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Onshi-Hakone Park: Imperial Villa with Panoramic Views

Experience tranquility and imperial history at Onshi-Hakone Park, offering stunning views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji in a blend of garden designs.

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Onshi-Hakone Park, a former imperial villa, offers stunning views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. The park blends Japanese and Western garden designs, providing a tranquil retreat with historical significance.

A brief summary to Onshi-Hakone Park

Local tips

  • Visit on a clear day for the best views of Mount Fuji.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park's extensive trails and the 200-step stone staircase.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas with scenic views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji.
  • Check the seasonal flower displays for vibrant colors throughout the year.
  • Combine your visit with a cruise on Lake Ashi and a stop at the Hakone Shrine for a full Hakone experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (bound for Hakone-machi) for approximately 40 minutes. Alight at the 'Onshi-Hakone-Koen-mae' bus stop, which is directly in front of the park entrance. The fare is around ¥980. Alternatively, from Moto-Hakone, the park is a short bus ride or a pleasant walk along the lake.

  • Walking

    From the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise pier in Moto-Hakone, Onshi-Hakone Park is approximately a 20-30 minute walk. Follow the main road along the shore of Lake Ashi, enjoying scenic views along the way. The park entrance will be clearly signposted. Note that the walk involves some uphill sections.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Hakone-Yumoto Station and Moto-Hakone. A taxi from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Onshi-Hakone Park will take approximately 25 minutes and cost around ¥4,000 - ¥5,000. From Moto-Hakone, a taxi ride is shorter, costing approximately ¥1,000 - ¥1,500.

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Discover more about Onshi-Hakone Park

Onshi-Hakone Park, nestled on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, is a serene escape offering breathtaking views and a rich history. Originally established in 1886 as a detached villa for the Imperial Family, it served as a summer retreat for emperors and foreign dignitaries. The park's name, "Onshi," translates to "gift from the emperor," hinting at its regal origins. The villa was designed by a German physician, Dr. Erwin Bälz, who recognized the therapeutic benefits of the area's hot springs. The complex featured both Western-style mansions and traditional Japanese pavilions. However, the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and subsequent earthquakes caused severe damage, leading to the demolition of the Western-style building. In 1946, the Imperial Family donated the land to Kanagawa Prefecture, opening it to the public as Onshi-Hakone Park. Today, visitors can explore the meticulously maintained gardens, wander along winding trails, and enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. The park also features a museum, built in 1992, that showcases the history of the villa and its imperial past. The original building's stone foundations are still visible in the museum's front yard. The Lakeside Observation Building houses exhibits and offers stunning views from its second-floor lounge and balcony. Each season brings a new spectacle, with cherry blossoms in spring, lilies in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snow-dusted landscapes in winter. The park is easily accessed from Moto-Hakone and Hakone ports, making it a convenient stop for those traversing Lake Ashi.

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