County funding supports accessibility and safety measures at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga
SAN JOSE – Hakone Estate and Gardens in Saratoga will be able to make needed accessibility and safety improvements, thanks to a grant from Santa Clara County. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved County Supervisor Joe Simitian’s proposal for County funds to support three projects.
“Hakone is a treasure and asset, welcoming visitors from across the Bay Area and the globe,” said Simitian. “Over time though, that means the structures, lands, and gardens have aged and eroded, requiring improvements to ensure safe use of the property for visitors and staff alike.”
For the past century, Hakone has served as the region’s premier example of an authentic Japanese garden. It is cultural asset held in public trust for the enjoyment and benefit of the entire community. Currently the City of Saratoga owns the gardens and has an agreement with the Hakone Foundation, a nonprofit, to operate the facility. The facility itself is on the National Register of Historic Places and is comprised of gardens, ponds, and structures, all painstakingly true to their Japanese heritage.
"Hakone Foundation is grateful for the continued support from Supervisor Simitian and the entire Board of Supervisors. Hakone Estate and Gardens is a rare asset for Santa Clara County. It not only allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of a historic Japanese Estate and Garden, but to also experience the culture of Japan through the many activities and events held at the gardens. Maintaining and preserving the estate with help from the County will allow visitors to enjoy the gardens for another 100 years," said Shozo Kagoshima, Executive Director, Hakone Foundation.
County grant funding is directed at three projects Hakone is currently working on to improve accessibility and safe use of the property:
Madrone Mound – Madrone Mound is Hakone’s outdoor reception area seating up to 180 guests. To improve accessibility from the loading dock to the Madrone Mound, the project entails removal of all existing steps and pavers, elongation of the ramp to reduce the slope, and widening of the ramp to allow small vehicles and equipment to travel between the loading dock and the Madrone Mound.
Granite Lamp Posts – Donated granite lamp posts will be installed along the narrow entry driveway from Big Basin Way to the Hakone Gardens parking lot to increase safety.
Bamboo Garden Steps – New steps will be installed in the Bamboo Garden, matching the 2022 Upper Pathway project (also supported by the County to improve safe access). Additionally, stone retaining walls will be installed to prevent erosion. Hakone’s longstanding Bamboo Garden includes highly prized bamboos from Yasui in Japan, as well as from local gardens in Saratoga and Los Gatos. Other specimens were donated from other parts of California, Japan, and around the world.
“For smaller communities like the City of Saratoga, it can be a challenge to underwrite the cost of a treasure like Hakone, one of deep importance locally, regionally, statewide, even internationally,” said Simitian. “I encourage our County residents to take advantage of the this extraordinary community resource. Enjoy the respite and beauty of the grounds.”
Prior grants from the County have supported the restoration of Hakone’s Lower House, Wisteria Pavilion, Tea Garden Gate, Moon Bridge, Mon Roof, Wishing Well, Upper Pathway, pond system restoration, and Azumaya Foundation and Roof.
Santa Clara County residents receive free admission the first Tuesday of the month from March to October, and the first Saturday of the month November through February. Learn more about exhibits and hours.