Hakone-en Station (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hakone-en Station?
What makes it 83% Kids-Friendly: School-age children enjoy seal shows, the splashy Ninja Bus, and a safe enclosed ropeway cabin; kid fares are half price and the flat lakeside plaza lets parents supervise running kids easily.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly paths: Wide, paved walkways connect station, plaza and aquarium for easy stroller navigation.
- Baby-care facilities: Free nursing room and diaper-changing stations at Shopping Plaza 2F and aquarium.
Challenges:
- Weather-dependent views: Fog or rain can close the ropeway and obscure Mt Fuji—check forecast before you go.
- Peak-season lines: Queues form quickly at ticket counters and shows; arrive early or use online passes if available.
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 kids?
- Fun cable-car to a summit plaza with panoramic Mt Fuji vistas
- Interactive aquarium with seal shows and otter encounters
- Scenic lake cruise perfect for families
- Free stroller rental and baby-care facilities on site
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the ropeway ride, summit shrine, aquarium shows and a lake cruise at a relaxed pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Station
Komagatake Ropeway Ride:
Seven-minute cable car from Hakone-en Station to Mt. Komagatake summit.
Tip: Ride early to avoid lines and enjoy clear morning views of Mt. Fuji.
Summit Observation Deck & Hakone Motomiya Shrine:
Panoramic platform with Lake Ashi below and a small Shinto shrine.
Tip: Let kids explore the plaza lawn while you snap family photos of the landscape.
Hakone-en Aquarium & Seal Shows:
High-altitude aquarium with Baikal seals and divers feeding fish.
Tip: Catch the seal show at 11:00 or 13:00; arrive 10 minutes early for good seating.
Otter Handshake Experience:
Close encounter with Asian small-clawed otters at the aquarium.
Tip: Book your slot at the desk right after aquarium entry to secure spots for both kids.
Lake Ashinoko Sightseeing Boat:
Round-trip cruise from Hakone-en pier with lake and mountain views.
Tip: Choose deck seating for unobstructed views and cool lake breeze.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone-en Station
- Combo tickets: Buy a ropeway plus cruise pass at the station for a small savings over separate tickets.
- Show schedule: Plan aquarium visit around seal and underwater shows to avoid idle wait time.
- Early start: Arrive when the ropeway opens to secure cabin seats with the best summit views.
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)?
Autumn and spring offer the clearest Mt Fuji views. Winters can be windy—bring warm layers. Check for ropeway closures on rainy days.
Explore These Activities
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 | JPY 4,500 |
| Lake Ashi boat cruise | 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.
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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