Hakone's Cherry Blossom Night Viewings - While the Flowers Last

Cherry blossom season is a rare, spectacular time at Hakone Estate and Gardens. You can see them by day of course, but to raise the experience up a notch, Hakone, one of the oldest Japanese gardens in the U.S., is again hosting evening hanami (flower viewing) of their cherry blossoms, specially illuminated for maximum effect after hours, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Last admission to the gardens will be 9:00 p.m.

Hakone recommends people visit by the end of March to ensure they don’t miss the blooms at night or day. Best viewing times are mid-week when the garden is less crowded. Tickets for "Hanami at Hakone” presented by NETGEAR—costs $12 for adults and $10 for seniors (65+) and students (5-17). Kids ages 4 and under get in free.

For those who can’t make it to the night viewing, they can still see the beautiful flowers during the day at Hakone. Regular admission to Hakone costs $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Children 4 and under enter for free. Saratoga residents get a $2 discount on daytime admission with a photo ID showing their Saratoga address.

Coronavirus Precautions: The Hakone team have been following the recommendations from the local, state, and national health departments to provide a safe and enjoyable experience during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces before, during, and after operational hours and restrooms well stocked with soap and hand towels.Hand sanitizer will be available at the Gift Shop, and we will limit the number of guests in the Gift Shop to no more than six (6) guests inside the Gift Shop. We will ask all others to wait outside until someone exits. We will continue to monitor and comply with authority directives.

PHOTOS: Find Hakone cherry blossom photos from previous blooms here.