Photography for personal use is encouraged.  Quick snap shoots of your object using "point and shoot" camera does not require a permit fee. 

However, commercial, political, or portrait photography* (such as wedding, engagement, graduation, family portrait and other special occasion), or videography requires a permit fees. Contact the Hakone Foundation Event Office at (408) 741-4994 , Ext) 103 for availability and fees.  If your organization plans on a film production or media shoot, we have a separate guideline and fee schedule.  Please inquire at the Event Office for any questions.

*Definition of portrait photography:

Photography with an individual or individuals posing for multiple pictures under the direction of a photographer, either professional or amateur acting as a professional, using advanced equipment.  A permit fee is required.

If your purpose in coming to Hakone is to take photos of someone, be photographed, use Hakone's gardens as a backdrop for portraits, or if you are a professional photographer profiting from the photos you are taking, a permit fee must be paid.

For photo shoot and videograpy permit, please fill out the form below and submit.

This change is effective March 1, 2012.  If you have applied and got permit before March 1, 2012, for the photo shoot scheduled later than March 1, 2012, the previous rate/term will be honored.

IMPORTANT TERMS

PLEASE OBSERVE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:

• Photographers, both still and video, must make appointments in advance with the Event office for photo sessions, and the fee must be received before the session. A permission is required for commercial, political,  formal event, and special portrait photography that accompany either a professional or an amateur acting as a professional, using advanced equipment. See definition above for the portrait photography.
• Hakone Foundation reserves the right to determine portrait photography on a case by case basis.
  
• Fee covers up to 3 people including a photographer.  From 4th person, an additional fee of $10/person  will be charged. 
• A Permit Badge will be provided from the Gift Shop.  Please wear it visibly during the entire photo shoot.
  
• If paying by check, please use two different checks for the permit fee and the deposit, so that we can simply return your deposit check after the shoot.
  
• Trails and paths are not to be blocked by any equipment. Photographers and subjects are to remain on the
  Garden paths, open areas, on steps, bridges, and other walking areas.
• All photographers and/or applicant must check in and out with the Gift Shop staff. The deposit will be returned
  after the photo shoot as long as the time paid for was not exceeded or no damage incurred. If photo shoots are
  scheduled before or after the Garden opens or closes, there will be an additional charge of $30 per hour above  the regular fee upon availability.
  
• All vehicles are restricted to no more than 30 feet in length due to the driveway leading into Hakone.
• No cancellation allowed within one week.  One postponement accepted upon availability.
• All fees collected are directed to maintaining the environment used in your photographs.  Thank you.
  
• For holding a photography class, please inquire at the Event Office at 408-741-4994, Ext. 103 or write to events@hakone.com.
  

FORFEITING YOUR DEPOSIT AND/OR FEE:

• Please note that this is a contract and your observance of scheduled time is very important since other events may happen in the Garden any time. If you arrive earlier or later than your allotted time by 15 minutes, your deposit may be forfeited in proportion. The gift shop has no way of rescheduling your time the day of your Photo Shoot. If you need to reschedule, please contact the event office as soon as possible. If for any reason the Applicant fails to check-in or check-out, the deposit is automatically fully forfeited. There will be absolutely no exceptions to this.