I reschedule this field trip to March 31.
Nature decided to not go along with my plans for when the Hakone Garden Bloom would be full enough to visit. I visited Hakone Gardens in Saratoga again this afternoon, March 22. Blooming is now on the way, but I think it is about a week away from its peak.
I updated the trip plan so most all will only want to get tickets for the 6pm to 9:30pm viewing - which starts 90 minutes before the 7:30pm Sunset - which includes Golder Hour. Some, including myself and those deciding to be Hakone Garden members will also come for the daytime ticketed period between 10am and 5pm. I expect to arrive at about 4pm.
The opening of Cherry blossoms., known as "sakura" in Japanese, hold significant cultural importance in Japan:
They symbolize renewal, the passage of time, and the fleeting nature of beauty and life. Cherry blossoms inspire art, fashion, and design. They are depicted in traditional Japanese paintings. In Japanese mythology, they are associated with deities and celestial figures. Overall, sakura represents transience and appreciation of life and nature.
About Hakone Estate and Gardens (from its website)
One of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s premier sites and 100 years old, Hakone is one of the old Japanese estate, retreat and gardens in the Western Hemisphere. Hakone has also been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2013. 18 acres of magnificent beauty is nestled in the verdant hills of Saratoga overlooking Silicon Valley. Hakone Gardens is owned by the city of Saratoga.
Lighting Considerations
On March 31, sunset is at 7:30pm - so from 6pm to 7:30pm "is Golden Hour". Hakone Gardens will turn on lighting to extend the viewing time for the Garden until 9:30pm, which significantly changes the photography opportunities. Consider using a polarizing filter if you want to photograph the pond while reducing reflections. As Hakone Garden is in a valley, sunset lighting will feel sooner than astronomical sunset.
Dinner & Social in the Hakone Garden Picnic Area
Hakone Garden has a picnic area outside the garden but near the garden entrance (see map below). The plan is to gather for a picnic dinner (bring your own food & drink) from about 5pm to 6:00pm
How to get the most out of this event
For most it is best to get a HANAMI AT HAKONE NIGHT VIEWING ticket (see ticketing info below) for garden access from 6pm to 9:30pm. Optionally you may want to join other Club members in the Hakone Picnic Area immediately outside the inside garden entrance, for a picnic social (bring your food and drink) from 5pm to 6pm
Hakone Garden Members and other may want to take some afternoon photos as well but this requires an additional ticket purchase unless you are a Hakone Garden member or Saratoga resident.
Join other members for a picnic dinner at the Hakone Garden picnic tables 5pm to 6pm. No food or drink consumption in the garden itself is permitted.
Tour and photograph the lighted garden.
Tickets and Membership
Saratoga Residents have Free Admission with proof of residency
Hakone Garden sells tickets online from the links below (prices below include processing fees)
Important Notes:
- If you intend to get access as a member, join a few days before you plan to go, so you have the member info needed to order free tickets as a member
- Be sure you selected the day you intended for your purchase
- If getting Senior tickets, you will need to scroll down quite far for night viewing tickets, as there are time slots and senior ticks are listed after adult and youth tickets
Night tickets for 6pm until 9:30pm
LINK TO BUY NIGHT TICKETS (HANAMI AT HAKONE NIGHT VIEWING)
- $19.98 for adults (18 - 64)
- $17.85 (for 65+)
Daytime tickets for 10am until 5pm
LINK TO BUY DAYTIME TICKETS (Cherry Blossoms at Hakone Gardens - Daytime Admission Ticket)
- $14.64 for adults (18 - 64)
- $12.51 (for 65+)
To attend afternoon & night you need to buy both tickets using the above links and cost
- $34.62 for adults (18 - 64)
- $30.36 (for 65+)
LINK TO BUY A MEMBERSHIP. This allows you to order the above tickets using only a promotion code, without payment
Consider Buying an Annual Individual Membership if you want both Afternoon and Night tickets, as admission is free year-round.
- $45 for adults (18 - 64)
- $35 (for 65+)
If you are going as two people, individual plus a guest annual membership (Individual +1 and Senior +1) is a bargain
- $60 for adults (18 - 64)
- $50 (for 65+)