Enjoy A Floral Masterpiece and Cultural Haven at Hakone Gora Park

Hakone Gora Park is a unique spot as we think Hakone to explore Japan’s traditional and historical landscapes. This park is the first French-style garden in Japan. The garden’s detailed design with the unique Hakone’s natural landscape is breathtaking. We enjoyed the azaleas around the fountain viewing the contract with the sounded Hakone mountains. Hakone is a small town, but we find many attractions. Please check out our article, Two Perfect Days in Hakone, to find more places to visit in Hakone.

The Park is a place of spectacular blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and artistic activities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Japan. Since its inauguration in 1914, the park has been renowned as Japan’s first formal French garden, a unique attribute considering its mountainous location and the inherent challenges of creating symmetrical, geometric beauty on a sloping terrain.

Spanning approximately 26,500 square meters today, from an original 36,400, Hakone Gora Park has masterfully maintained its allure, offering visitors a stunning array of seasonal flora set against Hakone’s serene landscapes. Plan your visit with the park map here. The elevation difference within the park, about 40 meters from the main gate to the west gate, adds a dynamic element to the experience, with varying temperatures and localized snowfalls in winter adding to its charm.

Spring in Gora Park is an explosion of color with cherry blossoms and azaleas, leading into a summer dominated by the vibrant hues of hydrangeas. Autumn transforms the park into a canvas of fiery red maples, while winter brings the delicate beauty of poinsettias, complemented by festive illuminations. The rose garden, blooming in late spring and again in autumn, showcases over 1,000 roses across about 140 varieties, making the rose tunnel walkway a picturesque route not to be missed.

Beyond its floral splendor, Hakone Gora Park is a hub for creative and cultural enrichment. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese crafts at the Hands-on Workshop Craft House, engaging in pottery, glass blowing, and sandblasting, among other activities. The park’s tea garden offers a tranquil setting for experiencing authentic Japanese tea ceremonies, while the on-site café and restaurant serve up local delicacies, including the popular Gora Park curry and rose-flavored soft cream.

Accessibility is seamless, with the Hakone Tozan Railway providing easy access to the park’s gates. The admission fee ¥550 for adults, with free entry for elementary-aged students and below, ensures that Hakone Gora Park remains an inclusive experience for all.

Hakone Gora Park isn’t just about natural beauty; it celebrates Japanese culture, art, and gastronomy. From the lush, French-style landscaped gardens to the vibrant seasonal blooms and the array of workshops available, the park offers a rich experience. Whether you’re strolling through the rose garden, participating in a pottery class, or savoring a cup of tea overlooking the main fountain, every moment is a moment to treasure.

This Western-style landscape park, with its large fountain, rose garden, tropical botanical garden, and a flower garden housed within two greenhouses, is a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and human creativity. The Hakuun-do Chaen teahouse provides a picturesque spot for reflection, while the restaurant overlooking the main fountain offers a chance to relax and take in the stunning views.

For those looking to bring a piece of Hakone Gora Park back home, the Crafthouse presents a perfect opportunity, with activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. Located just a five-minute walk from Gora Station, the park is a convenient and enriching stop on any Hakone itinerary.

Every season, Gora Park invites visitors to embrace the beauty of nature, the depth of Japanese culture, and the joy of hands-on artistry. It’s a place where every visit promises discoveries and cherished memories, making it an enduring jewel in Japan’s cultural and natural landscape.