For decades, Neon Genesis Evangelion has been one of Japan’s most culturally influential anime works—blending psychological drama, massive mechas, religious symbolism, and striking landscapes into a complex narrative that captured global attention. Central to the story is Tokyo-3, a fictional fortified city built to withstand Angel attacks. What many international fans don’t realize is that Tokyo-3 is modeled on real geography: the mountain town of Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture.
This makes Hakone a unique pilgrimage destination for anime enthusiasts. Here, you can stand on the shores of Lake Ashi where Evangelion units once marched, ride cable cars above volcanic landscapes that inspired battlefields, and visit museums that collaborated with Studio Khara to commemorate the series. Beyond the fan experience, Hakone also provides natural beauty, hot spring resorts, and panoramic views of Mount Fuji.
This Evangelion Locations in Hakone guide covers real-world spots, accessibility options, themed shops and buses, recommended travel itineraries, seasonal considerations, and expert tips to help you plan the perfect anime-themed trip—whether you’re visiting as a casual fan or a dedicated Eva pilgrim.
- Key Details and Breakdown
- Practical Examples and Recommendations
- Tips for Travelers
- Conclusion
Key Details and Breakdown
Before diving into maps and location lists, it helps to understand why these Evangelion Locations in Hakone exist in the first place.
Why Hakone Was Chosen for Evangelion
When Hideaki Anno and the creative team developed Evangelion, they needed a setting that felt:
- Secluded enough for a secret paramilitary organization
- Structurally defensible
- Rich in natural landmarks
- Close enough to Tokyo for narrative realism
Hakone checked every box:
- Surrounded by mountains (natural defense)
- Built on volcanic geology (ties to Nerv underground facilities)
- Views of Mount Fuji (background visuals)
- Tourism infrastructure (for real-life fan engagement)
As a result, Tokyo-3 loosely overlays Hakone’s geography, making the town ideal for a real-world themed exploration.
Core Evangelion Locations in Hakone
Below are the most prominent real-world spots linked to Evangelion scenes and lore.
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
Anime Connection: Lake Ashi corresponds to the large water body seen near Tokyo-3 in multiple episodes and films. The lake shoreline is used as a visual anchor point for cityscapes and Evangelion unit movements.
Real-World Highlights:
- Iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine
- Pirate ship sightseeing cruises
- Lakefront pathways
- Fuji views on clear days
Best Viewpoints:
- Moto-Hakone lakeshore
- Hakone Shrine pier
- Onboard sightseeing boats
Evangelion Visual Tie-Ins: Search for scenes showing Eva Units standing lakeside or Angels approaching from above—the lake silhouette matches real geography.
Owakudani Volcanic Valley
Anime Connection: Owakudani represents volcanic terrain synonymous with Nerv’s subterranean infrastructure and geothermal imagery. It has often been linked to the underground power grids shown in Evangelion.
Real-World Highlights:
- Active sulfur vents
- Cable car stations
- Black eggs boiled in volcanic springs (kuro-tamago)
- Dramatic highland views
In the context of Evangelion Locations in Hakone, Owakudani visually parallels scenes featuring geothermal vents and Angels breaching subterranean structures.
Hakone Yumoto Station Area
Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 includes urban elements resembling the valley basin surrounding Hakone Yumoto.
Real-World Highlights:
- Hakone Tozan Railway terminal
- Shopping streets
- Onsen ryokan (traditional inns)
- River bridges and mountain backdrop
Fans note that Yumoto resembles the “everyday town” aspects of Shinji’s school life.
Sengokuhara Plateau
Anime Connection: Sengokuhara is the actual location where the central urban district of Tokyo-3 is situated in the story. The vast plains correspond to the area where the skyscrapers emerge from the ground and where major battles took place.
Real-World Highlights:
- Pampas grass fields (best in autumn)
- Art museums (Pola Museum of Art, Hakone Venetian Glass Museum)
- Highland walking trails
The contrast between open fields and distant mountains matches scenes in later EVA media and Rebuild films.
Hakone Ropeway (Cable Car System)
The aerial ropeway provides panoramic views of Tokyo-3’s fictional layout area.
Anime Connection: The series frequently uses bird’s-eye perspectives of the city layout, Angel approach paths, and Nerv defenses. While not a direct 1:1 match, the ropeway gives fans the correct altitude and perspective.
Recommended Route:
- Togendai → Owakudani → Sounzan
Each section provides different scenic angles referenced indirectly in Evangelion background art.
Hakone Shrine & Moto-Hakone Area
While Evangelion rarely references explicit religious structures in real-world geography, Hakone Shrine and Moto-Hakone’s wooded environments serve as nature backgrounds similar to peaceful intermission scenes in the show.
Highlights:
- Pathways through cedar forests
- Torii gate on Lake Ashi
- Traditional lanterns and steps
Fans often photograph EVA figures or merch here due to atmospheric scenery.
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum & Other Themed Sites
These are not direct anime locations, but have hosted Evangelion collaborations and exhibitions during past tourism campaigns.
Past events included:
- Stamp rallies
- Character displays
- Limited-edition merchandise
While not permanent, they enrich the broader Evangelion Locations in Hakone experience during campaign periods.
Official Collaborations & Pilgrimage Trails
Hakone has embraced Evangelion tourism through:
- Themed buses
- Station posters
- Stamp rally events
- Official maps
- Eva-themed exhibits
- Limited-time merchandise
Major campaigns have been held frequently, including the massive “Evangelion x Hakone 2020” event, which featured extensive bus wrappings and station decorations to celebrate the final film.
Practical Examples and Recommendations
Now that we’ve covered the key Evangelion Locations in Hakone, here’s how to actually plan your trip.
How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo
Hakone is easily accessible and makes a great day trip or weekend getaway.
Option 1: Romancecar from Shinjuku
- Operator: Odakyu Railway
- Destination: Hakone Yumoto
- Duration: ~85 minutes
- Cost: ~¥2,300–¥2,800
- Benefit: Direct, scenic, reserved seating
Option 2: Odakyu Local + Transfer
- Cheaper but slower
- Total time: ~120–150 minutes
Option 3: JR Line + Bus
- JR to Odawara → Hakone Tozan train or bus
All options work well for exploring Evangelion Locations in Hakone.
Recommended Trip Duration
- Day Trip: Yes, possible with good planning
- Overnight: Recommended (more relaxing + onsen experience)
- 2 Days: Ideal for full Eva pilgrimage + sightseeing
Suggested Evangelion Pilgrimage Itinerary
Here are two sample itineraries.
Evangelion Locations in Hakone (1-Day Plan)
Morning
- Arrive Hakone Yumoto
- Explore Yumoto streets + shops
- Take bus to Moto-Hakone
- Walk lakeside path near Hakone Shrine (Lake Ashi views)
Lunch
- Eat near Moto-Hakone (soba, curry, or katsu)
Afternoon
- Hakone Ropeway: Togendai → Owakudani
- Explore volcanic valley
- Continue to Sounzan by ropeway and cable car
Evening
- Return to Yumoto or Odawara
- Onsen bath before heading home
This covers most iconic Evangelion Locations in Hakone in one sweep.
Evangelion Locations in Hakone (2-Day Plan + Onsen Stay)
Day 1
- Romancecar to Hakone Yumoto
- Check into ryokan
- Explore Yumoto
- Onsen bath + kaiseki dinner
Day 2
- Ropeway + Owakudani
- Lake Ashi cruise
- Sengokuhara plateau museum visits
- Autumn pampas walk (seasonal)
This itinerary balances anime spots with Hakone’s natural and cultural elements.
Where to Experience Themed Attractions
Check for current collaborations at:
- Hakone Tourism Centers
- Odakyu Rail tourism sites
- Hakone Ropeway stations
- Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
- Pola Museum of Art
Past collaborations included:
- Life-size character panels
- Character voice announcements on buses
- Eva-themed ticket designs
- Garage kits exhibits
Where to Buy Evangelion Merch in Hakone
Though campaigns are seasonal, common places include:
- Hakone Yumoto souvenir shops
- Odakyu train station shops
- Ropeway station shops
- Museums during collaboration periods
- Evangelion Store Tokyo-01 (in Ikebukuro, if continuing pilgrimage)
Merchandise types include:
- Keychains
- Clear files
- Stickers
- Postcards
- Figures (occasionally)
- Hakone-exclusive items
Best Seasons for Evangelion Pilgrimage
Hakone changes dramatically by season.
Spring (March–May)
- Cherry blossoms around Lake Ashi
- Pleasant hiking weather
Summer (June–August)
- Lush greens
- Mount Fuji views on clear mornings
- Occasional heat haze
Autumn (September–November)
- Pampas grass in Sengokuhara
- Maple foliage throughout Hakone
- Best photography lighting
Winter (December–February)
- Snow-capped Fuji
- Crisp views from ropeway
- Onsen experience at peak comfort
For photographing Evangelion Locations in Hakone, autumn and winter provide the clearest vistas.
Tips for Travelers
To maximize your Evangelion Locations in Hakone trip, keep these tips in mind.
Transportation Tips
- Purchase Hakone Free Pass for flexible access
- Use Odakyu Line for integrated train + bus travel
- Ropeway may close during volcanic alerts—check status beforehand
Hakone Free Pass Includes Access To:
- Hakone Tozan Railway
- Hakone Ropeway
- Hakone Cable Car
- Sightseeing boats (Lake Ashi)
- Hakone Tozan Bus (Note: “Izuhakone Bus” is not covered)
This saves time and money.
Onsen Etiquette Tips
If staying in a hot spring ryokan:
- Remove shoes in designated spaces
- Rinse before entering bath
- No swimsuits allowed
- Tattoos may require private bath reservations (varies by ryokan)
Photography Tips
For Eva-themed photography:
Best for Lake Scenes:
- Moto-Hakone lakeshore
- Hakone Shrine pier
- Lake Ashi sightseeing boat deck
Best for Volcanic Backdrops:
- Owakudani ropeway mid-section
- Upper viewing platforms
Best for Valley City Views:
- Hakone Tozan train between Miyanoshita and Chokoku-no-mori
Bring:
- Telephoto lens for ropeway views
- Polarizer filter for Lake Ashi reflections
Budget Tips
Hakone can get pricey—here’s how to save:
- Buy Hakone Free Pass
- Pack snacks before ropeway rides (food is limited + expensive)
- Choose daytrip onsen instead of overnight stays
- Grab Ekiben lunch boxes at Odawara or Odakyu stations
Food Recommendations
Try local specialties like:
- Black eggs (kuro-tamago) at Owakudani
- Yose-nabe hotpot in winter
- Soba noodles in Hakone Yumoto
- Matcha desserts in Moto-Hakone
Anime fans often enjoy themed snacks during collaboration seasons.
Conclusion
Hakone is more than just an onsen resort town—it’s a living backdrop to one of anime’s most iconic series. Exploring Evangelion Locations in Hakone allows fans to connect fiction with reality, tracing the geography of Tokyo-3 from forested valleys to volcanic plateaus and shimmering lake shores.
Whether you’re taking a cable car over Owakudani’s sulfur vents, cruising across Lake Ashi beneath the gaze of Mount Fuji, or relaxing in a traditional ryokan after a day of sightseeing, Hakone offers both thematic immersion and cultural depth. As tourism collaborations continue to evolve, the region remains one of Japan’s best destinations for anime travelers seeking a creative pilgrimage blended with scenic landscapes.
Ultimately, Evangelion Locations in Hakone invite you to experience the anime world from new angles—standing where Angels marched, gazing over lakes where EVA Units once battled, and discovering both the familiar and the unexpected in the real landscape behind the story. For fans who appreciate the layers of Evangelion’s worldbuilding, the trip can feel magical, nostalgic, and deeply rewarding.