Ashi. Lake Ashi, also known as the Hakone Lake or Ashinoko Lake, is a scenic lake in Hakone formed during the eruption of Mount Hakone 3,000 years ago. Up to now, it is a famous location for tours and river cruise. 

Walking a bit around the Lake Ashi, you may arrive at the famous Tori Gate, where a lot of tourists have their photos taken. However, this takes a lot of time since there is usually a long line of people wanting to have their own pictures taken. During my first time, it took us almost an hour just to get a few.


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A post shared by Ronalaine Cutillon (@ronalainecutillon) on Jan 26, 2019 at 7:49pm PST

Following the flight of stairs takes you to the heart of Hakone Shrine where you can pray or check out your fortune. The original shrine was said to be located at the peak of the Mount Hakone, but was later relocated near the shores of the Lake Ashi.

There are few restaurants conveniently located along the way, so you might want to check them out. I personally liked the store (forgot the name, sorry) which offers a vegetable soba where the vegetables were freshly picked from the Hakone Mountain itself.

Day 2: Cruise, Ropeways, and Cable car

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

The Hakone Pirate Ship, which is covered by the Hakone Free Pass, docks at three ports around Lake Ashi. These ports are the Motohakone-Ko, Togendai-Ko, and Hakonemachi-Ko. For this itinerary, we boarded the Hakone Pirate Ship at the Hakonemachi port and rode it to Togendai port to be able to ride the Sky Cables which are only accessible from the Togendai port.


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A post shared by Ronalaine Cutillon (@msronalaine) on Jan 3, 2019 at 12:19am PST

Hakonemachi Port to Togendai Port is approximately a 25-minute cruise. On its course, you will be able to enjoy the view of the Lake Ashi, and watch the Tori Gate from afar.

Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani and Sounzan

From the Togendai Port, ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani. Owakudani features a volcanic alley with active Sulphur vents. This area is popular among tourists, and you can have a close up view of the area through a pay-telescope. The area also has food store and souvenir shop. Also, you might not want to miss a view of the Mount Fuji from this ride!


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A post shared by Ronalaine Cutillon (@msronalaine) on Jan 3, 2019 at 12:43am PST
From Owakudani, ride the Hakone Ropeway to Sounzan where a restaurant is located. I personally enjoyed the food in this area.

Gora Park

From Sounzan, you may ride the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Gora Park. Gora Park is a huge recreational spot where you can do pottery, glass blowing, glass etching, jewelry-making, dried flower arrangement, eat out, or just enjoy the several gardens teeming with various species of plants like cherry blossoms (during spring) and lots of peonies.

This French-style landscape park features a tropical botanical garden and a flower garden. There's also a beautiful fountain in the middle of Gora Park (perfect for taking lots of photos!).

I personally enjoyed the Hakuun-do Chaen teahouse with offers a traditional tea and mochi for just ¥500.

Day 3: Gotemba Premium Outlets

Of course, the Hakone experience will never be complete without an all-day shopping galore at the Gotemba Premium Outlets. The Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of the largest shopping centers in Japan boasting around 200 outlets for well known international brands.

From Gora station or Hakone-yumoto station, you may ride the Hakone Tozan Bus all the way to Gotemba which takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. On the way, you will see a magnificent view of Mount Fuji, where the driver might stop so the riders can take photos from inside the bus. Mount Fuji will always be visible from Gotemba as long as the clouds are in your favor. Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy when I visited.



Gotemba is a large place having an east and west section separated by a bridge, so getting a map found in convenient spots around Gotemba will prove useful in aiding your shopping spree. The prices of the items in the stores in Gotemba are considerably lower than the store's counterparts found in the city. It will not be unusual if you see sales of 50-70% off the original item's price.

I visited Gotemba on December 31, 2018 which proved to be a very good time to visit Gotemba. In some stores such as Adidas and Under Armour, additional sales of 30% were given on top of the already low price for their items because of the New Year Holidays. Other stores such as Burberry and Prada gave coupons which offered additional 20% off on their items when you enter. Still, even without the additional deals/offers, the price of the items are really cheap and the number of stores  will cause you to spend the whole day shopping and spending money.

I ended the day with three new pairs of shoes from Nike and Under Armour for a reasonably low amount (¥10,000). On the way back from Gotemba, traffic heavily increases so I suggest taking the bus to Gora station instead of Hakone-Yumoto and just ride the train from there
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