Explore Hakone-en Aquarium: Japan's Highest Altitude Marine Wonderland
Hakone is a hot spring tourist destination accessible by a 2-hour train ride from Shinjuku. Its proximity to central Tokyo makes it a popular choice for casual hot spring getaways.
Hakone offers diverse experiences across different areas like Gora and around Lake Ashinoko. While many spots are surrounded by lakes and mountains giving it an adult-oriented tourism image, numerous attractions cater to families with children.
Today, we'll introduce the Hakone-en Aquarium, an attraction enjoyable for both adults and children. Though compact, it's a comprehensive facility where you can observe the fascinating behavior of marine life.
Hakone-en Aquarium: Japan's Highest Altitude Aquarium Located in Hakone-en
The Hakone-en Aquarium is situated within Hakone-en on the eastern shore of Lake Ashinoko. At 723 meters above sea level, it's Japan's highest-altitude aquarium, known as "the aquarium on the mountain." Here, visitors can observe sea turtles, penguins, and vibrant fish.
The aquarium features diver feeding performances and events where visitors can shake hands with otters. Despite its modest size, it's an impressive facility entertaining both adults and children, perfect for those wanting to explore the Lake Ashinoko area at a relaxed pace.
<Facility Information>
Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing) *Hours may vary by season
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-83-1151
Official Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/suizokukan/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakoneenaquarium/
Official X: https://x.com/hakone_en?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
What is Hakone-en?
Hakone-en is a multi-purpose tourist complex on Lake Ashinoko's eastern shore. It features various attractions including sightseeing cruises on Lake Ashinoko, the Komagatake Ropeway, and traditional craft workshops where visitors can experience Japanese culture and nature.
The grounds include one of Hakone's premier power spots (a shrine), a small zoo where visitors can interact with animals, and other attractions suitable for all ages. A convenient aspect is the close proximity of these tourist spots, minimizing travel time.
What creatures live in the Hakone-en Aquarium? Introduction to resident animals and their charm
Next, we'll introduce the types of animals kept at the Hakone-en Aquarium and their appealing characteristics. You'll find yourself soothed by these adorable creatures.
Baikal Seal
The Hakone Aquarium features a Seal Plaza where two species of seals reside. One of them, the Baikal seal, is a freshwater seal native to Lake Baikal in Russia. It's characterized by its rounded body shape and gray fur.
At Hakone Aquarium, there's a Baikal seal named "Ashe." With its round body and large eyes, it's incredibly endearing. The seal exhibit is housed in a two-story building. From the first floor, visitors can observe seals swimming leisurely underwater, while the second floor offers views of their playful antics with balls and breathing patterns.
Spotted Seal
The Spotted seal is distinguished by its white and black spotted pattern. Their rounded bodies and expressive faces are captivating. At Hakone Aquarium, there are two sister Spotted seals named "Peony" and "Sunflower." They're quite friendly and often approach visitors who come near their tank.
My recommendation is the seal feeding experience, which costs 800 yen per person for three opportunities to feed the seals. At the end, the seals might wave goodbye - a perfect photo opportunity for families with children.
King Penguin
The King penguin, native to the Antarctic region, stands about 85cm tall and weighs 10-16kg, making it the second-largest penguin after the Emperor penguin. They feature a striking black and white contrast, with distinctive yellow feathers from neck to head and an orange beak.
At Hakone Aquarium, visitors can watch King penguins swimming underwater, walking slowly on rocks, or floating on the surface. Don't miss their dynamic feeding sessions where they swallow large fish whole.
Green Sea Turtle
The Green sea turtle has a shell length of 80-100cm and can weigh 100-200kg when fully grown. In the large tank near the entrance, designed to look like a sunken ship, these magnificent creatures swim gracefully alongside colorful fish.
The sight of Green sea turtles gliding through the sunlit tank creates a mesmerizing scene. Feeding sessions are available at specific times. During my visit to Hakone Aquarium, my friends' family and I spent considerable time admiring the main tank and the beautiful sea turtles.
Arapaima
At Hakone Aquarium, you can find rare aquatic species. The Arapaima (Pirarucu), one of the world's largest freshwater fish, inhabits the Amazon River in South America, as well as rivers in Thailand and Malaysia.
They can grow up to 2-3 meters in length and weigh over 100kg. Known as a "living fossil," their appearance has remained unchanged for about 100 million years.
In the tanks at Hakone Aquarium, you can observe their beautiful swimming pattern as they gracefully move their large fins. Their ancient fish-like appearance is truly impressive.
Red Piranha
Source:Wikipedia
The Red Piranha (Piranha Nattereri) is a freshwater fish species found in the Amazon region. Equipped with sharp teeth and strong lower jaws, they hunt larger prey in groups. Being naturally timid, they never act alone. At Hakone Aquarium, they are displayed in schools.
Depending on the viewing angle, you can admire their beautiful appearance as they shimmer in red, yellow, and silver colors. It's exciting to see such rare freshwater fish that aren't commonly encountered.
Rainbow Trout
As its name suggests, the Rainbow Trout displays iridescent colors when reflecting light. They inhabit cold-water lakes and mountain streams at high altitudes, including Lake Ashi. At Hakone Aquarium, you can watch them energetically feeding.
Around Lake Ashi, you'll find restaurants serving Rainbow Trout dishes, including butter-grilled and fried preparations using locally caught fish. If you're interested in trying fresh Rainbow Trout, please visit these establishments.
3 Popular Events at Hakone-en Aquarium
Beyond tank exhibitions, Hakone Aquarium offers popular events where visitors can interact closely with animals.
Seal Feeding Time
Source:Official website
Daily at 11:00 and 13:00, trainers conduct "Seal Feeding Time" where seals play with toys. Three seals - Ash (a Baikal Seal) and Botan and Himawari (Spotted Seals) - showcase various tricks. It's an entertaining show featuring the seals performing turns, waving, playing catch with trainers, and more.
The show includes feeding sessions, allowing visitors to observe both seal behavior and their endearing nature. This event appeals to all ages, from children to adults. Watching the seals' expressive faces in the spacious, nature-surrounded facility creates a peaceful atmosphere.
Underwater Show
Source:Official website
In the main tank located at the entrance, divers perform underwater shows. The sight of colorful fish swimming through bubbles from the divers' oxygen tanks creates a mesmerizing spectacle that you'll want to watch endlessly.
The main tank can be viewed not only from the front but also from the sides and back. There are hemispherical glass windows installed in some areas, allowing visitors to observe the fish up close. During the show, divers perform feeding demonstrations with the fish.
When I watched the underwater show at Hakone Aquarium, I was impressed by the fish swimming in formation, following the diver. It created a dreamlike scene as if peering into the actual ocean, leaving me feeling remarkably relaxed.
Shaking Hands with Asian Small-clawed Otters
Source:Official website
Near the aquarium entrance, there's a section dedicated to Asian small-clawed otters. Visitors can observe these active otters playing or catch them taking cute afternoon naps in their enclosure. During my visit, I saw two otters sleeping while hugging each other.
Here, visitors can participate in a unique interaction where you can place your palm with food on it in front of a tube attached to the wall, and the otter will extend its paw for a handshake. This activity is suitable for children, making it perfect for family participation. You'll find the otters' earnest attempts to reach out and their adorable expressions truly heartwarming.
Hakone-en Has Many Other Family-Friendly Attractions!
Source:Kanagawa Travel Info
Within Hakone-en, there are numerous family-friendly spots besides the aquarium. The "Hakone Animal Zoo" is a facility where visitors can interact with various animals including guinea pigs, rabbits, owls, and ponies. Being an indoor facility, it's an excellent option even on rainy days.
Visitors can also enjoy the Hakone scenery from above by riding the Komagatake Ropeway or experience the amphibious "NINJA BUS" that travels between Hakone-en and Lake Ashi.
Hakone-en is a comprehensive resort facility with various attractions in close proximity. With souvenir shops and restaurants available, dining options are plentiful. Please visit to experience the various attractions of Hakone without spending much time traveling between locations.
