Hakone Estate and Gardens — Attraction in Saratoga

Hakone Estates and Garden in Saratoga is my go-to place for relaxation and finding inner peace. This serene sanctuary, nestled amidst nature's beauty, truly deserves its five-star rating.

As soon as you enter Hakone, a sense of calm washes over you. The meticulously designed Japanese garden, with its lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and meandering pathways, creates a serene and harmonious atmosphere. It's a haven where one can escape the stresses of daily life and find solace in the embrace of nature.

The garden's Zen-inspired elements further enhance the experience. From carefully placed stones to perfectly manicured trees, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to promote a sense of tranquility and balance. The traditional tea house, tucked away in a secluded corner, invites contemplation and reflection.

Walking through Hakone's enchanting trails, you can't help but feel a deep connection with the natural surroundings. The gentle sound of trickling water, the fragrance of blossoming flowers, and the whispering leaves all contribute to a serene symphony that calms the mind and soothes the soul.

The staff at Hakone are warm and welcoming, adding to the overall experience. Their knowledge and passion for the garden's history and cultural significance shines through, making each visit educational and engaging. They are always available to answer questions and provide insights, ensuring that every visitor feels valued and informed.

Whether strolling through the gardens, participating in a meditation session, or simply finding a quiet spot to unwind, Hakone Estates and Garden offers a space to connect with oneself and find inner peace. It's a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully embrace the present moment and rejuvenate...

Really pretty place, but on the small side. The cherry blossoms are blooming now, so it's a great time to go. However, it was difficult to get good photos with how many people were there. Some of the best trees had a ton of people around them and it was hard to walk past them or get a good photo. We went on a Saturday around 1:00pm. It seemed to get even busier as the day went on. There was also an event going on, so a lot of the area was off-limits.

I was a bit irritated that you had to go in the gift shop for them to scan your online tickets instead of at the entrance to the estate. Tickets are purchased there, as well. But it was very busy and clogged up a lot of the gift shop and it made it difficult to browse in there (it's a very small gift shop). Poor planning on their part, especially during cherry blossom season, which is probably their busiest time of year. I wanted to buy something before we left, but the line for people buying tickets was very long (and this was at 4:00 or so, almost before closing) and I didn't want to wait in that line just to purchase one item. So, yeah, that was very annoying. I just gave up and left.

I enjoyed our time here, but I probably wouldn't come here very often (maybe once every few years during cherry blossom season). I think the trees heading up to the estate (before the entrance) are probably the prettiest and you don't even need to pay to see those. The ones inside are just too difficult to photograph with all the people there. Maybe I'll come during the week next time and see if it's any...

The place is a really beautiful spot to visit. On the way there, there's going to be a little old downtown area where you can get food and a park close by. Drive slow once you get super close because the entrance is to the left and you might miss it since its pretty subtle. You have to go up a hill to get here but it's really worth the drive if you want to visit a property that's super clean, vivid, and scenic. The area itself seems to be super safe, perfect to take kids, friends, family, or anyone special. I recommend coming when it's cherry blossom season (I think mid March to April), or when the wisteria is blooming. (early to mid spring) But even in December the place was a sight to see.

The ONLY complaint I have is that throughout the garden there are signs that point you where to go, I don't necessarily like it because it's an eyesore and people don't like being told where to go so its' annoying to look at. There's nothing wrong with signs that have information on it though.

There IS an entrance fee which is $10, but no parking fee. There's a bathroom upon the entrance to the garden and it is very clean. You can feed the koi for $2 (per bag of food) they are not available in the winter. There's a souvenir shop and that's where you pay for entrance. No pets...