Hakone Gora Park is a 100,000 square park located in the Gora area of Hakone, Japan. It is a must-visit destination for those who love Japanese gardens, nature, and hot springs. The park features various seasonal plants and flowers, stunning garden designs, and a relaxing atmosphere that attracts tourists from around the world.
History of Hakone Gora Park
The park was built in 1914 as part of a project to improve the Gora hot spring resort area. It was originally designed as an English landscape garden, but it was later transformed into a Japanese garden. Today, Hakone Gora Park is considered one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Japan.
Things to Do at Hakone Gora Park
Hakone Gora Park offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy during their visit. Here are some of the top things to experience, see, eat, and buy at the park:
Experience:
- Tea ceremony: Visitors can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the park’s tea house.
- Ceramics workshop: The park offers a ceramics workshop where visitors can learn about and create their own ceramic pieces.
- Glass blowing workshop: Visitors can try their hand at glass blowing and create their own unique glass pieces.
- Sandblasting workshop: In this workshop, visitors can etch designs onto glass using sandblasting techniques.
- Glass beads workshop: Visitors can create their own glass beads in this workshop.
- Style beads workshop: In this workshop, visitors can make their own unique accessories using beads and other materials.
See:
- Rose Garden: With 1,000 rose bushes and 140 species, the park’s rose garden is a must-see for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts.
- Greenhouses: The park’s greenhouses feature a variety of tropical plants and flowers, including orchids, bromeliads, and more.
- Registered National Monument: The park is home to a Registered National Monument, which showcases the history and culture of the area.
Eat:
- Restaurant: The park’s restaurant serves Japanese cuisine and offers a beautiful view of the park’s gardens.
- Food stands: There are several food stands throughout the park that offer snacks and refreshments, including ice cream, popcorn, and more.
Buy:
Gift shop: The park’s gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including ceramics, glassware, and other handmade crafts.
By experiencing, seeing, eating, and buying at Hakone Gora Park, visitors can create lasting memories and take home unique mementos of their visit.
Getting to Hakone Gora Park
There are a few different ways to get to Hakone Gora Park from both Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station. Here are some options:
From Tokyo Station:
- Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara Station (about 35-50 minutes, depending on the train), then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station (about 40 minutes). From Gora Station, it’s a short walk to Hakone Gora Park.
- Take the Odakyu Limited Express “Romancecar” from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto Station (about 85 minutes), then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station (about 30 minutes). From Gora Station, it’s a short walk to Hakone Gora Park.
From Shinjuku Station:
- Take the Odakyu Limited Express “Romancecar” to Hakone Yumoto Station (about 85 minutes), then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station (about 30 minutes). From Gora Station, it’s a short walk to Hakone Gora Park.
- Take the Odakyu Line to Odawara Station (about 65 minutes), then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station (about 40 minutes). From Gora Station, it’s a short walk to Hakone Gora Park.
Note that there are also buses and taxis available from both Tokyo and Shinjuku, but the train is usually the easiest and most efficient option. Additionally, if you plan to visit other attractions in the Hakone area, it may be worth purchasing a Hakone Free Pass for discounted transportation and admission fees.
Hakone Gora Park is a must-visit destination for nature and garden enthusiasts, as well as hot springs lovers. With its stunning Japanese gardens, botanical varieties, and seasonal events, the park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. By following these tips and guidelines, visitors can make the most of their visit to Hakone Gora Park and create lasting memories.
