Hakone-en Aquarium
A charming, compact aquarium in Hakone featuring unique Baikal seals and adorable otters, set against stunning natural scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Hakone-en Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, compact aquarium in Hakone featuring unique Baikal seals and adorable otters, set against stunning natural scenery.
"It's a decent small aquarium, however you can feel it's age as the aquarium definitely needs some renovation."
🎯 Check Show Schedules
Don't miss the seal feeding or other daily shows! Check times upon arrival. :movie_camera:
🚗 Expensive Parking
Parking fees can be high. Consider using the Hakone Free Pass for transport instead. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baikal Seals
Seal Pond
Watch these adorable Baikal seals in their pond, with feeding shows offering a unique interaction.
+2
Baby Otters
New Otter Exhibit
Meet the incredibly cute newborn otters; a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Diverse Fish Collection
Aquarium Buildings
Explore hundreds of species, from vibrant clownfish to intriguing jellyfish and marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hakone Free Pass & Transportation
Aquarium Size & Renovation Needs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Show Schedules
Don't miss the seal feeding or other daily shows! Check times upon arrival. :movie_camera:
🚗 Expensive Parking
Parking fees can be high. Consider using the Hakone Free Pass for transport instead. :car:
🐧 Penguin Inflation Woes
Reportedly, penguins here have refused cheaper fish due to inflation.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Some areas like GORA Park are dog-friendly, check specific park rules.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Show Schedules
Don't miss the seal feeding or other daily shows! Check times upon arrival. :movie_camera:
🚗 Expensive Parking
Parking fees can be high. Consider using the Hakone Free Pass for transport instead. :car:
🐧 Penguin Inflation Woes
Reportedly, penguins here have refused cheaper fish due to inflation.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Some areas like GORA Park are dog-friendly, check specific park rules.
🎁 Souvenir Shopping
Browse a variety of souvenirs, from wooden paintings to local candies. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hakone-en Aquarium is a charming, albeit small, attraction known for its unique Baikal seals and cute baby otters. While it may show its age and parking can be pricey, it offers a pleasant experience, especially for families. The beautiful natural setting and its integration into the wider Hakone Loop make it a worthwhile stop.
"It’s a very small aquarium and you can see it all in about 30 mins. But it does have a good range of fish and some seals.
Warning: if you are using the Hakone Free Pass. There’s only one bus every hour and we got stranded as the bus was full and wouldn’t let anyone one. There’s response to well how do we get back was: get a taxi."
AbareSaru AbareSaru
"It's a decent small aquarium, however you can feel it's age as the aquarium definitely needs some renovation to look more modern. Price is ok, it's about 1000yen for entry so there is nothing much to complain about it. If you have gone to other Japanese aquarium this will feel small. Overall still worth seeing their seals and baby otters which are newborns and worth coming down to see them."
Jun Mao Tan
"Our kids had great time there. But the parking fee was too expensive! When we went here last year, the parking fee was free...
Anyway, the aquarium has two buildings. And the new animals "otters" were so cute. I felt their space was too small for them. But my kids were so happy to see them. They have a few show events everyday and you can enjoy. Please check their show schedules before you go!"
Yui Amano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is using the Hakone Free Pass, which covers buses and trains. From Odawara Station, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and then the Hakone Ropeway. The aquarium is located at the base of the ropeway. Be aware that buses can get full, and the ropeway might close due to high winds. +1
Yes, the Hakone Free Pass is highly recommended as it covers most transportation in the area, including buses and the ropeway that leads to the aquarium. It simplifies travel and can save money compared to individual tickets.
Yes, you can drive, but be prepared for potentially expensive parking fees. Some visitors have noted the parking costs as being quite high.
If the ropeway is closed due to high winds, you might need to rely on alternative bus routes or consider taxis, though buses can also be crowded.
Absolutely! It's well-connected via the Hakone Ropeway, which is part of the popular Hakone Loop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is generally around 1000 JPY, which is considered a reasonable price for the experience. Children under 3 years old are often free.
The Hakone Free Pass may offer some benefits, but specific discounts are not widely advertised. Check their official website for any current promotions.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Hakone-en Aquarium website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Tickets are typically available for purchase at the entrance. Advance booking is usually not necessary unless there's a special event.
The seal feeding is a popular event, and while the aquarium entry fee is around 1000 JPY, there might be a separate small fee or limited slots for specific interactive experiences like feeding.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, including tiger fish and clownfish, as well as seals and adorable baby otters. +1
Yes, the aquarium hosts several show events daily, including seal shows. It's recommended to check the schedule upon arrival to plan your visit.
Yes, kids generally have a great time at Hakone-en Aquarium, especially with the cute otters and seal shows.
The aquarium is relatively small, and most visitors can see everything in about 30 minutes to an hour.
The aquarium is situated in a beautiful natural setting, offering scenic views, especially from the ropeway access point.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small shopping store that also offers souvenirs and some snacks. For more substantial meals, you might need to explore dining options within Hakone Park or nearby areas.
The souvenir store might offer local candies and small treats. For a full dining experience, consider restaurants in the wider Hakone area.
Picnic policies can vary. It's advisable to check with the aquarium staff or their official website regarding outside food and drinks.
Yes, the aquarium is part of Hakone Park, which has other facilities and dining options. You can also find restaurants in the nearby Gora area.
The 'black eggs' are a famous local specialty from Owakudani, a volcanic hot spring area in Hakone. They are hard-boiled in the sulfurous hot springs, giving them a black shell and a unique flavor. While not sold at the aquarium, they are a popular snack to try in the Hakone region.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed inside the aquarium, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography which can disturb marine life.
The seal pond and the otter exhibit are popular for photos. The scenic views from the ropeway access point also offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can usually take photos of the shows, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash.
The unique Baikal seals and the newborn otters provide excellent and memorable photo opportunities.
Mornings or late afternoons might offer softer lighting, and visiting during show times can capture dynamic moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏞️ Nature & Scenery Lovers
🌸 Culture & Relaxation Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hakone Loop Experience
Many travelers recommend purchasing the Hakone Free Pass to navigate the loop efficiently. This pass provides unlimited access to most modes of transport within the Hakone area, significantly simplifying logistics and offering great value.
Unique Marine Life at Hakone-en
+2 These seals are a highlight for many, offering a more intimate encounter than might be found in larger facilities. The aquarium also features a dedicated exhibit for newborn otters, which are exceptionally cute and a major draw for families. Beyond these charismatic mammals, the aquarium houses hundreds of species of fish, showcasing both freshwater and saltwater environments. Visitors can marvel at colorful clownfish, intriguing jellyfish, and various other sea creatures.
The Charm of Hakone Beyond the Aquarium
Beyond the natural wonders, Hakone offers a rich cultural experience with several museums, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Narukawa Art Museum, which boasts stunning lake views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit