Onshi-Hakone Park
恩賜箱根公園
A prefectural park spread across the Goshogasaki peninsula, jutting into Lake Ashi. Developed on the former site of the "Hakone Detached Palace," built during the Meiji era as a venue for the imperial family's summer retreats and receiving foreign guests, it opened to the public in 1946. Most of the original buildings were lost in the 1930 North Izu earthquake, but a lush garden and lakeside promenade remain today, offering a view — selected as one of the "50 Scenic Views of Kanagawa" — of Mount Fuji ahead and Lake Ashi below. The park's symbol, the Lakeside Observation Pavilion, displays historical materials and photographs from the era of the detached palace.
The former site of the imperial "Hakone Detached Palace"
The Goshogasaki peninsula, where Onshi-Hakone Park now stands, was once home to the "Hakone Detached Palace," built during the Meiji era as a retreat for the imperial family's summer stays and for receiving foreign guests. However, many of the buildings were damaged in the 1930 North Izu earthquake, and in 1946 the land was granted to Kanagawa Prefecture, opening the way for it to become a public park.
A spectacular view of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi
The park offers a grand view with Mount Fuji ahead and the waters of Lake Ashi spread below, and has been selected as one of the "50 Scenic Views of Kanagawa." A promenade has been developed taking advantage of the terrain jutting into the lake, letting visitors stroll while admiring flowering trees through the seasons.
The symbolic Lakeside Observation Pavilion
The park's symbol, the Lakeside Observation Pavilion, is an exhibition hall displaying materials from the planning through completion of the detached palace, along with photographs of the former palace and garden and records of visiting dignitaries. From the second-floor balcony, visitors can take in a sweeping view of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Hakone's outer rim mountains, making it a popular free rest spot.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Azaleas and cherry blossoms bloom in abundance, drawing large crowds of flower viewers.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The autumn leaves reflected on the lake's surface make for a beautiful and popular photo spot.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 60-90 minutes including a stroll and the observation pavilion
- Crowd levels
- The parking lot gets especially crowded on weekends during cherry-blossom and autumn-leaf seasons
- Best time to visit
- Weekday mornings, on a clear day in autumn or winter when the air is crisp
| Address | 171 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | 7:00-21:00 (admission until 19:00); Lakeside Observation Pavilion 9:00-16:30 |
| Admission | Free (the Lakeside Observation Pavilion is also free) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 33 min walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station (About 33 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus (Route H, bound for Hakone-machi Port), get off right at the "Onshi Koen-mae" bus stop)