Hakone = Tokyo-3

The fictional fortress city of Tokyo-3 in Neon Genesis Evangelion is modeled on Hakone, and the town has fully embraced it. Fans will find EVA merchandise, themed buses, and photo spots scattered around Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and the Hakone mountains.

Getting There

Take the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (about 85 minutes, around ¥2,300 including reservation). Buy a Hakone Free Pass (¥6,100 from Shinjuku, 2-day) which covers the round trip plus unlimited rides on Hakone Tozan trains, buses, the cable car, ropeway, and sightseeing cruises.

Morning: Hakone Yumoto & Gora

9:00 — Hakone-Yumoto Station

Start your day at Hakone-Yumoto. The Evangelion Store at the station area sells exclusive EVA merchandise and themed snacks. Grab coffee in an EVA cup before boarding the Hakone Tozan Line.

10:00 — Gora & Open-Air Museum

Transfer at Gora Station. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a short walk away and has featured in several EVA scenes. It's also a great art break from pure pilgrimage mode.

Midday: Owakudani & Lake Ashi

11:30 — Owakudani Volcanic Valley

Take the Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan to Owakudani. The sulfur plumes and volcanic landscape are an EVA fan's dream — this is the kind of scenery that matches the apocalyptic mood of the show. Try the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago).

13:00 — Lunch by Lake Ashi

Descend the ropeway to Togendai at Lake Ashi. Have lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants with a view of the torii gate and, on clear days, Mount Fuji in the background.

Afternoon: Lake Ashi Cruise

14:00 — Pirate Ship Cruise

Board the sightseeing "pirate ship" from Togendai. The cruise across Lake Ashi is a key EVA location — the lake sits atop the fictional NERV HQ in the series.

15:00 — Hakone-machi & Moto-Hakone

Disembark at Hakone-machi. Walk along the Old Tokaido cedar avenue to Moto-Hakone, where the famous lakeside torii of Hakone Shrine stands in the water — an iconic photo spot.

Evening: Return via Yumoto

Take a bus from Moto-Hakone back down to Hakone-Yumoto (about 40 minutes, covered by the Free Pass). Soak in an onsen before catching the Romance Car back to Shinjuku.

Tips for EVA Fans

  • Check the Evangelion × Hakone official collaboration site for current events and stamp rallies
  • Limited-edition EVA merchandise sells out fast — buy early in the day
  • The Hakone Tozan Railway sometimes runs an EVA-wrapped train; timing is luck-based
  • Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends or Japanese holidays