Hakone Gōra Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hakone Gōra Park?
What makes it 79% Kids-Friendly: Children enter free and can burn energy on lawns, view greenhouses and join glass, bead or pottery workshops; toilets have change tables, but steep stone paths need hand-holding and no playground.
Positives:
- Free admission for kids under 12: Children up to 12 enter free, saving on ticket costs.
- Easy meeting spot: The central fountain serves as a clear landmark for regrouping.
- Outdoor play space: Open lawns let kids run safely under adult supervision.
Challenges:
- Uneven paths and stairs: Rock-block walkways include steps and slopes; strollers must stay outside.
- Workshop age limits: Glassblowing requires children to be at least four and able to blow.
- Limited shade in summer: Few covered outdoor areas mean you should bring hats and sunscreen.
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 with kids?
- Historic French-style rock garden with a central fountain
- Three themed botanical greenhouses for exotic and tropical plants
- Hands-on glassblowing and bead workshops for kids aged 4+
- Free entry for children under 12 lowers family costs
- Tea room offering matcha and sweets in a restored 1920s setting
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for a garden stroll, a craft workshop, and a snack break without rushing kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hakone Gōra Park
Stroll the French rock garden and fountain:
Follow the rock-block paths around the central fountain and open lawns.
Tip: Let kids chase bubbles at the fountain and run on the grass near the flower beds.
Explore the Bougainvillea Pavilion:
See exotic bougainvillea and tropical plants under a glass roof.
Tip: Visit early to enjoy cooler temperatures and bright floral displays.
Try a glassblowing workshop:
Children aged 4+ can shape molten glass with instructor guidance.
Tip: Book online at least a week ahead and choose a morning slot to beat the heat.
Make lampwork beads:
Kids aged 7+ heat and shape glass rods into colorful beads.
Tip: Bring a padded case or small box to keep finished beads safe on the trip home.
Tea and wagashi at Baiyundo Tea Garden:
Sip matcha and enjoy traditional sweets in a 1920s tea room.
Tip: Reserve the ¥500 tea ceremony on weekends to skip the line.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone Gōra Park
- Book workshops early: Reserve craft sessions online a week ahead to secure family slots.
- Visit greenhouses first: Start indoors to warm up or cool down before exploring the main garden.
- Use coin lockers: Store extra bags at the main gate lockers to keep your hands free.
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)?
Mid-April to early May brings cherry blossoms and azaleas near the entrance. In cold months, start in the tropical greenhouses to stay warm.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult admissions | JPY 1,300 |
| Glassblowing workshop for one child | JPY 4,400 |
| Lampwork bead workshop for one child | JPY 2,750 |
| Family snack at ISSHIKIDO Café | JPY 1,200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 9,650 |
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
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