Hakone Gōra Park (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Hakone Gōra Park?
What makes it 85% Couple-Friendly: Couples get a romantic setting with fountains, rose garden views, shared tea ceremony and glass-blowing dates, plus cafés for snacks; terrain is hilly but manageable at unhurried pace.
Positives:
- Central location: Gōra Station is a 5-minute walk away, so you can combine the visit with other Hakone sights.
- Varied experiences: Mix relaxing garden strolls with hands-on craft sessions for a balanced day.
Challenges:
- Sloped terrain: Stone paths and steps can be tiring and slippery when wet.
- Limited seating: Tea house and cafés fill up quickly on weekends; expect short waits.
What is Hakone Gōra Park?
- A French-style hillside botanical garden at the foot of Mt. Soun, opened in 1914 as Japan’s earliest Western garden.
- A symmetrical layout spanning approximately 36,000 square meters centered on a grand fountain, featuring formal rock paths, flower beds and a 1,000-bush rose garden.
- A complex of greenhouses and pavilions—Bougainvillea, Tropical Plant and Herb houses—integrating exotic flora with a traditional tea house.
What is so special about Hakone Gōra Park for couple trip?
- Stroll through Japan’s earliest French-style garden with a fountain centerpiece
- Join a 1920s tea ceremony for matcha and sweets
- Try glassblowing or bead-making together at Hakone Crafthouse
- Sample rose-scented ice-cream and café curry with fountain views
- Enjoy seasonal blooms in open beds and tropical greenhouses
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for a garden stroll, tea ceremony and a craft workshop without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Hakone Gōra Park
French-style garden stroll:
Walk the symmetrical rock paths, central fountain and rose beds at your own pace.
Tip: Start at the fountain and loop through the bougainvillea and tropical pavilions for varied scenes.
HAKUUN-DO tea ceremony:
Sip matcha and traditional sweets in a 1920s tea room setting.
Tip: Reserve a spot in advance and wear easy-off shoes for the tatami floor.
Glassblowing workshop:
Shape molten glass into beads or ornaments at Hakone Crafthouse.
Tip: Book the 15-minute session in the morning to avoid the afternoon workshop queue.
Rose-scented café break:
Enjoy rose-flavored soft ice-cream or Gōra Park curry on the terrace.
Tip: Choose a table by the fountain for a view while you eat.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone Gōra Park
- Arrive early: Reach the park at opening to enjoy quiet paths and good morning light for photos.
- Use Hakone Free Pass: Get discounted transport to Gōra Station and reduced workshop fees.
Reviews of Hakone Gōra Park
Scobie-john LM-G
A very well layed out park with French origins. You don’t have to walk miles to see things but there is much to see and enjoy. Like any park or garden it does depend on the seasons as to what you see. The park is in Hakone high up in the hills which creates for a very unique climate and therefore an opportunity to see things which you would not see elsewhere at that time of year. It has a really ...
Dimi Rogatchev
Enjoy the silence and peacefulness in the Gora Park! Stopped by as part of the Hakone Free Pass and the place didn’t disappoint! Grab a coffee or lemonade and sit down by the fountain, walk in the green house or just wander around - this place is energising and making the hot weather more bearable!
Luggage Outlet
Small but charming park with many pretty flowers. It is within 5 minute walking distance of the cable car station. Has a ‘treasure box’ with a stamp for children to stamp their books. Closes at 5pm
M J
We went here because of the free admission from getting the Hakone Freepass. It was a cute park, the fountain was quite pretty! There were many greenhouses but personally I felt it wasn’t very well maintained. It was good, but not very special. We didn’t get to see the rose garden as it was still winter; perhaps visiting during spring would be better. Good for a short visit if you have a Hakone Fr...
Saurabh
Worth the trip especially with the Hakone free pass as this park is a free entry then. The fountain is beautiful year round although spring post March may be the best time to visit. The green house has some interesting collection and the craft workshop has some interesting activities.
When is the best time to visit Hakone Gōra Park (Hakone, Japan)?
In spring, stroll under cherry blossoms around the fountain. In summer, visit the tropical pavilions for lush blooms. In autumn, photograph chrysanthemums near the rose beds. In winter, warm up among tropical herbs and orchids.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Park admission (2 adults) | JPY 1,300 |
| HAKUUN-DO tea ceremony (2) | JPY 1,000 |
| Glassblowing workshop (2) | JPY 8,800 |
| Café snacks (2) | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 12,100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Hakone Gōra Park
Address: 1300 Gōra, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Hakone Gōra Park (Hakone)?
About Hakone Gōra Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 460-82-282510 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities