Onshi Hakone Park, Scenic park in Moto-Hakone, Japan.
Onshi Hakone Park is a landscaped park on the shores of Lake Ashi that frames views of Mount Fuji and Mount Hakone. The grounds combine manicured gardens with walking trails that move through different elevations, offering varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
The grounds served as an imperial retreat during the Meiji era before opening to the public in 1946 following World War II. This transformation marked a significant shift in making once-exclusive imperial spaces available to ordinary visitors.
The Lakeside Observation Hall showcases traditional Japanese imperial design, with a tea room on its upper floor where visitors can experience the refined customs of the imperial period. The building itself reflects the architectural preferences that shaped Japan's ruling class during an important era.
The park is best explored on foot, with clear paths connecting various viewpoints across different elevations. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable since the terrain varies in steepness and a complete visit may take several hours.
The park preserves the historic 200 Steps, an original stone stairway from the imperial period now covered with natural moss. This ancient passage offers visitors a direct connection to the era when only the imperial family could access this location.
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