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The Japanese have a word for nature’s fleeting brilliance: Hanami. And springtime is one of the best times of year to bask in the beauty. To celebrate, Saratoga’s historic Hakone Estate and Gardens is hosting “Hanami at Hakone” — special nighttime viewing of cherry blossoms.
The century-old estate on Big Basin Way is home to more than 60 blossoming trees, with 45 lining the driveway that leads to the gardens and 16 more in the gardens, and all of them will be illuminated for evening visitors on weeknights through April 12, says Shozo Kagoshima, executive director of the Hakone Foundation.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and you’ll find some of the best viewing opportunities at dusk or just after nightfall. General admission is $12; seniors/students get in for $10. Daytime viewing hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Find details at www.hakone.com.
The day after the nighttime viewing ends at Hakone, the appreciation for blossoms (and orchards) will continue in Saratoga as the Saratoga Historical Foundation holds the city’s seventh annual free Blossom Festival at the Heritage Orchard and Saratoga Civic Center. More information at www.saratogahistory.com.
