IMPORTANT TERMS
PLEASE OBSERVE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:
• Photographers, both still and video, must make appointments in advance with the Event office for photo sessions,
and the fee must be received before the session. The permission is required for commercial, political, and special
formal event photos that accompany a professional photographer (i.e., wedding, reception, engagement,
graduation).
• Fee covers up to 10 people. From 11th person, an additional fee of $10/person will be charged.
• If paying by check, please use two different checks for the permit fee and the deposit, so that we can simply return your deposit check after the shoot.
• Trails and paths are not to be blocked by any equipment. Photographers and subjects are to remain on the
Garden paths, open areas, on steps, bridges, and other walking areas.
• All photographers and/or applicant must check in and out with the Gift Shop staff. The deposit will be returned
after the photo shoot as long as the time paid for was not exceeded or no damage incurred. If photo shoots are
scheduled before or after the Garden opens or closes, there will be an additional charge of $25 per hour above the
regular fee upon availability.
• All vehicles are restricted to no more than 30 feet in length due to the driveway leading into Hakone.
• No cancellation allowed within one week. One postponement accepted upon availability.
FORFEITING YOUR DEPOSIT AND/OR FEE:
• Please note that this is a contract and your observance of scheduled time is very important since other events
may happen in the Garden any time. If you arrive earlier or later than your allotted time by 15 minutes, your
deposit may be forfeited in proportion. The gift shop has no way of rescheduling your time the day of your Photo
Shoot. If you need to reschedule, please contact the event office as soon as possible. If for any reason the
Applicant fails to check-in or check-out, the deposit is automatically fully forfeited. There will be
absolutely no exceptions to this.
