Hakone-en Aquarium (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Hakone-en Aquarium?
The compact aquarium, quiet weekdays and optional feedings suit a solo visitor’s flexible pace, though its remote Hakone setting makes late-day bus or boat returns less convenient.
Positives:
- Compact layout: Complete all exhibits without long walks or backtracking.
- Free marine shows: Underwater and seal shows include engaging live demonstrations.
Challenges:
- Limited English signage: Some exhibit labels are only in Japanese; use a translation app.
- Cash-only extras: Interactive activities require 100 ¥ coins and cash payment.
What is so special about Hakone-en Aquarium for solo trip?
- Tour three compact zones featuring seawater, freshwater, and seals
- Enjoy free underwater diver and seal shows included with admission
- Experience Japan’s highest seawater aquarium at 723 m above sea level
- Optional otter handshake (¥600) and seal feeding (¥800) for close encounters
- Pair your visit with the nearby Komagatake cable car for scenic views
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to tour all exhibits, catch two free shows, and try an optional feeding experience without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Aquarium
Self-Paced Exhibit Tour:
Explore seawater, freshwater, and seal halls with 450 species.
Tip: Start at the bridge tank for overhead sardine photos.
Underwater Show:
Watch a diver feed fish in the main 7 m-deep tank.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and stand at the front glass.
Baikal Seal Show:
See seals roll, wave, and chase balls poolside.
Tip: Shows run at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM; check for an extra 3:30 PM on busy days.
Otter Handshake or Seal Feeding:
Interact closely by feeding or hand-feeding otters (¥600) and seals (¥800).
Tip: Book your spot at the desk right when you enter; small groups fill fast.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission ticket | JPY 1,500 |
| Otter handshake | JPY 600 |
| Seal feeding | JPY 800 |
| Coin locker | JPY 100 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Hakone-en Aquarium?
On rainy days or winter mornings, the indoor aquarium stays warm and uncrowded. Visit weekdays for quieter galleries.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Hakone-en Aquarium
- Time your shows: Arrive 15 minutes early to secure front-row views at 11:00 and 13:45.
- Combine with cable car: After the aquarium, take the Komagatake cable car for Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji vistas.
Map of Hakone-en Aquarium
Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
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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!
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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