Hakone-en Aquarium (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Hakone-en Aquarium?
What makes it 76% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can cover the three halls in forty minutes, enjoy diver and seal shows, and take photos at quiet weekday slots; single ticket cost is low and buses stop right outside.
Positives:
- Compact Layout: You can cover all exhibits in 30–45 minutes, leaving time for shows and extras
- Free Daily Shows: Each ticket includes two scheduled shows: underwater feeding and seals performing
- Nearby Cable Car: Combine with a 7-minute ride up Mount Komagatake for Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji views
Challenges:
- Language Signage: Some exhibit information is only in Japanese—bring a translation app
- Weather on Seal Deck: Outdoor seal shows can feel cold in winter—bring a light jacket
- Cash Only Extras: Paid activities require yen cash and no advance online booking
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 solo trip?
- Compact three-zone aquarium ideal for solo exploration
- Two free daily shows included with admission
- Optional otter handshake and seal feeding at small extra cost
- Japan’s highest seawater aquarium at 723 m elevation
- Combine visit with Komagatake cable car for Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji views
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for a self-paced tour, two free shows, and an optional otter or seal feeding
Solo-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Aquarium
Self-Paced Exhibit Tour:
Walk through the seawater, freshwater, and seal halls at your own pace
Tip: Use the overhead glass bridge to photograph schools of sardines swimming above
Underwater Feeding Show:
Watch a diver feed fish in the main tank
Tip: Check the show time board and arrive 10 minutes early to secure a front-row spot
Baikal Seal Show:
See seals roll, wave, and play tricks on the outdoor deck
Tip: Sit on the left side of the viewing area for clearer views of the performers’ entry point
Otter Handshake:
Pay ¥600 to feed and shake hands with Asian small-clawed otters
Tip: Book your spot at the aquarium desk right after buying your ticket to lock in availability
Seal Feeding Experience:
Join a small group (up to 15) for a close-up seal feeding session at ¥800
Tip: Arrive mid-morning when slots open to grab one of the limited spots
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone-en Aquarium
- Arrive Early: Get to the aquarium 15 minutes before opening to grab a locker near the entrance
- Weekday Visits: Monday–Thursday visits are less crowded, so you can join paid sessions with ease
- Carry Small Change: Keep coins ready for lockers and quick snack stops at the nearby plaza
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 on weekdays outside Golden Week and Obon for quieter galleries. In winter layers help when you step onto the chilly outdoor seal deck. Check show schedules on rainy days, as extra sessions may open.
Explore These Activities
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.
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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