Parks and Gardens in Hakone: 5 Ideas for Peaceful Walks

When you work remotely, it’s essential to find moments to breathe. After a few hours behind a screen, nothing beats a patch of greenery to clear your head, get some fresh air… and feel inspired.

Hakone has no shortage of parks and gardens. Far from being just a backdrop, they’re true sensory escapes.

These five peaceful walks — slotted in between must-see spots or saved for the end of the day — gave me a real chance to slow down. Easy to reach, they’re a perfect addition to any multi-day Hakone itinerary.

1. Onshi-Hakone Park: a peaceful hilltop escape overlooking Lake Ashi

This is easily one of my favorite spots in Hakone to get some fresh air without going too far. Once an imperial retreat perched on a hill, Onshi-Hakone Park strikes a perfect balance between manicured nature, wide-open views, and absolute calm.

It’s an easy walk from the Hakone-machi boat pier — just follow the lakeside path and climb gently uphill. Inside the park, trails wind between maple and pine trees, gradually revealing sweeping views over Lake Ashi… and, on clear days, a glimpse of Mount Fuji, if it decides to make an appearance.

Looking for a spot with a real view of Mount Fuji? Here are my 5 favorite places to photograph it around Hakone.

See the photo spots

The atmosphere here is peaceful, almost timeless. You can stroll without a plan, sit on a bench, have a picnic, read, or just breathe. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a full day — or to clear your mind between two work sessions.

Good to know The park is open all day and free to enter. It’s rarely crowded, even during peak season — and in autumn, the colors are stunning.

2. Gora Park: a peaceful garden on the hillside

Just a short walk from Gora Station, this small landscaped park is an easy escape — perfect for a quick breather between two meetings or to wind down at the end of the day. Everything is carefully maintained: fountains, flower-lined paths, tropical greenhouses, shaded benches… The whole place exudes calm.

Entry is free with the Hakone Free Pass, so it’s easy to drop in, grab an ice cream from one of the cafés, take part in a tea ceremony, or simply enjoy the view over the surrounding hills.

Good to know Without the Hakone Free Pass, entry costs ¥500.

3. Hakone Open-Air Museum: where art meets nature

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is unlike any other place in the area. Not quite a museum, not exactly a park — but an open space where you wander among monumental sculptures, perfectly kept lawns, and a stunning mountain backdrop.

It’s the perfect cultural break to disconnect without completely unplugging. No need to be an art expert here: you just let yourself be guided by the shapes, textures, light, and that rare feeling of being outdoors in a space designed to awaken the senses.

It’s an ideal spot for a reset in the middle of a workday — a chance to walk, think differently, and breathe. Bonus: plenty of benches invite you to slow down, and there’s even an open-air foot bath with mountain views.

Love museums and cultural stops? Hakone has plenty to offer. Here are a few of my personal favorites.

Must-See Museums

4. Hakone Botanical Garden: calm, wild, and quietly beautiful

The Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands, located in Sengokuhara, offers a peaceful loop walk through the region’s characteristic marshland.
The path winds between ponds, planted areas, and wetland zones, with wooden boardwalks that let you stay dry while protecting the ecosystem.

A longer walkway branches off from the main loop, leading you into tall reeds swaying gently in the wind. Further along, an open clearing offers a wide view of the surrounding mountains — perfect for a breath of fresh air.

Good to know Admission: ¥700 (¥600 with the Hakone Free Pass). Open until 5 PM. Easy access by bus from Togendai or Gora (get off at Sengokuhara stop).

Using the Hakone Free Pass? A must!

Here’s why it’s worth it

5. Hōraien Pond: a hidden haven

Just steps from the Okada Museum, Hōraien Pond is a quiet little garden that many visitors overlook. And yet, it’s one of the most peaceful spots in the area — especially on weekdays or outside peak season.

It’s easily accessible from the road, and within moments you’re in a postcard-perfect setting: a pond framed by pines and maples, a small bridge, lazy koi fish, and benches where you can sit and take it all in.
The only risk? You might end up staying longer than planned. It’s a great place to disconnect between two visits — or to simply extend your walk after the museum.

Conclusion: 5 peaceful spots worth a visit

The parks and gardens of Hakone are more than just pretty backdrops. Each has its own atmosphere, rhythm, and view of the region — offering a refreshing pause in any travel itinerary (or after a day of remote work).

They’re easy to reach, not physically demanding, and a great way to break up your visits to cultural sites.

A simple way to explore Hakone differently — and let the seasons guide the pace.

Curious how I planned my 5 days in Hakone? Check out my full itinerary to help you plan your trip with ease.

5-Day Hakone Itinerary

FAQ – Parks and Gardens in Hakone

Are all gardens free to enter?

Some are, some aren’t. Places like Gora Park or the Botanical Garden charge an entrance fee (around ¥500–¥700), while others — like Onshi-Hakone Park or Hōraien Pond — are completely free to enjoy.

Are they easy to get to without a car?

Yes — all the places listed are easily accessible by local transport or on foot from the main bus stops and boat piers. The best option is to get the Hakone Free Pass, which gives you unlimited travel across the region.

When’s the best time of day to go?

Late afternoon for soft light and quiet paths, or early morning right at opening time.
Each season has its charm — fiery red maples in autumn, cherry blossoms in spring, and a mystical morning mist in winter…