Mission
Hakone Foundation is dedicated to preserving the historic legacy and authenticity of Hakone Estates and Gardens for public benefit, and promoting Asian cultural exchange through educational experiences. Originally built in 1915 as a private residence, today Hakone Estates and Gardens is one of the oldest Japanese gardens in the Western Hemisphere and a cherished public park by the local California Bay Area Community. Owned by the City of Saratoga since 1966, Hakone Foundation has independently operated Hakone on behalf of the City since 2000, hosting 40,000-65,000 visitors annually and maintaining . traditional Japanese gardens, a koi pond, several historic buildings and architectural features, a cultural with rotating art exhibits, and 4 traditional Japanese tea ceremony tetami spaces. Hakone Foundation presents numerous educational programs throughout the year to promote its mission of Asian cultural exchange, including Haname (cherry blossom viewing), Toro Nagashi (floating lantern