NATIONAL PARK

NATIONAL PARK

Onshi-Hakone-Koen Park

Onshi-Hakone-Koen Park is located in Moto-Hakone overlooking Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji, the surrounding mountains, and a well kept garden. This is a beautiful park with wonderful gardens, quiet paths, scenic views, and a rich history. The park was originally a summer retreat for the imperial family until the main buildings were destroyed in the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923. The park has been selected as one of the best scenic spots in Kanagawa Prefecture and as one of the best places to view Mt. Fuji.

The park was designated as a national Registered Monument by the Japanese government in 2013 as a place of scenic beauty and contributing to the development of modern landscape culture.

The designs for the original palace began in 1884 to serve as a place of isolation and relaxation for the imperial family who resided in Tokyo. The cool summers, beautiful natural views, and isolated peninsula made this area ideal. A German physician, Dr. Erwin Balz, who researched preventive medicine first suggested that this area be developed as an imperial retreat. The construction was started with the approval of the Minister for the Imperial Household, Hirobumi Ito (who would become the first Prime Minister of Japan in 1885). The main structures were completed in 1886. In 1945 the area was gifted to Kanagawa Prefecture and was opened to the public. On the grounds of the park is a small museum in the Lakeside Observatory recreated in the original design of the west wing that is dedicated to the history and architecture of the original palace.

The original palace layout of the Hakone Palace included the two floored Occidental Hall and Japanese Hall. The Occidental Hall was built in a western style and had residences with balconies facing Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji, a Grand Hall to entertain guests, and a large dining room. The Grand Hall was decorated with chandeliers, rugs, and mirrors to receive guests of honor. This was a time in Japanese history of rapid westernization and the adoption of western ideas and governmental structure.

The Hakone Palace was also used to welcome foreign guests and dignitaries. Prince Edward of England visited in 1922 is said to have had an admiration for the area. The park is free and has well maintained gardens in Japanese and western styles. The park has a wide variety of trees and flowers that bloom throughout the year and different areas for views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi to discover. Chrysanthemums, roses, peonies, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and other flowers and trees are found throughout the park. There are still traces of the original construction from the past, such as the 200 stair steps leading to the Lakeside Observatory.

Fee: Free of charge
Opening Times: 9:00 – 16:30 (Closed Dec19-Jan3)
Paid parking available
Onshi koen-mae bus stop
Tel: 0460-83-7484

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