County Historical Heritage Grant Awarded to Hakone Estate and Gardens

SAN JOSE – Yesterday, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a County Historical Heritage Grant to Hakone Estate and Gardens in Saratoga. The grant will support the restoration of the 1932 Mon (Main Gate) roof originally built by brothers Shinzaburo and Gentaro Nishiura.  Visitors to Hakone enter the gardens through the Mon which both welcomes visitors and “transports” them from the Bay Area to Japan.

“I’m delighted that out County can provide continued support for Hakone, one of our region’s cultural treasures,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian. “Each incremental step we take to restore Hakone’s traditional Japanese architecture preserves opportunities for future generations to learn and appreciate the culture and history.”

Mon at Hakone Estate and Gardens in Saratoga

Hakone Estate and Gardens is a designated City of Saratoga Historic Landmark, as well as a designated Historic District. In 2013, Hakone was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Owned by the City of Saratoga and operated by the non-profit Hakone Foundation, Hakone is amid a multi-year, multi-phase capital campaign to restore the property and address deferred maintenance. Due to significant age and deterioration, the cedar shingles are no longer able to protect the Mon from water damage, impacting the integrity of the Mon roof. When beautifully restored by those knowledgeable in Japanese carpentry, the Mon will be the first impression of visitors far and wide. 

“The support the County of Santa Clara gives to maintain historic properties will ensure that these gems will be here for future generations to enjoy,” said Shozo Kagoshima, executive director of Hakone Foundation. “Hakone Estate and Gardens has been an important asset to the community for over 100 years. Since becoming a public park, it has helped play an important role in providing an outlet for visitors to connect with Japanese culture through its gardens, programs, and exhibits.”

Prior grants from the County have supported the restoration of the Lower House, Wisteria Pavilion, Tea Garden Gate, Moon Bridge, Wishing Well, pond system restoration, and Azuyama Foundation and roof. In 2021, Hakone also received support to replace and improve the outdated pathway system which will make the pathways more stable and level and improve safety and access for visitors.

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 Hakone exhibits and hours.