Hakone Koyugien Horaien Complete Guide | Best Viewing Times for Azaleas, Cherry Blossoms, and Autumn Leaves & Access Information [Latest 2025]
“Hakone Koyugien Horaien,” located in the Koyugani hot spring area of Hakone, is a vast garden spanning approximately 16,000 square meters (approximately 20,000 tsubo) where you can enjoy flowers and natural beauty throughout the four seasons. As a historic garden continuing from the early Taisho period, it is particularly famous for spring azaleas and cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage, and is beloved by many tourists as a hidden gem of Hakone sightseeing.
This article will convey the charm of Horaien in full, and provide detailed explanations of the best viewing times, access methods, and recommended nearby spots.
About Hakone Koyugien Horaien
History and Origins
Hakone Koyugien Horaien is a garden opened in the early Taisho period by Enomoto Kyozo, the founder of Koyugani hot spring. It began with azaleas being transplanted from Okubo in Tokyo, and over more than 100 years since then, it has been cultivated as a beautiful garden in harmony with Hakone’s nature.
Currently owned and managed by Hakone Koyugien, it is open to the general public at no charge. The garden is always open, allowing you to enjoy it at different times of day—early morning or evening—to experience different atmospheres.
Garden Characteristics
The greatest characteristic of Horaien is the diverse plants on its vast grounds. Within the approximately 16,000 square meter garden are planted about 40 species of azaleas totaling 30,000 plants, as well as cherry blossoms such as Somei Yoshino and Yamato cherry, and in autumn, maples and Japanese maples showing vivid red foliage.
The garden is designed to take advantage of the natural topography, allowing you to appreciate flowers and trees from various angles while walking through undulating walking paths. With Hakone’s mountains as a backdrop, it is a luxurious space where you can feel the passage of the four seasons.
Seasonal Highlights | Horaien in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
You Can Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in Spring
The spring at Horaien sees cherry blossoms at their best from late March through early April. Multiple varieties of cherry trees including Somei Yoshino and Yamato cherry are planted in the garden, and thanks to temperature differences due to Hakone’s elevation, you can enjoy flower viewing for a relatively long period.
Blossoms open slightly later than around Hakone-Yumoto Station, so it is often in time for those who missed the cherry blossoms in the city. During cherry blossom season, you can also view the garden from along National Route 1, making it a popular flower viewing spot combined with hot spring trips.
Best cherry blossom viewing period: Late March to Early April
Enjoy Azaleas and Satsuki in Early Summer
Horaien shows its most vibrant appearance from late April through mid-May, the blooming period for azaleas and Satsuki. The sight of approximately 40 species totaling 30,000 azaleas blooming all at once is spectacular, with the entire garden enveloped in vivid colors of pink, red, white, and purple.
Main varieties include Satsuki, Miyama Kirishima, Yamato azalea, and Omurasaki azalea, with blooming times varying slightly by variety, allowing you to enjoy flowers for approximately one month. Azaleas are planted to cluster together, creating a powerful landscape.
Best azalea viewing period: Late April to Mid-May (Peak around Golden Week)
You Can Enjoy Autumn Foliage
In autumn, Horaien is known as a foliage viewing spot from late October through mid-November. Maples and Japanese maples turn red and yellow, creating beautiful scenery in harmony with Hakone’s mountains.
Since the Hakone area has elevation differences, the best foliage viewing times vary by location, but Horaien, positioned in the Koyugani hot spring area, has the appeal of allowing you to enjoy foliage in a relatively accessible location. You can enjoy foliage viewing while strolling through the garden in autumn’s crisp air.
Best foliage viewing period: Late October to Mid-November
Charm of Summer and Winter
Summer at Horaien features beautiful fresh greenery, and you can enjoy forest bathing in Hakone’s cool climate. It is ideal for refreshing yourself in the verdant garden away from the heat of the city.
Winter is a season with few flowers, but the snow-covered garden has a unique charm wrapped in silence. It is also recommended to visit during winter Hakone hot spring trips.
Access & Parking Information
Access by Train and Bus
When using Hakone Tozan Railway and Bus
- Get off at “Hakone-Yumoto Station” on the Hakone Tozan Railway
- Board the Hakone Tozan Bus (H route) (approximately 19 minutes)
- Get off at “Horaien” bus stop, a short walk away
From the bus stop to the garden entrance is approximately a 1-minute walk with excellent accessibility. Since it is along National Route 1, there are relatively frequent buses, making access from Hakone-Yumoto Station convenient.
Other Access Methods
- From “Soun-zan Station” on the Hakone Ropeway by bus for approximately 15 minutes
- From Gora Station by bus for approximately 10 minutes
Access by Car and Parking
Route by Car
- From “Gotemba IC” on the Tomei Expressway via Routes 138 and 1, approximately 30 minutes
- From “Hakone-guchi IC” on the Odawara-Atsugi Road via Route 1, approximately 20 minutes
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot for Horaien, but you can use the parking lot of the adjacent Hakone Koyugien Yunessun.
- Fee: Free for the first 2 hours; 1,300 yen per day thereafter
- Capacity: Approximately 1,000 vehicles
- Operating hours: According to facility operating hours
If using Yunessun together, parking fees will be discounted.
Address & Basic Information
- Address: 503 Koyugani, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Opening hours: Always open (24-hour admission available)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Admission: Free
- Inquiries: Hakone Koyugien (Main)
Viewing Time and Ways to Enjoy Horaien
Recommended Length of Stay
A garden stroll through Horaien typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you want to leisurely take photographs while walking, 1 to 1.5 hours would be comfortable.
Photography Spots
There are numerous scenic points throughout the garden. Especially during azalea season, photographing clustered flowers as a background is popular. Compositions taking advantage of the undulating terrain and including Hakone’s mountains in the background are also recommended.
Photography in soft light during early morning or evening can produce more beautiful pictures.
Crowding During Peak Season
The azalea season during Golden Week is the most crowded. Particularly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., there tends to be a large number of tourists. If you want to avoid crowds, early morning or evening hours are recommended.
The autumn foliage season is also popular but not as crowded as azalea season.
Hakone Koyugien Mikawaya Ryokan
Near Horaien is “Hakone Koyugien Mikawaya Ryokan,” a historic inn founded in 1883 (Meiji 16). Interestingly, Horaien was originally developed as this ryokan’s garden.
Characteristics of Mikawaya Ryokan
Mikawaya Ryokan is an established inn drawing on Koyugani hot spring, one of Hakone’s seventeen hot springs. It is characterized by Japanese hospitality and traditional Japanese architecture, and by staying here while enjoying Horaien, you can more deeply experience Hakone’s nature and history.
- Hot spring: Koyugani hot spring (one of Hakone’s seventeen hot springs)
- Rooms: Calm atmosphere centered on Japanese-style rooms
- Meals: Kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients
When visiting Horaien, why not also consider staying at Mikawaya Ryokan or enjoying a day bath?
Recommended Spots Around “Hakone Koyugien Horaien”
Hakone Koyugien Yunessun
A hot spring amusement facility adjacent to Horaien. It has the “Yunessun” area for water-play in swimwear and the “Mori no Yu” area for traditional bathing, and is popular with families and couples.
- Distance: About a 3-minute walk from Horaien
- Features: You can enjoy unique hot springs like wine baths and coffee baths
- Operating hours: 10:00-18:00 (subject to change depending on season)
Okada Museum of Art
A private art museum displaying Japanese and East Asian art, located about a 5-minute walk from Horaien. It boasts approximately 450 pieces in its collection, where you can appreciate a wide range of ceramics, paintings, Buddhist art, and more.
- Distance: About a 5-minute walk from Horaien
- Operating hours: 9:00-17:00 (admission until 4:30 p.m.)
- Closed: December 31, January 1, and during exhibits changes
- Admission: General 2,800 yen; Elementary/middle/high school students 1,800 yen
The museum has a foot bath café where you can relax while enjoying Hakone’s natural scenery. It’s an ideal spot to visit along with exploring Horaien.
Hakone Koyugien Miyama Furin
A hot spring accommodation facility of Hakone Koyugien that reopened in 2023. All rooms have private open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy hot springs in a private space.
- Distance: About a 5-minute walk from Horaien
- Features: All rooms with private open-air baths, modern Japanese space
- Meals: Creative cuisine using seasonal ingredients
Recommended as a lodging base for enjoying Horaien’s four seasons.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Located about a 10-minute drive or 15-minute bus ride from Horaien, this outdoor museum spans approximately 70,000 square meters with approximately 120 works displayed by renowned sculptors from Japan and abroad.
- Operating hours: 9:00-17:00 (admission until 4:30 p.m.)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Admission: General 1,600 yen; University/high school students 1,200 yen; Middle/elementary school students 800 yen
Recommended Cuisine Around “Hakone Koyugien Horaien”
The Hakone Open-Air Museum Cafe
A café restaurant inside the Hakone Open-Air Museum where you can enjoy light meals and sweets in a verdant museum environment.
- Location: Inside the Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Menu: Pasta, sandwiches, cake sets, etc.
- Features: You can view sculpture works from the terrace seating
Oyama no Shokuji Takino-ya
A popular local dining spot in the Koyugani area. You can enjoy set meals and rice bowls made with Hakone ingredients.
- Distance: About a 10-minute walk from Horaien
- Operating hours: 11:00-15:00 (irregular closures)
- Recommended menu: Mountain vegetable soba, taro root set meal
Restaurants in Hakone Koyugien
There are multiple restaurants within Yunessun and surrounding facilities offering various options including Japanese, Western, and café food. It’s convenient to use them before or after exploring Horaien.
Hotel and Accommodation Information Around “Hakone Koyugien Horaien”
Mizu no Oto (Kyoritu Resort)
A popular hot spring inn in the Koyugani hot spring area operated by Kyoritu Resort. All rooms come with a private open-air or semi-open-air bath.
- Distance: About a 7-minute walk from Horaien
- Features: Modern Japanese space, rich amenities
- Hot spring: Koyugani hot spring
- Meals: Buffet or kaiseki cuisine
Hakone Hotel Koyugien
A representative resort hotel in the Hakone Koyugien area. The extensive grounds contain hot springs, pools, restaurants, and other facilities.
- Distance: About a 5-minute walk from Horaien
- Features: Large resort hotel, family-oriented
- Hot spring: Large bath, open-air bath
- Meals: Buffet, Japanese, Western, and Chinese restaurants
Hakone Koyugani Hot Spring Mikawaya Ryokan
As mentioned earlier, this is an established inn with historic ties to Horaien. Recommended for those wanting to experience traditional Japanese inn charm.
Other Accommodations
The Koyugani hot spring area has many other inns and hotels available. There is a wide range of options to choose from according to budget and preference.
Hakone and Koyugani Foliage and Other Highlights
About Koyugani Hot Spring
Koyugani hot spring is counted among “Hakone’s Seventeen Hot Springs,” historic hot spring destinations. It developed as a hot spring resort from the Meiji era and has been beloved by many literary figures.
Spring quality: Sodium chloride spring
Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, poor circulation, etc.
When visiting Horaien, be sure to also enjoy Koyugani hot spring.
A Tour of Hakone’s Autumn Foliage Spots
After enjoying the foliage at Horaien, why not tour other foliage viewing spots in Hakone?
- Hakone Art Museum: Beautiful contrast of moss gardens and foliage
- Gora Park: French-style gardens and foliage
- Around Lake Ashi: Scenic views of lake and foliage
- Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Meadow: Pampas grass and foliage in concert
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting Horaien
Clothing and What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes: Since the garden has elevations, sneakers and other comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Seasonal clothing: Hakone is at high elevation, so temperatures may be lower than in the city
- Rain gear: Since weather can change quickly, a folding umbrella is reassuring
- Camera: You can photograph the beautiful scenery of each season
Garden Use Etiquette
- Do not damage or pick plants
- Always take trash with you
- Do not forget consideration for other visitors
- Please confirm in advance regarding pet accompaniment
Barrier-Free Information
Since the garden is designed to take advantage of natural topography, there are elevations and some areas may be difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or strollers. It is recommended to contact the facility before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the admission fee for Horaien?
A: Admission to Horaien is free. Garden hours are always open, allowing you to visit at your preferred time—early morning or evening.
Q: When is the best time to see azaleas?
A: The best azalea viewing time is typically late April through mid-May. The period around Golden Week is the most beautiful. However, since bloom times can vary depending on the year’s weather, it is recommended to check the latest information before your visit.
Q: Is there parking?
A: There is no dedicated parking lot for Horaien, but you can use the parking lot of the adjacent Hakone Koyugien Yunessun. Free for the first 2 hours; 1,300 yen per day thereafter.
Q: Can I enter with pets?
A: Regarding pet entry, it is recommended to confirm in advance with Hakone Koyugien. Generally, small dogs on leashes are often allowed, but respectful use is required.
Q: Can I enjoy it on rainy days?
A: Horaien on rainy days also has a unique charm. Especially during azalea and foliage seasons, flowers and leaves wet with rain may appear more vivid. However, care is needed as the ground becomes slippery.
Q: Are there places to eat nearby?
A: There are multiple restaurants and cafés within Yunessun and surrounding facilities. The Okada Museum of Art also has dining facilities. It is reassuring to confirm operating hours in advance.
Summary: Enjoying Hakone’s Nature Through All Four Seasons at Hakone Koyugien Horaien
Hakone Koyugien Horaien is a hidden gem of Hakone where you can enjoy the beauty of each season—spring cherry blossoms and azaleas, and autumn foliage—free of charge. The sight of approximately 30,000 azaleas blooming across the approximately 16,000 square meter historic garden continuing from the Taisho era is spectacular.
With excellent access—about 19 minutes by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and just a short walk from “Horaien” bus stop—nearby attractions are plentiful, including the Okada Museum of Art, Hakone Koyugien Yunessun, and Mikawaya Ryokan.
When on a Hakone hot spring trip, be sure to visit Horaien to experience the beauty of nature and the charm of history. Particularly must-see are the azalea season around Golden Week and the foliage season from late October through mid-November.
The appeal of Horaien—always open and free admission—makes it easy to enjoy Hakone’s four seasons to the fullest.
