Hakone’s Lunar New Year Festival Celebrates Year of Rat Feb. 23

SARATOGA, CA (Feb. 18, 2020) –Hakone Estate and Gardens, one of the oldest Japanese gardens in the U.S., will celebrate the Chinese “Year of the Rat” at its 12th Annual Lunar New Year Festival on February 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hakone, an oasis of Zen high above Silicon Valley, will feature special Chinese culinary delights at the celebration, as well entertainment such as an appearance by master Magician Dan Chen, known for his “sophisticated magic for intelligent audiences,” back by popular demand. Chan will perform part of his new act integrating smartphones and iPads into unique performances offering photo-inspiring moments. There will also be a spectacular Instagram-worthy lion dance to roar in the new lunar year, performed by the Far East Dragon Lions Dance Association.

The Hakone Foundation Board continues its commitment to educating the public about Japanese and Asian culture through the popular festival’s entertainment, which includes:

• Triple Lion Dance at noon
• Martial arts demonstrations by Silicon Valley Shaolin Shaolin Cultural Center
• Traditional Yang Yang Dance
• Chinese Music Ensemble
• Crystal Choir
• Children’s Costume Parade

Hakone will continue its beloved annual tradition of hosting a children’s lunar festival costume parade in the garden at 1:30, where children 12 and under wear festive Asian outfits and receive a souvenir gift (parents must register their children by noon). Other kid’s activities will round out the afternoon, from face painting to crafts.

The event is free with the admission, which is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and kids under 5 are free. Members get free admission. A free shuttle bus will be available at the following location in downtown Saratoga: 14460 Big Basin Way (in front of Saratoga Chamber of Commerce). Parking in the Village, and the shuttle, is FREE. Limited parking is available at Hakone for $20 per car.

For more information on Hakone’s fascinating history or other upcoming events visit www.Hakone.com.

EDITORS: Photos of the gardens and previous festivals are available.

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