Evangelion Hakone Tour Explore The Third New Tokyo City

Evangelion Hakone Tour Explore The Third New Tokyo City: A Fan’s Dream and a Traveler’s Delight

If you’re a fan of the anime series Evangelion, or simply curious about exploring Hakone from a different perspective, this tour offers a fascinating blend of pop culture, stunning scenery, and Japanese innovation. For $327.91 per person, in about six and a half hours, you’ll visit iconic locations that appeared in the series—like Hakone-Yumoto Station, Gora, and Lake Ashi—while also enjoying Hakone’s natural beauty and local flavor. Guided by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable otaku guide, this experience promises a unique way to see Hakone through the lens of your favorite anime world.

What we loved most about this experience is how it ties real-world geography with the fictional universe of Evangelion. The stops at places like Owaku-dani Valley and the Hakone Ropeway aren’t just scenic—they’re part of the story. Plus, the Evangelion-themed shopping at Eva-ya and collaborative convenience stores is a delight for fans looking for authentic souvenirs. A potential consideration: the tour covers a lot of ground, so expect some bus and cable car rides, which might be tiring after a long day.

This tour is best suited for anime fans who want to connect with their favorite series in a scenic setting or travelers interested in the cultural crossover of Japan’s modern pop culture and stunning natural landscapes. It’s also ideal if you enjoy guided small-group experiences that focus on storytelling and authentic locations.

Key Points

• Unique combination of scenic Hakone and Evangelion-themed sites
• In-depth guided experience with an otaku guide who shares insights
• Includes transportation like mountain railroads, cable cars, and boats
• Perfect for fans and curious travelers seeking a themed adventure
• Visits iconic locations from the series, such as Hakone-Yumoto Station and Lake Ashi
• Opportunity to shop exclusive Evangelion merchandise

A Deep Dive into the Evangelion Hakone Tour

Starting Point at Hakone-Yumoto Station

Our journey kicks off at Hakone-Yumoto Station, which is not just a travel hub but also a key location from the series—the very station where Shinji and Misato first meet. Standing there, you get a real sense of where the story unfolds, with the station acting as the portal into the Third New Tokyo City. This stop sets a nostalgic tone, especially when you realize you’re walking in the footsteps of your favorite characters. We appreciated the inclusion of an admission ticket here, making it a seamless start so we could dive straight into exploring.

Gora Station and the Mountain Railroads

From Hakone-Yumoto, you’ll hop onto the Hakone Tozan Railway heading to Gora. It’s an experience in itself—this mountain railroad snakes through rugged terrain, with occasional sections that have historically been damaged by apostate attacks in the series. The guide explained how Gora is depicted as the site of the Gora Absolute Defense Line, a critical part of the series’ defense setup. As we traveled, we enjoyed panoramic views from inside the train, which added to the feeling of being inside the anime’s universe.

The Spectacular Hakone Ropeway

Next up is the Hakone Ropeway, offering sweeping views of the volcanic landscape. While a thrill for sightseeing, it’s also a crucial element in the story—used in the series for intercepting the apostles. We loved how the guide tied the real-world experience to the anime narrative, making each stop more engaging. The 30-minute ride is packed with photo opportunities, especially of the smoke rising from Owaku-dani Valley.

Exploring Owaku-dani Valley

This active volcanic site is dramatic—steam rises from vents, and the smell of sulfur hangs in the air. In Evangelion, this is where Shinji wanders after fleeing from home, a moment of vulnerability and introspection. Visiting here adds an emotional layer to the scenery, and if you’re into geology, you’ll find the volcanic activity fascinating. The tour includes admission, so you can take your time absorbing the environment.

Lunch with a View at Togendai

From Owaku-dani, the tour includes a leisurely lunch at the Togendai View Restaurant, overlooking Lake Ashi. The scenery is tranquil, with views that evoke scenes from the series where NERV’s headquarters are near the lake. The timing here is perfect for a break—enjoy local cuisine while soaking in the landscape. This segment is not just about eating but about experiencing the environment that inspired the series’ setting.

Sengokuhara and Kensuke’s Campsite

Post-lunch, we travel to Sengokuhara, known for its sweeping silver grass fields. This area is where Kensuke, the tech-savvy friend, camps and meets Shinji. It’s also set on the outskirts of the Third New Tokyo City, adding depth to the series’ geography. The guide pointed out how this land really functions as a quiet but significant backdrop—perfect for fans looking to connect scenes from the anime with real-world locations.

Evangelion Collab Store and Souvenirs

A highlight for many is the visit to the Eva-ya store in Sengokuhara. Here, characters like Shinji, Asuka, and Rei are brought to life through exclusive merchandise. Whether you’re after keychains, figures, or apparel, this shop offers authentic souvenirs you won’t find elsewhere. The fact that it’s a collaboration store makes it a unique shopping experience—perfect for fans wanting a memorable keepsake.

Return to Lake Ashi and the Sightseeing Cruise

Reboarding the bus, we head back to Togendai station for the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise across Lake Ashi. The boat ride is a relaxing way to take in the scenery, reminiscent of many anime scenes where the lake reflects the sky and mountains. Our guide recounted how the lake is depicted in the series, adding a layer of storytelling to the boat trip. It’s a peaceful, reflective moment before concluding the tour.

Final Shopping at Eva-ya

Back at Hakone-Yumoto, the tour wraps up with a visit to Eva-ya again, where you can browse a selection of exclusive Evangelion goods. With no pressure, you can pick souvenirs that perfectly encapsulate your trip—whether as gifts or personal mementos.

The Practicalities and What It Means for You

This tour’s full itinerary involves a mix of walking, bus rides, cable cars, and boat cruises—all within a manageable 6.5-hour schedule. The group size is private, so it feels intimate rather than crowded. The price includes all transportation, admission fees, and the guide, making it a convenient package. We valued the professional guidance, especially when connecting the physical locations to the anime’s storylines, and the inclusion of exclusive merchandise shopping adds a layer of authenticity.

However, keep in mind that lunch is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat before or after the tour. The tour does require some walking and time on transport, so it may not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Value and Who It’s Best For

At over three hundred dollars, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to see Hakone, but it offers a curated experience that combines scenery, storytelling, and fandom. For anime lovers, it’s a chance to walk through the settings of their favorite series—places they may have only seen through screens. For travelers interested in Japanese pop culture, it’s a fun and authentic glimpse into how anime intersects with real-world locations.

In terms of value, the tour’s strength lies in its comprehensive coverage—visiting key spots, enjoying scenic views, and shopping for exclusive merchandise—all guided by someone who shares your enthusiasm. If you’re looking for a deep dive into Evangelion’s world set against the stunning backdrop of Hakone, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This Evangelion-themed tour is a smart choice for fans eager to connect the series to actual locations while exploring Hakone’s natural beauty. It offers a well-structured itinerary, engaging storytelling, and opportunities to buy authentic merchandise—all wrapped into a manageable half-day experience. While it might not be suited for those seeking a slow or purely scenic day, it excels if you’re after a themed adventure that combines pop culture with Japan’s scenic landscapes.

Travelers who enjoy storytelling, a bit of adventure, and cultural crossover will find this tour to be a memorable highlight of their Hakone visit. It’s a rare chance to see the anime’s Third New Tokyo City come alive outside the screen, amidst some of Japan’s most beautiful scenery.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You may want to bring snacks or plan to eat at the Togendai View Restaurant during the scheduled break.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 10:00 am and returning to the meeting point afterward.

What transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes a mountain railroad, cable car, ropeway, bus, and boat. All transportation modes are part of the experience and are included in the price.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; specific age restrictions aren’t listed, but considering the walking and transportation involved, it’s best suited for those able to manage some physical activity.

Is the tour private or group-based?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, providing a more personalized experience.

What makes this tour unique compared to regular Hakone tours?
The focus on Evangelion locations, exclusive merchandise, and storytelling by a knowledgeable otaku guide make it stand out from standard sightseeing trips.

How is the scenery during the tour?
Expect spectacular views from the ropeway, volcanic activity at Owaku-dani, and tranquil lake scenes—each location tied to the anime’s story.

Can I buy souvenirs?
Yes, the Eva-ya store offers exclusive Evangelion merchandise, making it a perfect place for fans to pick up unique keepsakes.

This tour offers a tailored, cultural twist to exploring Hakone—perfect for fans and curious travelers alike. Be ready for an adventure that combines Japan’s natural beauty with the compelling world of Evangelion, all guided by someone who shares your enthusiasm for the series.