Hakone is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Tokyo. Many travelers visit for hot springs, views of Mt. Fuji, and Lake Ashi. However, Hakone is also a beautiful place to see SAKURA cherry blossoms in spring.
Because Hakone has different elevations, SAKURA cherry blossoms bloom at slightly different times depending on the area. This means visitors can often enjoy sakura (cherry blossoms) from late March to mid-April.
This guide introduces five of the best SAKURA cherry blossom spots in Hakone, with access details and travel tips for international visitors.
Contents
- Gora Park (Hakone Gora Park) – A Garden with Many Types of SAKURA Cherry Blossoms
- Onshi Hakone Park – Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji Views with SAKURA Cherry Blossoms
- Miyagino Hayakawa River Promenade – SAKURA Cherry Blossom Walk Along the River
- Hakone-Yumoto Area – SAKURA Cherry Blossoms in a Hot Spring Town
- Lake Ashi Area – Spring Scenery by the Water
- When Is SAKURA Cherry Blossom Season in Hakone?
- Practical Tips for International Visitors
Gora Park (Hakone Gora Park) – A Garden with Many Types of SAKURA Cherry Blossoms
Gora Park is a paid Western-style garden located in the Gora area of Hakone. It is known for seasonal flowers throughout the year. In spring, visitors can see multiple varieties of SAKURA cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino, weeping SAKURA cherry trees, mountain SAKURA cherry trees, and early-blooming Kawazu-zakura.
Because different species bloom at different times, the park often has SAKURA cherry blossoms for a longer period than many single-variety locations. The garden paths are well maintained, making it suitable for relaxed walks and photography.
After walking through the park, visitors can stop at the on-site café for light meals and drinks.
Address：1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan
Access：From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station (about 40 minutes).
Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car toward Sounzan and get off at Koen-Shimo Station (about 2 minutes).
Walk approximately 3 minutes.
Opening Hours：March–November: 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
December–February: 9:30–16:30 (last admission 16:00)
Official Website:：www.hakonenavi.jp/gorapark
Admission：Adults: 650 JPY
Children (elementary school age and under): Free
Opening hours and fees may change.
Please check the official website before visiting.
Onshi Hakone Park – Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji Views with SAKURA Cherry Blossoms
Onshi Hakone Park is a lakeside park located on the shore of Lake Ashi. The site was formerly an imperial villa, and today it is open to the public.
The park has approximately 300 cherry trees. On clear days, visitors may see SAKURA cherry blossoms with Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji in the background. Because this area is at a slightly higher elevation than Hakone-Yumoto, the SAKURA cherry blossoms often bloom later.
The park is spacious and free to enter, making it a good option for travelers who want a quieter atmosphere.
Address：171 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan
Access：From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take a Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Motohakone-ko (about 40 minutes).
Get off at Onshi-Koen-Mae bus stop.
Opening Hours：9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Admission：Free
Official Website：https://www.kanagawa-park.or.jp/onsisite/english.html
Miyagino Hayakawa River Promenade – SAKURA Cherry Blossom Walk Along the River
The Miyagino area features a row of approximately 120 SAKURA cherry trees along the Hayakawa River. During peak bloom, the trees create a soft pink corridor along the water.
In some years, evening light-up events are held during the SAKURA cherry blossom season. These illuminations may vary by year, so visitors should check local information in advance.
Address：Near 626 Miyagino, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan
Access：From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take a Hakone Tozan Bus toward Gora (about 20 minutes).
Get off at Miyagino-bashi bus stop.
Admission：Free
Official site：https://miyaginokiga.com/index.html
Travel Tip：Even in April, evenings can be cold in Hakone. Bringing a light jacket is recommended.
Hakone-Yumoto Area – SAKURA Cherry Blossoms in a Hot Spring Town
Hakone-Yumoto is the gateway to Hakone and the main transportation hub. The area is known for hot springs (onsen), traditional inns, and local shops.
In spring, SAKURA cherry blossoms bloom along the Hayakawa River and around the station area. Because Hakone-Yumoto is at a lower elevation, SAKURA cherry blossoms here often bloom earlier than in Gora or Lake Ashi.
Visitors can combine SAKURA cherry blossom viewing with a hot spring experience. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring bath facility, and many offer day-use bathing options.
Address：Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan
Access：From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Romancecar (about 90 minutes).
Alternatively, travel to Odawara Station and transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway (about 15 minutes).
Admission：Free to walk around the area
Lake Ashi Area – Spring Scenery by the Water
Lake Ashi is one of Hakone’s most famous attractions. While it is better known for torii gates and sightseeing cruises, visitors can also find SAKURA cherry blossoms around parts of the lakeshore.
On clear days, it may be possible to see cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji across the lake. Sightseeing boats operate on Lake Ashi, offering a different perspective of the area.
Address：Motohakone and Hakone-machi area, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan
Access：From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take a Hakone Tozan Bus to Motohakone-ko or Hakone-machi-ko (about 40–50 minutes).
Admission：Lakeside walking Free
Sightseeing cruise：Separate ticket required
When Is SAKURA Cherry Blossom Season in Hakone?
Blooming times vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions.
- Hakone-Yumoto: Late March to early April
- Gora and Miyagino: Early to mid-April
- Lake Ashi area: Around mid-April
Travelers visiting in early April can sometimes see cherry blossoms in multiple areas by moving between elevations.
Practical Tips for International Visitors
- Hakone has many hills and slopes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Bring a light jacket in spring.
- Weekends during peak bloom can be crowded. Weekday mornings are often less busy.
- Consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass for transportation savings if you plan to use multiple trains and buses.
Hakone offers more than hot springs and Mt. Fuji views. For travelers visiting Japan in spring, cherry blossoms in Hakone can be a rewarding addition to a Tokyo itinerary. By combining nature, culture, and convenient access from Tokyo, Hakone is a practical and scenic choice for a spring day trip.
