Overview
Onshi Hakone Park is one of my favorite places around Lake Ashi.
I’ve visited many times over the years, and whenever I’m in Moto-Hakone, I often find myself stopping by for a walk.
Originally built as an imperial villa for the Japanese Imperial Family, the park is now open to the public. It offers a peaceful atmosphere that’s quite different from the busier sightseeing spots nearby.
This time, I visited after exploring Hakone Checkpoint and once again enjoyed the relaxing walk through the park.
Walking Through Onshi Hakone Park
One of the things I love most about Onshi Hakone Park is that the scenery changes as you walk.
The park was originally built as an imperial villa for the Japanese Imperial Family, and even today it has a calm, elegant atmosphere that’s quite different from many other sightseeing spots in Hakone.
As you explore the park, you’ll pass through tall forests, historic stone paths, open lawns, peaceful gardens, and quiet lakeside trails. The changing landscape makes the walk feel more like a gentle hike than a stroll through a city park.
The best views depend on the weather. On a clear day, you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Mt. Komagatake. One of my favorite viewpoints is the second floor of the former imperial villa building, where the scenery feels even more impressive than the views from Moto-Hakone Port.
Even when Mt. Fuji is hidden by clouds, I still enjoy coming here. The forest paths, the lakeshore, and the peaceful atmosphere make every visit feel relaxing in a different way.
I once again enjoyed my walk through Onshi Hakone Park.
As a local, it’s one of my favorite places around Lake Ashi, and I never get tired of coming here.
If you’re exploring Moto-Hakone, I think it’s well worth adding this park to your itinerary.
Who Should Visit?
I recommend Onshi Hakone Park if you:
- Enjoy peaceful walks in nature
- Prefer quiet places over busy tourist attractions
- Like gardens and beautiful landscapes
- Want to enjoy views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji
- Are visiting Hakone Checkpoint or Hakone Shrine nearby
- Are staying at a nearby hotel and want to enjoy a morning or evening walk, or a light jog
Photo Credit: All photos were taken by the author unless otherwise noted.
Visitor Information
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Park: Open year-roundLakeside Observation Building: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM |
| Time Needed | About 30–60 minutes |
| Parking | Paid parking is available near the checkpoint. If you don’t mind a 10–15 minute walk, there’s also a free public parking lot that many visitors choose to use. |
| Access | About a 5-minute walk from Hakone Checkpoint or Moto-Hakone Port |
I recommend checking the latest visitor information before your visit.
Official Website: Onshi Hakone Park Official Website
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