Hakone-en Station (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hakone-en Station?
What makes it 91% Kids-Friendly: 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:
- Animal Shows: Daily seal and diver feeding shows entertain all ages.
- Mountain Shrine: Hakone Motomiya Shrine adds a quiet cultural stop at the summit.
Challenges:
- Weather at Summit: It can be windy and cold at the top; bring jackets for kids.
- Weekend Crowds: Lines build at the ropeway around midday; arrive early for shorter waits.
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?
- Seven-minute cable car ride with Mt. Fuji and lake views.
- Kids’ favorite seal and diver feed shows at the aquarium.
- Thrilling splash on the Ninja Bus Water Spider.
- Open plaza for picnics and safe play near Lake Ashi.
- Cultural visit to Hakone Motomiya Shrine at the summit.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Family can ride the ropeway, visit the aquarium, and explore the plaza without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Station
Komagatake Ropeway:
Ride 7 minutes from Hakone-en Station to Mt. Komagatake summit.
Tip: Buy children’s tickets in advance at the station office to skip lines.
Hakone Motomiya Shrine:
Visit the small shrine 2-minute walk from summit ropeway station.
Tip: Let kids ring the bell gently for a cultural experience.
Hakone-en Aquarium:
See Baikal seals, penguins and daily seal and diver shows.
Tip: Check show times at the desk and arrive 10 minutes early for best seats.
Ninja Bus Water Spider:
Take an amphibious bus that splashes into Lake Ashi.
Tip: Hold little ones tight and wear quick-dry clothes for the splash.
Lakeside Plaza & Gardens:
Let kids run on the grassy area and enjoy lake views.
Tip: Pack a small picnic; the plaza offers benches and shade.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone-en Station
- Early Start: Arrive before 10 AM to beat crowds on the ropeway and bus.
- Stroller Rental: Get a free stroller at the aquarium entrance for younger kids.
- Show Schedule: Pick up the daily show timetable at the aquarium desk to plan visits.
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)?
In autumn, the ropeway offers clear views of red and gold foliage. In summer, go early to avoid afternoon heat. Winter mornings bring crisp air for Mt. Fuji views.
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 (2 adults, 2 children) | JPY 4,500 |
| Ninja Bus Water Spider (2 adults, 2 children) | JPY 7,200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 17,100 |
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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