Hakone Ekiden Museum (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Hakone Ekiden Museum?
What makes it 75% Couple-Friendly: Side-by-side strolls through 100 years of photos, a 10-minute highlight film, and lake-view cafe seating give pairs conversation topics and relaxed time together, but romance is limited.
Positives:
- Quiet Ambience: Dimly lit galleries make it easy to talk and share thoughts on the exhibits.
- Scenic Break: Café seating overlooks the lake finish line, offering a peaceful spot to relax together.
Challenges:
- Language Barrier: Most exhibit labels are in Japanese; use a translation app for detailed captions.
- No Storage Lockers: There are no coin lockers on site; carry only essentials or use your hotel storage.
What is Hakone Ekiden Museum?
- A modern museum tracing the history of the Hakone Ekiden collegiate relay marathon from its inaugural race in 1920 to the present day
- An archive featuring rare photographs, participant rosters and detailed chronicles of competitions and winning university teams
- A curated collection of artifacts including university team uniforms, race sashes (tasuki) and multimedia footage of championship moments
What is so special about Hakone Ekiden Museum for couple trip?
- Trace relay marathon history side by side in the History Zone
- Relive iconic finishes together in the Museum Theatre
- Enjoy lake views at Ekiden Café with cozy seating
- Pick up team-logo keepsakes in the museum shop
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to explore the exhibits, watch the highlight video, and relax at the café
Couple-Friendly Activities in Hakone Ekiden Museum
History Zone:
Walk through 100 years of relay photos and stories.
Tip: Go early to enjoy the gallery before it gets busy and discuss your favorite moments in the quiet lighting.
Museum Theatre:
Watch a 10-minute video of the most exciting Ekiden finishes.
Tip: Grab front-row seats together for the best view and replay the footage on your phone afterward.
EKIDEN CAFE “20 SPIRITS”:
Sip matcha lattes or ginger-lemon sodas while overlooking the lake finish area.
Tip: No museum ticket needed; reserve a window seat for the lake view during autumn foliage.
Museum Shop:
Browse team-logo souvenirs and racing goods.
Tip: Look for small keychains (¥800) as easy keepsakes or gifts.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone Ekiden Museum
- Visit Early: Arrive at opening to explore the History Zone without crowds.
- Combine with Lake Ashi: After your visit, walk to nearby Lake Ashi for a scenic lakeside stroll.
- Buy Tickets Online: Purchase admission on the museum website to skip the ticket line.
Reviews of Hakone Ekiden Museum
Mike Reys
Probably interesting but Google translate is just too cumbersome for the amount of information. Also got told off for using camera which I needed to translate. Only Japanese info (also about entry fee, which I now believe to be free with Hakone pass after reading other reviews).
Derin A
So wish they had english translations! Otherwise an interesting place to see for running fans. They had decent merchandise but it was only in one size.
Aarushi Mishra
Really cool exhibits and items, ie uniforms and trophies and videos about the races, but unfortunately all the information is only in Japanese. So, I would say foreigners could skip this unless you’re really into running. Although, entry is quite cheap especially with the free pass so is cool to see the exhibits.
Andy Yeo
All information is in japanese. No photo taking in the museum
Julian Starkey
I was surprised to find this, and looked forward to seeing it. all in Japanese, but anyone who's in the know about the race would find it interesting.
When is the best time to visit Hakone Ekiden Museum (Hakone, Japan)?
In autumn, enjoy red maple leaves framing the lake from the café windows. Check for rotating summer exhibitions to avoid peak crowds.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Museum admission (2 adults) | JPY 1,300 |
| Cafe drinks (2) | JPY 1,000 |
| Cafe cakes (2) | JPY 900 |
| Souvenir keychain | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Hakone Ekiden Museum
Address: 167 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521, Japan
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About Hakone Ekiden Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 460-83-751110 BEST nearby Activities
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