Visitors to Hakone seeking beauty and tranquility might not be expecting contractors in bulldozers plowing up the entranceway, and the main gate, called the Mon, hoisted 30 feet in the air and resting on temporary wooden supports. Renovation at Hakone has turned parts of the gardens into a construction zone.

"Experts from Japan came and looked at the gates," Lon Saavedra, executive director and CEO of the Hakone Foundation, said. "The wood had rotted significantly. There were tree roots actually growing into the wood."

Saavedra said that Drs. Donuma and Tanaka, two experts on Japanese architecture, are ensuring that the engineering plan to mount the gates on new permanent structural supports remains historically and architecturally authentic. Gene DeSmidt, an expert in Japanese traditional craftsmanship, is assisting.

Work at the gardens began in mid-November. Private contractors, city engineers and the Japanese experts have been working together on a variety of renovation projects. Saavedra said that about $400,000 is being spent on renovations. The money came from a combination of public and private grants.

The main entrance, upper entrance and handicapped entrance are being restored and renovated. The wisteria arbor and the wrap-around balcony (called an engawa) on the upper house, or moon-viewing house, are also being restored.

The renovations are expected to be completed in late February to early March, weather permitting.

"What the city had done four decades ago was put in railroad ties at the entrance," Saavedra explained. "Those have been removed. Granite steps from China will be put in.

"Visitors will have a dramatically changed experience when coming into the garden. They will be ascending traditional granite steps from Asia. When they enter the main entranceway, it will be level and nearly double in size. It will enhance Hakone's ability to host larger public and private events."

Since becoming an independent foundation last May, Hakone relies on visitor entry fees, facility use fees and sales from the gift shop to cover operating expenses. Hosting more public and private events throughout the year is part of the Hakone Foundation's strategy to develop a sustainable business model.

Saavedra said the Hakone Foundation had wanted to start renovations last year but had delayed work because of the filming of the Sony Pictures film Memoirs Of A Geisha. Scenes for the movie were filmed at Hakone last January.

Memoirs Of A Geisha premiered Dec. 9 at selected locations. The film is scheduled for limited release Dec. 16 and wide release on Dec. 23.