Odakyu Hotel de Yama is located along the shores of the picturesque Lake Ashi, and has been operating for almost eight decades— it sits on the historic grounds of the villa once owned by Baron Koyata Iwasaki, the fourth head of Mitsubishi. The gardens, which have been carefully preserved since the Baron’s time, feature rare azalea varieties dating back to the Edo period, along with historical rhododendron species such as the Gomer-Waterer (the first Western rhododendron introduced to Japan).
To celebrate all this floral beauty, the hotel will be hosting their Azalea and Rhododendron Fair from late April to late May. Please note that specific dates are not mentioned on the official event page, they only provide this general window of when they expect the flowers to be at their best. Admission is free, so if you're in the area come and enjoy the impressive 3,000 and 300 rhododendrons that decorate the grounds. It's a family-friendly event, with pets also welcome provided they are enclosed in a pet stroller.
Getting there
Odakyu Hotel de Yama can be accessed from Tokyo via the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus (travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes), or via a combination of train and taxi services. Head to Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Line), and from there the hotel is about 35 minutes via taxi away.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
