Once part of the Imperial Villa gardens, this seaside park is a peaceful place with traditional landscaping, a pond, and views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. It’s an elegant setting that reflects the quiet beauty cherished by the Imperial Family.

There is also a small waterfall, a stream and pond fed by spring water, and colorful koi swimming gracefully, making the scene feel like a Japanese painting. Next to the park stands an Imperial villa, a retreat where the Imperial Family occasionally stays. The area is calm and beautiful, and local people live here with care, preserving the tranquil atmosphere. This way of life feels very “Japanese.”

Discover the works and former residence of Yamaguchi Hōshun, a renowned 20th-century Japanese painter. He first gained attention in pre-war Japan for mastering yamato-e, a traditional painting style, but he was also a pioneer who kept exploring new forms. By taking in elements of Western painting, he created works that blended tradition with modern expression throughout his life.

The museum, renovated from his post-war home in Hayama, is surrounded by a beautiful garden where you can enjoy seasonal plants. The house still preserves features of a traditional Japanese residence, so not only the paintings but also the building and the garden are well worth seeing.

In Hayama, you’ll find many unique restaurants loved by locals. Here, you can enjoy a refined meal in a serene setting. There are restaurants converted from old Japanese houses, a traditional ryotei that has continued for over 300 years, and simple eateries serving fresh seafood, etc.

However, Hayama is not a highly commercial tourist spot. It’s a small town where nature and culture blend, and it is quietly loved by a limited number of people. Because of this, the number of restaurants is limited. I’d like to ask about your preferences in advance and make reservations for you. So please let me know your lunch preferences and a good time for the booking by message beforehand.