Hakone-en
箱根園
A leisure complex spread along the shore of Lake Ashi. The Hakone-en Aquarium, the only facility in Japan to keep Baikal seals, sits at Japan's highest elevation for an aquarium with a large seawater tank, and can be enjoyed together with the freshwater pavilion, which displays freshwater and tropical fish. Adjacent, the Komagatake Ropeway climbs to the 1,356-meter summit of Mt. Komagatake in about 7 minutes, where a panorama unfolds encompassing Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Sagami Bay. With souvenir shops, restaurants, and a sightseeing-boat pier, it serves as one of the hubs for exploring Lake Ashi.
Japan's only aquarium with Baikal seals
The Hakone-en Aquarium sits at Japan's highest elevation among aquariums with a large seawater tank, and is organized into three areas: the "Baikal Seal Plaza," the "Seawater Pavilion," and the "Freshwater Pavilion." It is the only facility in Japan to keep Baikal seals, a freshwater seal species found only in Russia's Lake Baikal, and shows featuring their endearing jumps and spins are held twice daily on weekdays and three times on weekends, holidays, and busy periods.
The Komagatake Ropeway to the summit
Riding the Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone-en takes you to the 1,356-meter summit of Mt. Komagatake in about 7 minutes. The summit offers a grand panorama not only of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi but, in the crisp air of autumn, all the way to Sagami Bay and Suruga Bay, and visitors can also worship at Hakone Motomiya shrine, enshrined at the summit.
A multi-purpose hub for Lake Ashi sightseeing
Hakone-en gathers not only the aquarium and ropeway station but also restaurants, souvenir shops, bicycle rentals, and a sightseeing-boat pier, making it a sightseeing hub that can be enjoyed all day by families and couples alike.
Seasonal Highlights
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The combination of autumn leaves and Mount Fuji viewed from the Komagatake Ropeway is spectacular.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The air turns crisp, making this the season with the most beautiful views of Mount Fuji from the summit of Mt. Komagatake.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 2-3 hours including the aquarium and ropeway
- Crowd levels
- Both the aquarium and ropeway get crowded during holidays and summer vacation
- Best time to visit
- Weekdays, or the morning right after opening
| Address | 139 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | Varies by facility (Hakone-en Aquarium 9:00-16:30, last admission 16:00) |
| Admission | Hakone-en Aquarium: adults ¥1,600, children (ages 4 to elementary school) ¥800 (other facilities charge separately) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 60 min walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station (About 27 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus (Route T) to "Senkoro-mae," then transfer to Izu Hakone Bus (Route W) for about 26 minutes, get off right at "Hakone-en")