Hakone-en Aquarium (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Hakone-en Aquarium?
What makes it 72% Couple-Friendly: Couples can stroll side by side through compact tanks, book an otter handshake, and gaze at Lake Ashi after the visit, yet crowded school groups and few benches reduce privacy for a date.
Positives:
- Compact Layout: You can see all exhibits without long walks.
- Scenic Add-On: Nearby cable car offers Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji views.
Challenges:
- Limited Show Seating: Seats fill quickly; arrive 20 minutes early.
- Weather-Dependent Views: Mount Fuji may be hidden on cloudy days.
What is Hakone-en Aquarium?
- An aquarium perched at 723 meters above sea level, holding the distinction of Japan’s highest-altitude saltwater exhibition
- A vibrant collection of 32,000 specimens across 450 species, showcasing sharks, emperor penguins and king crabs alongside electric eels, piranhas and Lake Ashinoko freshwater fish
- A seal hall featuring Baikal seals and a variety of freshwater turtles in an outdoor pool setting
What is so special about Hakone-en Aquarium for couple trip?
- Highest-altitude seawater tank in Japan with sharks and penguins
- Free daily shows featuring seals and underwater feedings
- Intimate otter handshake and seal feeding experiences
- Compact layout perfect for a relaxed couple outing
- Nearby cable car adds Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji views
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to see all exhibits, catch two shows, and join one interactive experience
Couple-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Aquarium
Sea Water Pavilion:
Walk around the 7 m-deep open-air tank with sharks, rays, and shore-walking penguins.
Tip: Visit mid-morning for softer light on the tanks and fewer visitors.
Freshwater Pavilion:
Observe Amazon pirarucu, electric eels, and local Lake Ashi species.
Tip: Head here right after the underwater show when crowds thin.
Underwater Show:
See a diver feed fish as they swarm in a choreographed feeding display.
Tip: Check the schedule at the entrance; weekday slots are less crowded.
Otter Handshake Experience:
For ¥600 per person, shake hands and feed Asian small-clawed otters.
Tip: Reserve your spot at the desk upon arrival to guarantee participation.
Seal Feeding Session:
Join a small-group session (¥800 per person) to feed Baikal seals three times.
Tip: Book early; sessions fill by midday on weekends.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone-en Aquarium
- Timed Entry: Plan to arrive 30 minutes before a show for front-row spots.
- Combo Savings: Buy the aquarium and cable car combo pass for a discount.
Reviews of Hakone-en Aquarium
Rebecca Koh
Highly recommended experience. The seal feeding is once in a lifetime. 800 yen per pax and there are only 15 slots each time.
AbareSaru AbareSaru
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.
Sudershan Singh Gusain
Small aquarium at the base of ropeway. Hundreds of types of fishes, Tiger fish, clown fish, crabs, salamander, jelly fish, turtle, and may sea creatures. There is a seal show around 15 mins. Beautiful scenery all around. There is a small shopping store with hundreds of souvenirs to take back including wooden carved paintings and special lock puzzle and candies. Small Due to high winds, ropeway may...
Jun Mao Tan
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.
Yui Amano
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!
When is the best time to visit Hakone-en Aquarium (Hakone, Japan)?
Visit in spring or autumn on weekdays for clearer Mount Fuji views and lighter crowds.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission for 2 adults | JPY 3,000 |
| Otter handshake for 2 | JPY 1,200 |
| Seal feeding for 2 | JPY 1,600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,800 |
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-en Aquarium
Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
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About Hakone-en Aquarium
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
+81 460-83-1151Explore Popular Things to Do
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