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From Emperor’s Retreat to Scenic Haven: Onshi-Hakone Park
恩賜箱根公園：皇室の別荘が公共の宝へ
Until 1884, this area was covered in dense bamboo forests. That changed when Erwin Bälz (1849–1913), a German physician hired by the Japanese government to teach medicine at Tokyo University, conducted research and recognized the potential of Hakone as a summer retreat. Bälz believed the area’s therapeutic hot springs could benefit Crown Prince Yoshihito (1879–1926), the sickly son of Emperor Meiji (1852–1912). With his recommendation, Hakone was chosen as the site for an imperial villa.
Perched on the Dogashima Peninsula, the location offered stunning views of Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) and the iconic peak of Mt. Fuji. The peninsula’s natural landscape provided not only beauty but also strategic advantages, making it easier to guard the villa from potential intrusions.
Completed in 1886, the Hakone Imperial Villa was an extensive complex that served as a retreat for the imperial family and a venue to host foreign dignitaries. For decades, it stood as a symbol of elegance and hospitality.
Tragically, the villa was severely damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and further impacted by the Kita-Izu Earthquake of 1930. In the years that followed, particularly during World War II, the once-majestic grounds and structures fell into disrepair.
In 1945, the Imperial Household Agency transferred the land to Kanagawa Prefecture. It was later transformed into the public park we know today. Fittingly named Onshi Park (恩賜公園), meaning “Gift Park,” the name serves as a reminder that this beautiful space was once an imperial gift—one that continues to delight visitors with its serene views and rich history.
- Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
- Photo 1
- Timestamp: 14:20・2024/10/15
- Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
- 48 mm ISO 200 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/7.1
- Photo 2
- Timestamp: 14:40・2024/10/15
- Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP + 6-stop ND filter
- 28 mm ISO 100 for 5.0 sec. at ƒ/10
References:
- Google Maps: Benten-no-Hana Tenbodai (Viewing Platform) 弁天の鼻 展望台
- Onshi Hakone Park Parking Lot (P10)・恩賜箱根公園駐車場（P10）
- Hakone Tourist Association: Onshi Hakone Park (English)
- Wikipedia: Onshi Park・恩賜公園 (Japanese)
- MeijiShowa: Hakone Imperial Villa (English)
- Hakone Sekisho (English)
- Kanagawa Prefectural Government: Onshi Park (Japanese)
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