|
|
|
      |
| Hakone Gardens in Saratoga |
|
Hakone Gardens is a traditional Japanese garden in Saratoga, California, USA. It claims to be the oldest Japanese-style residential garden in the Western Hemisphere. Notable features include a bamboo garden, a Zen garden, a strolling garden (the Hill and Pond Garden), tea houses, and the Cultural Exchange Center, a replica of a 19th century Japanese home and storefront.
In 1916, two San Francisco arts patrons, Oliver and Isabel Stine, intending to build a summer retreat, purchased the 18 acres (73,000 m2) site on which Hakone now stands. Inspired by her trips to Japan, Isabel Stine modeled the gardens upon (and named them after) Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. She hired Japanese landscape artists and architects to design the gardens and the Upper "Moon Viewing" House. More buildings were added in later years by Stine and by subsequent owners.
In 1966, the City of Saratoga purchased Hakone Gardens, then in disrepair, in order to protect it. The Hakone Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established in 1984 to restore and enhance the gardens independently of public funding. The gardens are open to the public and the various community facilities are often used for cultural events.
Garden Hours
Weekdays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Weekends 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Location
Hakone Estate and Gardens
21000 Big Basin Way
Saratoga CA 95070
Phone
408.741.4994
Fax
408.741.4993
Email
Hakone@hakone.com
Visitor Fees
$5.00 Entrance Fee per individual
$3.50 for Seniors and Students 5 to 17 years with valid ID
Children Four (4) years and under enter for Free
Hakone Visitor’s Guidelines and Useful Information
Hakone is the oldest Japanese and Asian estate gardens in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1915. It is one of the prime land marks by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is an authentic replica of Japanese Samurai or Shogun’s estate garden, designed by one of descendent of the imperial gardening family members. We appreciate your respecting the serenity and tranquility that Hakone Estate and Gardens offers. Please observe the following guidelines:
•Buses - No buses longer than 30 feet are allowed. Due to sharp turns and the steep grade of the entry road, vehicles larger than 24 passenger buses are prohibited. Buses longer than 30 feet may be parked at the base of the drive up way (Big Basin Way). There is a hiking trail (1/4 mile) that visitors may walk from Big Basin Way to the Gardens.
•Wheelchair Access - Because paths and walkways are covered with either fine gravel or rock, the Gardens have a limited access to wheelchairs.
•Please stay on the path and watch your steps. The ground is covered with fine gravel and may have tree roots, rocks, steps, and uneven surface.
•Supervision - Children should be supervised at all times, preferably at least one adult per five children. Please have them refrain from running around, shouting, or kicking the gravel, so that other visitors can enjoy the tranquility without being disturbed.
•Please do not throw any objects into the Koi pond, including coins. These delicate fish and turtles suffer as a consequence.
•No pets or animals are allowed in the Gardens except leashed service dogs.
•Please do not sit on handrails of bridges, buildings, and trails.
•Except bottled water, all foods and beverages are allowed in the designated picnic area only. This area is for public and can not be reserved ahead.
•No smoking in the entire Gardens please.
•Photography: Commercial, formal occasion, and political photography/videography requires permit and reservation. Please do not block the garden path with equipments. Please stay on the path or trail in order to protect wild life as well as yourself.
•Part of the Bamboo Gardens may be closed seasonally in order to protect the new growth (April - May). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • |
21000 Big Basin Way Saratoga, CA 95070 |
|
Phone: 408-741-4994 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
