A Wetland Paradise: Explore Hakone Botanical Garden

箱根湿生花園 (Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands) is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in botany or enjoy natural landscapes. It’s located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park at Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan. The garden showcases a wide variety of wetland plants, including 200 species native to Japan’s wetlands, as well as grassland, forest, and alpine plants, totaling about 1700 species.

While spring and summer offer vibrant floral displays, the garden's beauty unfolds throughout the year, making it a worthwhile destination in any season.

Unveiling the Beauty of Hakone Botanical Garden (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

During my visit to the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands on March 31, 2024, I discovered that timing isn’t everything. Despite not arriving at the ideal moment, the serenity of the surroundings enveloped me, offering a tranquil escape as I wandered through the day. The thoughtfully curated paths guided me through a living tapestry of flora, arranged to reflect the progression of wetland ecosystems from their nascent stages to full maturity.

The Asian skunk cabbage(mizubasho) also flowers during this time, lasting until mid-April

The Katakuri (かたくり) blooms from late March to early April

The Katakuri (かたくり) blooms from late March to early April. The Asian skunk cabbage(mizubasho) also flowers during this time, lasting until mid-April

Commemorative signs highlight visits from Japan's Imperial Family, including Emperor Showa (昭和天皇)