Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Wide boardwalks, plant scavenger ideas, a glow-mushroom hut, toilets with kid tickets, and safe marsh views suit ages 6-12, but no playground or interactive zone limits longer play sessions.
This place may be temporarily closed. Please check official sources before visiting.
Positives:
- Full stroller access: Boardwalks and gentle slopes make it easy to push strollers and keep toddlers close.
- Interactive learning: The scavenger hunt style walk helps kids learn plant names and wetland zones.
Challenges:
- Limited on-site dining: No cafes inside the garden; nearby stands close early. Pack snacks and water.
- Variable weather exposure: Boardwalks are exposed without shade or shelter. Bring sun protection and rain gear.
What is Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands?
- A botanical garden that highlights over 1,700 species of wetland and alpine plants thriving in marshes, streams, and swamp habitats
- A garden that comprises eight thematic zones—from bog and fen moors to upland forest and alpine sections—and includes experimental wetland restoration plots
- A conservation and research hub that features an indoor specimen display room, a management center, and curated seasonal flower exhibitions
What is so special about Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands for with kids?
- Raised boardwalks keep kids safe and close.
- Interactive scavenger hunt turns plant spotting into a game.
- Unique walk through eight wetland zones and bioluminescent mushroom hut.
- Seasonal blooms and a seed-packet souvenir for home projects.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for a full loop, scavenger hunt, rest stops and a snack break without rushing children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Wetland Boardwalk Exploration:
Walk raised wooden paths through marsh, fen, bog and swamp zones.
Tip: Let kids spot each zone in order and name the plants you find.
Glow-in-the-dark Mushroom Hut:
Explore a small hut showcasing bioluminescent mushrooms.
Tip: Turn off phone screens nearby to see the glow clearly for a bigger surprise.
Flower Scavenger Hunt:
Give children a simple checklist of blooms to find around the garden.
Tip: Print a list at home or pick one up at the entrance and reward them when done.
Pick Up Seed Souvenirs:
Buy seed packets of wetland flowers to plant at home.
Tip: Choose beginner-friendly seeds like iris or primrose for easy gardening projects.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
- Go early for misty views: Morning visits reward you with dew, bird calls and fewer visitors.
- Bring a flower checklist: Use or download a scavenger hunt list at the entrance to engage kids.
- Combine with nearby café: Stop by Grande Rivière Hakone after your walk for ice cream treats.
Reviews of Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Meagan McCue
Beautiful and relaxing walk in nature. Feels like being in Princess Mononoke in real life. We saw lots of fish in the water. We loved this.
vilmibm
Beautiful and unique botanical garden. Well signed, science focused, and very peaceful. I look forward to visiting again in a different season.
Shannon Thomson
Loved this place! It was so beautiful with lots of birds and lizards. The wildflowers were stunning in the natural scenery. There was a fantastic carnivorous plant exhibit while I was there. You can spend a lot of time exploring the environments. Great if you love nature and plants. The store has some cute merch and good soft serve.
T-M T
If you’re into plants or nature person, then recommend! Depending on the season, there are different flowers blooming. They have few carnival plants, which was cool. Entrance 700 yen.
Christian Pegrum
Went during light shower rain but that made it even better! Staff were kind, ticket buying process was easy, you can park in the car park nearby for free. Not many flowers when I went, but you see many crawdads, a carnivorous plants section, and can walk around 7 more sections of different themes(swamp, wetlands etc). There is a little shop there too for cute bits and bobs.
When is the best time to visit Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands (Hakone, Japan)?
Visit in mid-May to early June for iris and primrose blooms. In autumn, enjoy red maple leaves contrasting the wetlands.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (2 adults + 1 child, 1 free) | JPY 1,800 |
| Soft-serve snack x2 | JPY 700 |
| Seed packet souvenir | JPY 300 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,800 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Address: 817 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
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About Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 460-84-729310 BEST nearby Activities
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