The Hakone Japanese Gardens were created in 1915, and are the oldest of their kind in the West. A faithful recreation of a samurai estate, the gardens provide a window into Japanese horticulture and culture in general. Hakone Japanese Gardens even featured in the 2005 film Memoirs of a Geisha. When in need of some quiet time on your San Jose holiday, look no further than here.
Take a leisurely stroll through the seven hectares of perfectly-manicured, painstakingly-arranged trees and plants. The gardens are awash with various colours, contingent on the season, but it never fails to impress.
Soak up the tranquillity of the Hill and Pond Garden, where paths twist around a central pond. Purchase fish food from the gift shop, and feed the koi and turtles which inhabit the water. Admire the shapes and lines of the Zen Garden with its raked gravel, huge stones and black pine trees. Venture into the Bamboo Garden, which was created by teams from both Saratoga and Muko and Kyoto in Japan.
Find refreshment at the Tea Garden immerse yourself in the ritual of the tea ceremony by purifying your hands in the 'tsukubai' water basin then drinking delicious green tea or oolong.
Pay a visit to the Upper House on Moon Viewing Hill, and the quaint Cultural Centre, which is inspired by a tea merchant's house from the 1800s.
Events and festivals pepper Hakone Japanese Gardens' calendar. Harp recitals, tea tastings, watercolour workshops, meditation classes, and origami lessons take place regularly. Traditional Japanese celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Shichi-Go-San and Matsuri are celebrated too. Check on the gardens' website for details of what's on during your visit. Often you will need to book ahead.
Hakone Japanese Gardens are open daily. Many weddings and special events take place at the weekend, so visit in the week if you can. The gardens are located in Saratoga, 20 minutes southwest of San Jose by car.
