Hakone Gora Park

This first French-style formal garden in Japan was opened in 1914. The French garden is typically laid out on a vast flat land in symmetry with ponds and plants in geometric shapes. This park is unique because it is on a slope. Between the front gate and west gate, there is about 40m-drop as if the park was imposed in the middle of a slope.

The park pleases visitors with a variety of flowers throughout the four seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms and rhododendrons, between late June and late July, hydrangea, in fall, Japanese maple and other autumn foliage, and in December, a Christmas tree made of poinsettias brings the holiday season into the park. On August 16 each year, Hakone Gora Summer Festival features fireworks and a giant bonfire in a Japanese character “big,” which you can watch from the park.

The tropical greenhouses, a rose garden, cafes, craft workshops, and a tea ceremony room are available besides the enjoyment of strolling in the refreshing beauty.