Overview
Neon Genesis Evangelion (新世紀エヴァンゲリオン) is a mecha anime series created by Hideaki Anno and produced by Gainax. It originally aired in 1995-1996 and has since been rebuilt into a tetralogy of films. The series is set in the fictional fortress city of Tokyo-3, which is directly modeled on Hakone, a mountain resort town in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Hakone as Tokyo-3
The geography of Tokyo-3 maps almost perfectly onto the real Hakone. Lake Ashi serves as the lake in the center of the fortress city, and the surrounding mountains match the series' iconic landscapes. The Hakone area has fully embraced its EVA connection, with EVA-themed merchandise, buses, and even a life-size EVA statue.
Key Pilgrimage Spots
Hakone's EVA locations are spread around Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains. The Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, and the open-air museum all feature in the series. The town has installed EVA-themed signage and maps to guide fans between locations.
Getting There
Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Odakyu Romance Car (about 85 minutes from Shinjuku). The Hakone Free Pass covers all local transportation including buses, boats, cable cars, and the ropeway — it's the most efficient way to tour EVA locations.