It is home to the only Baikal seals in Japan, a freshwater species endemic to Lake Baikal in Russia.
The facility utilizes the lake's natural elevation, positioning it as a high-altitude marine research and display center.
The main tank incorporates a design that mimics the ecology of Lake Ashi, integrating regional aquatic species.
The aquarium hosts daily feeding demonstrations that allow visitors to see the seals and sea lions up close.
Hakone-en Aquarium is recognized as one of the highest-altitude aquariums in Japan, situated at approximately 723 meters above sea level. The facility features a distinctive open-air seal pond that allows visitors to observe Baikal seals in a naturalistic setting. It houses a diverse collection of marine life from polar regions to tropical waters within its main building. A central feature is the seven-meter-high open-air tank that displays fish species found in the surrounding lakes and rivers. The aquarium functions as part of the larger Hakone-en complex on the shores of Lake Ashi.
The glass viewing panel of the open-air seal pond during feeding time.
Combine your visit with the nearby Hakone Komagatake Ropeway for panoramic views of Mount Fuji.
Check the daily show schedule upon arrival, as seal and sea lion performances occur at set intervals throughout the day.
Plan your visit to coincide with clear weather to maximize visibility of the surrounding Hakone mountain range.
Do not mistake this for the larger, more commercial aquariums in Tokyo; it is a compact, family-oriented facility.
Refrain from using camera flash, as it can stress the animals; keep voices at a moderate level near the tanks.
