Onshi Hakone Park
Former imperial grounds offering serene Lake Ashi views and potential Mt. Fuji vistas. A peaceful, free-access park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies & fewer crowds
Onshi Hakone Park
Best Time
Clear skies & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Former imperial grounds offering serene Lake Ashi views and potential Mt. Fuji vistas. A peaceful, free-access park.
"Lovely and peaceful for a walk away from the tourists."
Free Entry Gem 🌿
Enjoy the beautiful scenery without any admission fee! A great budget-friendly stop.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
The park is hilly with some steep paths, especially by the lake. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Ashi Panorama
Observation platform
Breathtaking views of the serene Lake Ashi, framed by lush greenery. A perfect spot for reflection.
Potential Mt. Fuji Vista
Highest points in the park
On clear days, catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji. A truly iconic Japanese landscape.
Peaceful Walking Paths
Throughout the park
Wander through well-maintained grounds, enjoying the natural beauty and a break from city life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views, Prepare for Hills
Timing is Key for Mt. Fuji
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry Gem 🌿
Enjoy the beautiful scenery without any admission fee! A great budget-friendly stop.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
The park is hilly with some steep paths, especially by the lake. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Cloudy Fuji? Still Beautiful 🌄
Don't be discouraged by clouds; the park's greenery and lake views are stunning regardless.
Public Transport Friendly 🚌
Easily accessible by bus, with a station conveniently located right outside the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry Gem 🌿
Enjoy the beautiful scenery without any admission fee! A great budget-friendly stop.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
The park is hilly with some steep paths, especially by the lake. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Cloudy Fuji? Still Beautiful 🌄
Don't be discouraged by clouds; the park's greenery and lake views are stunning regardless.
Public Transport Friendly 🚌
Easily accessible by bus, with a station conveniently located right outside the park.
Pack Snacks & Water 🍱
While peaceful, amenities can be sparse. Bring your own refreshments for a comfortable visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Onshi Hakone Park for its stunning, peaceful views of Lake Ashi and the potential to see Mount Fuji. The free entry and accessibility via public transport are major advantages. Some note the hilly terrain and the possibility of clouds obscuring Mt. Fuji, but overall, it's considered a beautiful and worthwhile stop.
"Taking the coastal path was a little challenging but beautiful views! All worth it! Glad we made it last minute before heading home."
Mui Fong Lai
"Nice hilly park with some lovely views of the lake. We couldn’t see Mount Fuji as the cloud was too low but the plaque at the top of the hill said you could. Lovely and peaceful for a walk away from the tourists."
Angus Russell
"Great spot to see a beautiful view of Mt Fuji. Signs are very helpful throughout the park. The grounds crew does an amazing job to keep the park looking beautiful. Easy to access via public transport with a bus station right outside of it. Glad we stopped here!"
Kelsi Walker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Bus towards Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi. The bus stops directly at Onshi Hakone Park. +1
Yes, it's very accessible. A bus station is conveniently located right outside the park, making it easy to reach via the Hakone Tozan Bus network.
Absolutely. From Hakone-Yumoto Station, you can take a Hakone Tozan Bus heading towards Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi, which will stop at the park.
While specific parking details aren't widely publicized, public transport is the recommended and most convenient way to access the park.
Many visitors opt for the Hakone Free Pass, which covers various transportations including buses, trains, and boats, making it easy to visit Onshi Hakone Park and other attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Onshi Hakone Park offers free admission, making it a wonderful and accessible spot for all visitors to enjoy the natural beauty.
The park is generally open year-round during daylight hours. It's a public park, so specific closing times are usually tied to sunset.
Yes, while the park itself is free, the Hakone Free Pass is highly recommended for getting to and around Hakone, including bus routes that stop at the park.
Some paths might be temporarily closed due to weather conditions, especially after winter or spring. It's always a good idea to check for any advisories.
Definitely! Onshi Hakone Park is a popular destination for day trips from Tokyo, easily reachable by train and bus.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Ashi and, on clear days, the iconic Mount Fuji. The observation platform and higher points in the park are prime viewing spots. 
Yes, the park has walking paths, but be prepared for hilly terrain and some steep sections, especially along the lake. Comfortable shoes are essential. +1
You can see Mount Fuji from the park on clear days, particularly from higher vantage points. However, clouds can often obscure the view, especially in summer.
Restrooms are available, but amenities like cafes are limited. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks.
It can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Visiting on weekdays or early in the morning can offer a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation platform overlooking Lake Ashi and any vantage points offering a clear view of Mount Fuji are prime photography locations. The park's lush greenery also provides beautiful backdrops.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and potentially clearer views of Mt. Fuji.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and popular tourist areas to ensure safety and preserve the environment. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful if you're hoping to zoom in on Mt. Fuji.
While the park is a former imperial palace complex, the main photographic draw is its natural scenery. Look for signs or plaques that might offer historical context for your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for younger children.
The park is easily reachable by bus, which can be an adventure in itself for kids. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the natural environment offers plenty of space for children to run around and enjoy the scenery. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Take your time to wander the paths, find a quiet spot to sit by Lake Ashi, and soak in the natural beauty.
The potential for Mt. Fuji views adds an extra layer of awe to the experience. +1 Even if the mountain is hidden by clouds, the serene environment and the picturesque lake offer a perfect setting for reflection and relaxation. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as some paths can be steep. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for capturing these scenes.Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the vastness of the lake and mountains, and a telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on Fuji-san.
While the park is free to enter, consider the time of day and weather for optimal shooting conditions. Be mindful of other visitors and the park's natural environment when composing your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hakone Loop Experience
When planning your loop, consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass. This pass provides unlimited travel on most transportation within the Hakone area, including the buses that stop at Onshi Hakone Park.
While the loop offers a comprehensive Hakone experience, Onshi Hakone Park can also be visited as a standalone destination for a more relaxed outing. Its accessibility via public transport makes it a convenient choice for those seeking beautiful scenery without committing to the full loop.
Onshi Hakone Park: A Glimpse into History
While the structures of the old palace are no longer standing, the meticulously maintained grounds and the strategic placement of viewpoints hint at its former grandeur.The park's design emphasizes the natural beauty of its surroundings, particularly Lake Ashi and the distant Mount Fuji. This focus on scenic vistas was likely a key reason for its selection as an imperial retreat.
+1 Today, visitors can stroll through the park, imagining the imperial family enjoying the same breathtaking views that captivate tourists today. The park serves as a peaceful reminder of Japan's aesthetic appreciation for nature and its historical connection to the imperial household.Although the park is primarily known for its natural beauty, its historical context adds another layer of appreciation for visitors. It's a place where natural splendor meets a touch of imperial legacy, offering a serene and picturesque experience.
Capturing the Iconic Mt. Fuji
+1 The best chances for unobstructed views are typically during the cooler months of autumn and winter, when the air is clearer.However, it's important to manage expectations, especially during the summer months. Clouds frequently obscure Mount Fuji, even from prime viewing spots like Onshi Hakone Park.
Many visitors find that even with partial cloud cover, the surrounding landscape and the lake views are still incredibly beautiful and worth the visit. A plaque at the top of the hill in the park even indicates where you can see Mt. Fuji, serving as a helpful guide. For photographers, capturing Mt. Fuji requires patience and a bit of luck. Arriving early in the morning, when the air is often clearest, can increase your chances.
Even if Fuji-san remains hidden, the park's serene atmosphere and the picturesque Lake Ashi provide ample opportunities for stunning photographs. +1
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