Hakone-en Station (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hakone-en Station?
School-age children thrill at seal shows, ninja splash bus, and safe ropeway cabins; child pricing, toilets, and a grassy plaza help parents, though the windy summit needs jackets.
Positives:
- Easy stroller access: Wide lakeside paths and stroller rental at the aquarium entrance make moving around simple.
- Free child under 4: Children under 4 enter the aquarium and lake boat free, saving on admission costs.
Challenges:
- Queue at peak times: Ropeway and aquarium shows can get crowded midday; expect 10–15 min waits.
- Weather impact: Cloud or rain can block mountain views and make deck rides slippery.
What is so special about Hakone-en Station for with kids?
- Sky-high cable car ride with Mt. Fuji views
- Interactive aquarium with seal and otter shows
- Thrilling amphibious ninja bus splash into Lake Ashi
- Relaxing lake cruise and stroller-friendly paths
Recommended visit duration: 1 day
Why 1 day visit duration is ideal for with kids: You can cover ropeway, aquarium, lake cruise and shows at a relaxed pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Station
Komagatake Ropeway:
Ride a cable car from Hakone-en Station to Mt. Komagatake summit in 7 minutes.
Tip: Go early to avoid queues and get clear views of Mt. Fuji.
Hakone-en Aquarium:
See penguins, seals and koi in indoor and outdoor tanks.
Tip: Catch the seal show at 11:00 or 13:00; arrive 10 minutes early to get seats.
Ninja Bus Water Spider:
Take an amphibious bus that splashes into Lake Ashi like a theme-park ride.
Tip: Reserve seats 15 minutes before departure; choose a window seat for kids to watch the splash.
Lake Ashinoko Sightseeing Boat:
Enjoy a calm cruise on Lake Ashi from Hakone-en to Motohakone.
Tip: Pick the midday trip for gentle waves if the ninja bus feels too wild for younger kids.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Komagatake Ropeway (2 adults, 2 children) | JPY 5,400 |
| Hakone-en Aquarium admission (2 adults, 2 children) | JPY 4,500 |
| Lake cruise tickets (2 adults, 2 children) | JPY 4,440 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 14,340 |
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 Station?
Autumn (Oct–Nov) offers colorful leaves on the ropeway. Winter mornings give clear Mt. Fuji views. Bring warm layers. In summer, pack light rain gear for sudden showers.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Hakone-en Station
- Book combo tickets: Buy ropeway and boat cruise joint tickets at the station for a small discount.
- Show schedule: Plan aquarium visits around the seal show times (11:00, 13:00, 13:45) to entertain kids.
Map of Hakone-en Station
Address: Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
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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...
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