Audio Guide of Gora Park

Gora Park is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM. I recommend checking the exact hours on the official website before your visit, as they may vary. You can get there easily on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car from Gora Station; it is the first stop after leaving the station. For detailed information, visit the official Gora Park page.

Admission to Gora Park is generally paid for adults, with reduced rates for children. However, if you have the Hakone Free Pass, main admission is included, which can save you a good amount of money. Be sure to check the latest rates and whether your pass covers admission on the park website.

To fully enjoy Gora Park, including the French gardens, the tropical plant greenhouse, and the tea house, I suggest setting aside about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you would like to try one of the available craft activities, such as glassblowing or pottery, plan for extra time.

Gora Park is Japan’s first French-style garden, built in 1914. It is not just a beautiful place; it was designed as an elegant public park offering impressive views of the surrounding area, while also serving as a peaceful retreat. Its history is tied to the development of tourism in Hakone in the early 20th century.

Gora Park is beautiful all year round, but spring, with cherry blossoms, and autumn, with colorful foliage, are especially spectacular. Visiting early in the morning lets you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before most tourists arrive and capture the best photos in soft light.

Gora Park is built on a hillside, so some areas may have steep slopes and stairs. However, efforts have been made to improve accessibility, with ramps and paved paths in several sections. For specific information about accessible routes, it is recommended to contact the park directly at +81-460-82-2825 before your visit.

Absolutely! Gora Park is very well located. Right next door you have the Hakone Museum of Art. In addition, you can take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car or the ropeway to explore Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi, or the Hakone Open-Air Museum, all easily accessible from Gora. Take a look at Hakone attractions to plan your day.

Of course! I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as there is a lot to see and plenty of walking. If you are interested in crafts such as glassblowing or pottery, reserve your spot for a session. Also, do not forget to visit the tropical plant greenhouse and, if time allows, enjoy tea at the traditional tea house for a complete experience. And of course, make the most of the Hakone Free Pass if you have it; it can save you quite a bit. For planning, you can check the official website.