Hakone-en Aquarium

An aquarium beside a mountain lake more than 700 metres above sea level is not where you expect to meet saltwater fish, which is part of the fun of the Hakone-en Aquarium. Sitting on the shore of Lake Ashi in the Hakone-en leisure complex, it mixes ocean tanks, freshwater displays and star resident seals into an easy family stop on the classic Hakone loop.

What lives here

The main building holds a surprising range of marine life for its altitude, with sharks, rays and shoals of reef fish circling a large central tank, while separate freshwater displays cover rivers and lakes from Japan and abroad. The seals are the personality of the place, and their feeding and performance times are worth planning around; check the day’s schedule when you arrive.

Part of a Hakone day

Hakone-en sits between Togendai and Hakone-machi on Lake Ashi’s eastern shore, with the Komagatake Ropeway rising directly behind the complex to a summit view over the lake and, on clear days, Mt Fuji. The aquarium works best woven into that circuit rather than as a destination on its own.

Getting there

From Odawara Station, on the Tokaido Shinkansen and Odakyu line from Tokyo, buses run toward Hakone-en around the lake. Coming via the Hakone Tozan Railway and cablecar route, connect by bus or the sightseeing boats that call along the lakeshore.

We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Details and inclusions can change, so always check the booking page for the latest.