Hakone-en Aquarium Ticket

Hakoneen Aquarium is located on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, and is Japan's highest‑altitude (723m) seawater aquarium. Its hallmark is the fusion of natural scenery with the underwater world, making it a soothing complementary attraction for a Hakone hot spring trip, as well as a must‑visit spot for families and marine life enthusiasts. Here, you can encounter a diverse range of marine life from around the world, and through close‑up interactions and immersive viewing, experience the mystery and gentleness of the underwater world.

Key Attraction Highlights

Seal Plaza: A close‑up interactive highlight. As the aquarium's popular centrepiece, Seal Plaza features adorable Baikal seals, with scheduled daily feeding shows and interactive performances. Visitors can observe the seals' chubby, charming antics and agile swimming up close, and may even participate in feeding sessions (available during certain periods). Their cute appearances instantly melt away travel fatigue, making this an excellent spot for family photos.

Large Aquarium Tank: A therapeutic underwater stroll. The impressive giant aquarium tank is a true visual focal point. Within its 7‑metre‑high water column, thousands of colourful saltwater fish glide gracefully, creating a flowing "underwater tableau". Watching the fish drift leisurely amidst the tranquil ambience of the Hakone mountains offers a profoundly soothing experience, perfect for taking your time to admire.

Collection of Adorable Creatures: A family‑favourite interactive zone. Beyond the seals, the aquarium also houses penguins, otters and other cute animals that children love. The penguins' waddling walks and agile dives in the water always draw laughter, while the jellyfish zone features dreamy lighting effects, with translucent jellyfish drifting slowly through shifting, starry‑like lights — both visually stunning and atmospheric.

A Microcosm of Global Marine Ecology: An immersive world tour. The aquarium houses 450 species and 32,000 marine creatures from around the world, from tropical coral reef fish to polar penguins, from agile otters to mysterious deep‑sea organisms — it feels like an "underwater round‑the‑world trip". The exhibition areas are designed with realistic ecological scenes, allowing visitors to intuitively appreciate the biodiversity of different seas.

Practical Visitor Information

Location: 2‑1‑1 Motohakone, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture (on the shores of Lake Ashi, adjacent to the Hakoneen complex)

Transport: Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to "Motohakone Station" and walk about 10 minutes; or walk 5 minutes from "Motohakone Port" served by the Hakone Pirate Ships.

Opening Hours: 9:00‑17:00 (last entry at 16:30; hours may change in winter, so it is advisable to check the official website in advance)

Suitable for: Families, marine life enthusiasts, and travellers seeking a restorative experience. It pairs especially well with Hakone hot springs and Lake Ashi cruises for a day trip itinerary.

Featured Experiences: Scheduled seal feeding shows, jellyfish light displays, and a penguin interaction observation area. Feed can be purchased for interaction in certain areas (additional fee applies).