Hakone-en Station (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Hakone-en Station?
What makes it 83% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can take the 7-minute Komagatake Ropeway for panoramic photography, explore the nearby aquarium and shrine, and move around easily thanks to clear signposts and frequent buses.
Positives:
- Compact layout: All main attractions lie within a 5-minute walk of the station, so you can move quickly between experiences.
- Fast ropeway: The 7-minute ascent and descent save time, letting you add another activity afterward.
Challenges:
- Weather-dependent views: Clouds or rain can block Fuji and lake panoramas; check forecasts before leaving the station.
- Limited English signage: Most on-site signs are in Japanese; use a translation app or ask staff for directions.
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 solo trip?
- Quick 7-minute cable car to Mt. Komagatake summit
- Hands-on otter handshake and free seal shows at the aquarium
- Amphibious Ninja Bus ride on Lake Ashi
- Short walks link shrine, plaza, and exhibits
- Solo-friendly layout with easy navigation
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Cable car round-trip takes 40 minutes; include time for the shrine, aquarium, and a snack at Hakone-en plaza.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Station
Komagatake Ropeway:
Ride the cable car from Hakone-en Station to Mt. Komagatake summit in 7 minutes.
Tip: Stand on the left side for the best Mt. Fuji views and check summit weather at the ropeway office before you go.
Hakone-en Aquarium:
Explore freshwater and marine exhibits at 723 m altitude.
Tip: Arrive before 11 AM to catch the Baikal seal show and underwater diver feeding at 1:45 PM.
Otter Handshake:
Get hands-on with a small-clawed Asian otter during scheduled sessions.
Tip: Book your ¥600 slot early at the aquarium desk; slots fill fast depending on the otter’s condition.
Motomiya Shrine:
Visit the small Shinto shrine next to the summit plaza.
Tip: Walk the paved path 2 minutes from the summit station for a quiet moment and wide mountain views.
Ninja Bus Water Spider:
Board the amphibious bus that splashes into Lake Ashi.
Tip: Reserve your ¥2,400 ticket 15 minutes before departure at the Hakone-en stop for the next run.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone-en Station
- Buy combo tickets: Pick up a ropeway + aquarium ticket at the station counter to skip separate lines.
- Use station lockers: Store bulky items before boarding the ropeway to stay hands-free for photos.
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)?
On clear winter mornings, ride early for sharp Mt. Fuji views. In autumn, admire the red and gold foliage around the summit plaza.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Komagatake Ropeway round-trip | JPY 1,800 |
| Hakone-en Aquarium | JPY 1,500 |
| Otter Handshake | JPY 600 |
| Ninja Bus Water Spider | JPY 2,400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 6,300 |
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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