The on-site Hakone-en Aquarium is noted as the highest saltwater aquarium in Japan, situated at an elevation of 723 meters above sea level.
The aquarium utilizes seawater hauled up by tanker truck, as it is located in a mountainous region away from the coast.
The facility acts as the base station for the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, which ascends 1,783 meters to the mountain summit.
The aquarium features a massive open-air tank, the 'Baikal Seal Plaza', which is the only place in Japan to see Baikal seals in a natural-light environment.
The site encompasses the Hakone-en Golf Course, designed to integrate with the volcanic landscape of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Hakone-en is a multifunctional resort and leisure facility located on the eastern shore of Lake Ashi. The site features an aquarium, a petting zoo, and a variety of shopping and dining outlets centered around scenic landscaped areas. It serves as a primary hub for the Komagatake Ropeway, which provides aerial access to the peak of Mount Komagatake. The grounds include specialized botanical displays reflecting the wetland and woodland ecology of the surrounding Hakone region. Visitors can access boat cruises directly from the facility's harbor on Lake Ashi. The area is managed by the Prince Hotels group and provides panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
The lakeside promenade near the ferry pier provides the iconic framing of the Hakone-en red torii gate with Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji in the background.
Check the live camera feeds for Mount Komagatake before purchasing ropeway tickets to ensure cloud cover does not obscure the view.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the transit between the various attractions, docks, and ropeway base involves significant walking on paved and natural paths.
Do not plan a trip to the mountain summit if visibility is low, as the ropeway journey is primarily for the expansive views.
Ropeway service is subject to suspension during high winds or severe weather conditions.
