Hakone-en Station (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Hakone-en Station?
What makes it 74% Baby-Friendly: Nursing room, stroller rental, and diaper tables are on site, and babies ride free on boats and ropeway, but summit winds, sudden ropeway sway, and noisy Ninja Bus may unsettle infants so extra care is needed.
Positives:
- Baby facilities: Free nursing room, diaper tables, and stroller rentals at Hakone-en Shopping Plaza and aquarium.
- Free infant rides: Infants under 2 ride free on the ropeway, boat cruise, and ninja bus on your lap.
Challenges:
- Cold summit: The ropeway summit station can be windy and cold—even in spring.
- Stroller access: Some paths at the summit plaza are gravel; switch to a baby carrier if needed.
- Weekend crowds: Popular attractions fill quickly; expect lines at ticket counters.
What is Hakone-en Station?
- A ropeway station on the shores of Lake Ashi, serving as the lower terminal of the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
- A transportation node that connects Hakone-en with the summit of Mount Komagatake via a 1,783-meter aerial tramway
- A facility equipped with ticket counters and passenger amenities, positioned beside Lake Ashi in Hakone
What is so special about Hakone-en Station for with baby?
- Quick 7-minute ropeway ride with panoramic views and Mt. Fuji photo spots.
- Climate-controlled aquarium with free stroller rental and baby-friendly shows.
- Thrilling yet free-for-infants boat and ninja bus rides on Lake Ashi.
- Smooth promenade and plaza spaces ideal for a stroller or baby carrier.
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for ropeway ride, aquarium, ninja bus, and a lakeside stroll without rushing with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Station
Komagatake Ropeway:
Ride the cable car from Hakone-en Station to the summit in 7 minutes.
Tip: Confirm free baby boarding at the ticket counter and hold your baby securely inside the cabin.
Hakone-en Aquarium:
Watch the seal and underwater diver shows in a climate-controlled space.
Tip: Use the aquarium’s free stroller rental and diaper-changing tables near the entrance.
Ninja Bus Water Spider:
Take the amphibious bus that splashes into Lake Ashi for a fun ride.
Tip: Reserve your seat 15 minutes before departure and hold your baby securely on your lap.
Lakeside Promenade:
Stroll on the flat paved path by the lake shore.
Tip: Bring a lightweight stroller and plan for photos with Mt. Fuji in the background on clear days.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone-en Station
- Early start: Arrive at Hakone-en Station before 9:30 AM to avoid peak crowds on the ropeway.
- Ticket bundle: Buy ropeway and boat cruise tickets together at the station to save time.
- Use shuttle: Take the free shuttle bus between the aquarium and ropeway station to ease stroller transport.
Reviews of Hakone-en Station
Ann Fu
I took my 93-year-old mother on the ride. She has difficulty walking and uses a cane. There is an elevator up to the boarding area. However, to get on and off the gondola, you have to go up and down some fairly steep stairs, and there is no priority boarding, so it is difficult to get a seat inside the gondola. Therefore, it is best to assume that people with walking difficulties will not be able ...
詹德仲
It’s great to take the cable car and pirate ship to see the scenery of Lake Ashi!
Irene Willcocks
Foggy but still beautiful. No view but that was made up for the looming presence on the temple.
あじふらい
I climbed up, and it was so scary that I closed my eyes and kept chanting to myself, "This is the Yamanote Line, this is the Yamanote Line, this is..." So why do I ride it? I'm afraid of heights.
チタオチャン
I have been coming to Hakone since I was a child, but this was the first time I went up to the Komagatake Ropeway. At this time of year, at an altitude of about 1300m, I thought I would be able to see the leaves at different stages of autumn. Unfortunately, it was the transitional period from sunny to cloudy, and there were only about 20 to 30 foreigners there. It is a famous spot from which to vi...
When is the best time to visit Hakone-en Station (Hakone, Japan)?
Cherry blossoms bloom along the promenade in spring; summer cabins can heat up—carry water and a sunhat; autumn offers cool air and colorful leaves at the summit; winter summit can get very cold—dress your baby in warm layers.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Komagatake Ropeway (2 adults) | JPY 3,600 |
| Hakone-en Aquarium (2 adults) | JPY 3,000 |
| Lake Ashinoko Boat Cruise (2 adults) | JPY 2,960 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 9,560 |
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 Station
Address: Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
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