Garden Hours
Weekdays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Weekends 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010 - Due to an event, Gardens will open to public at 12 noon.
Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Location
Hakone Estate and Gardens
21000 Big Basin Way
Saratoga CA 95070
Phone
408.741.4994
Fax
408.741.4993
Hakone@hakone.com
Visitor Fees
$5.00 Entrance Fee per individual
$3.50 for Seniors and Students 5 to 17 years with valid ID
Children Four (4) years and under enter for Free
Hakone Visitor’s Guidelines and Useful Information
Hakone is the oldest Japanese and Asian estate gardens in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1915. It is one of the prime land marks by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is an authentic replica of Japanese Samurai or Shogun’s estate garden, designed by one of descendent of the imperial gardening family members. We appreciate your respecting the serenity and tranquility that Hakone Estate and Gardens offers. Please observe the following guidelines:
- Buses - No buses longer than 30 feet are allowed. Due to sharp turns and the steep
grade of the entry road, vehicles larger than 24 passenger buses are prohibited.
Buses longer than 30 feet may be parked at the base of the drive up way (Big
Basin Way). There is a hiking trail (1/4 mile) that visitors may walk from Big
Basin Way to the Gardens.
- Wheelchair Access - Because paths and walkways are covered with either fine gravel or rock, the Gardens
have a limited access to wheelchairs.
- Please stay on the path and watch your steps. The ground is covered with fine gravel and may have tree roots, rocks, steps, and uneven surface.
- Supervision - Children should be supervised at all times, preferably at least one adult per
five children. Please have them refrain from running around, shouting, or kicking
the gravel, so that other visitors can enjoy the tranquility without
being disturbed.
- Please do not throw any objects into the
Koi pond, including coins. These delicate fish and turtles suffer as a consequence.
-
No pets or animals are allowed in the Gardens except leashed service dogs.
- Please do not sit on handrails of bridges, buildings, and trails.
- Except bottled water, all foods and beverages are allowed in the designated picnic area only. This area is for public and can not be reserved ahead.
- No smoking in the entire Gardens please.
- Photography: Commercial, formal occasion, and political photography/videography requires permit and reservation. Please do not block the garden path with equipments. Please stay on the path or trail in order to protect wild life as well as yourself.
- Part of the Bamboo Gardens may be closed seasonally in order to protect the new growth (April - May).
Member Benefits
Free year around entrance for Hakone Foundation
Members and more. Click the Hakone Foundation button for more information.
Spring 2011 Japan Garden Tour - Members only
Hakone is pleased to announce another tour of Japan, visiting historical gardens and interesting tourist attractions. Hakone's long time volunteers John Tauchi and Peter Marra are planning on another tour for Hakone members from May 9 through May 23, 2011. The tour includes Tokyo, Nagoya, Matsue, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kyoto, and Nikko. The tour cost of $2950 includes round trip air fare SFO-Japan, 13 night hotel accommodations, 14-day Japan rail pass and more. Space is limited. For details please click here. For reservation, please contact John Tauchi.
Special Hakone Access for Saratoga Residents
On every first Tuesday of January, April, July, and October, Saratoga Residents and their guests are welcome to Hakone on a free admission basis (free parking is included) during regular operating hours. When entering Hakone, Saratoga residents are requested to provide an identification showing that they currently reside within the City of Saratoga.
