I originally thought it would just be an ordinary park, but I was pleasantly surprised when I actually went inside! There are flowers and plants everywhere, and together with Hakone's mountain scenery, the whole setting feels very relaxing. Every photo looks great! It's definitely a place worth visiting!
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Hakone Gora Park
The oldest French-style formal garden in Japan, with lovely flowers in all seasons.
3.25
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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.
Highlights
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The oldest French-style formal garden in Japan opened in 1914.
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Lovely flowers in all four seasons.
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The garden offers cafes, craft workshops, and a variety of enjoyments.
Photos
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The symbol of Hakone Gora Park, Funsuiike (the Fountain Pond)
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Ongakudo (the Music Hall) offers one of the best sceneries in the park with occasional concerts held
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At Cafe Pic, watch the fountain and savor lunch and tea
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Hakone Gora Park in autumn colors
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Inflate molten glass, make ceramics and accessories at Hakone Crafthouse
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HAKUUN-DO tea garden offers a tea ceremony for 700 yen
Reviews
4
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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If you're visiting Hakone, I recommend making time to explore Hakone Gora Park. Japan's oldest French-style garden has different flowers to enjoy in every season, as well as a beautiful fountain. Every photo you take feels like a vacation.
The biggest surprise was the botanical garden, which is filled with all kinds of tropical plants. It's larger than expected, and you can easily spend quite a while exploring it. When you get tired, sit by the fountain, look at the flowers, and enjoy the breeze. It's so relaxing!
Admission is JPY 650, or free with the Hakone Freepass. It's a great place to slow down while visiting Hakone and is worth a visit!
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It's a small but beautiful park with a great variety of flowers. Glad I had the pass, so I could visit for free.
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When I visited, I happened to catch the hydrangeas in full bloom. If you have the Hakone Free Pass, you can enter for free.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 箱根強羅公園
- Postal Code
- 250-0408
- Address
- 1300 Goura, Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa
- Telephone
- 0460-82-2825
- Holiday
- Irregular holidays
- Hours
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9:00am - 5:00pm (Entry allowed until 4:30pm)
※may vary depending on the season - Admission
- Adult: 650 yen, Elementary children and younger: Free
- Directions
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1) (Front Gate) From Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Koen-Shimo Station, walk 1 min.
2) (West Gate) From Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Koen-Shimo Station, walk 1 min.
3) From Tomei Expressway Gotemba Interchange, drive 40 min.
4) From Odawara Atsugi Road, Odawara-Nishi Interchange, drive 35 min. - Credit Cards
- Accepted (VISA, JCB)
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)