Evangelion Pilgrimage Guide | Exploring Hakone, the Real-World Tokyo-3

Hakone Is Tokyo-3: The Ultimate Evangelion Pilgrimage

"Tokyo-3," the setting of "Neon Genesis Evangelion," is modeled after the Hakone and Sengokuhara area. The landscapes of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains appear repeatedly throughout the series, making Hakone the most significant pilgrimage site for Evangelion fans. Even after the conclusion of "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time" in 2021, the popularity of pilgrimage visits remains strong.

This article provides a detailed guide to Evangelion pilgrimage spots in the Hakone area. Use AnimeTrips to check location details while planning your trip.

Lake Ashi -- The Series' Most Iconic Location

The Lake Where Angel Battles Took Place

Lake Ashi is one of the most symbolically important locations in the series. It serves as the backdrop for numerous Angel battle scenes, including the famous Operation Yashima. The view of the Hakone mountains and lake surface from the shore is the world of Evangelion made real.

• Location: Moto-Hakone and Hakone-ko Port area, Hakone Town
• Access: Approximately 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station
• Highlights: Lake cruises on the Hakone Pirate Ship, the Heiwa no Torii gate at Hakone Shrine
• Best time to visit: Mornings offer a chance to see Mt. Fuji reflected on the lake surface

Photography Spots

The view from near Moto-Hakone Port, looking across Lake Ashi toward Mt. Fuji, mirrors the distant view of Tokyo-3 from the series. On clear days, take a ride on the Hakone Pirate Ship and capture the scenery from the lake as well.

Hakone-Yumoto -- Your Pilgrimage Base Camp

The Gateway to Evangelion's World

Hakone-Yumoto is the gateway to the Hakone area and the natural base for your pilgrimage. The shopping street around the station features Evangelion-related signage and stores selling collaboration products, immersing you in the Eva universe from the moment you arrive.

• Access: Approximately 85 minutes from Shinjuku by Romancecar, or about 15 minutes from Odawara by Hakone Tozan Railway
• Highlights: Shopping street food walks, Eva-themed onsen manju and souvenirs
• Day-trip hot springs: Hakone-Yumoto has excellent day bathing facilities, including Hakone Yuryo

Soak Away Your Pilgrimage Fatigue in Hot Springs

Hakone is one of Japan's premier hot spring regions. After a day of pilgrimage sightseeing, relaxing in a hot spring is the perfect way to recover.

• Hakone Yuryo: Shuttle bus available from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Features open-air baths and private bath rooms
• Tenzan Tohji-kyo: An authentic day-trip hot spring facility surrounded by nature
• Water types: Sodium chloride and sulfate springs, known for skin-beautifying and fatigue-recovery properties

Owakudani -- Dramatic Volcanic Scenery

Owakudani is one of Hakone's most famous attractions, featuring a dramatic landscape of rising volcanic steam. The desolate terrain evokes the Geofront hidden beneath Tokyo-3 and the barren landscapes depicted in Angel battle scenes.

• Access: Hakone Ropeway, get off at Owakudani Station
• Specialty: Owakudani's famous black eggs (legend says eating one extends your life by 7 years)
• Note: Access may be restricted due to volcanic gases. Check the official website before visiting

Evangelion Store Hakone (Eva-ya)

"Eva-ya," located in front of Hakone-Yumoto Station, is the official Evangelion merchandise shop. It carries Hakone-exclusive original goods and collaboration items that fans won't want to miss.

• Location: In front of Hakone-Yumoto Station (706-35 Yumoto, Hakone Town)
• Highlights: Hakone-exclusive Eva merchandise, Tokyo-3 themed souvenirs
• Hours: Vary by season -- confirm before your visit

Recommended Day-Trip Route

1. 9:30 - Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station, check out goods at Eva-ya
2. 10:30 - Take the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, and ropeway to Owakudani
3. 12:00 - Enjoy black eggs and the volcanic scenery at Owakudani
4. 13:00 - Take the ropeway to Togendai, then cruise Lake Ashi on the Hakone Pirate Ship
5. 14:30 - Visit Hakone Shrine at Moto-Hakone, stroll along the lakeshore
6. 16:00 - Return to Hakone-Yumoto by bus, relax in a day-trip hot spring
7. 18:00 - Depart from Hakone-Yumoto

An overnight stay would give you time to also explore the Gora area and the pampas grass fields of Sengokuhara. Use the AI Plan feature to build the optimal route for your schedule.

Make the Most of the Hakone Free Pass

The "Hakone Free Pass" is essential for an Evangelion pilgrimage in Hakone. It provides unlimited rides for 2 days on the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, ropeway, pirate ship, and Hakone Tozan buses.

• From Shinjuku: 6,100 yen for adults (valid for 2 days)
• From Odawara: 5,000 yen for adults (valid for 2 days)
• Where to buy: Ticket counters at Odakyu Line stations, Hakone-Yumoto Station, and more

Conclusion

Hakone is a luxurious destination where you can enjoy an Evangelion pilgrimage and hot spring sightseeing all in one trip. With the stunning views of Lake Ashi, the dramatic landscapes of Owakudani, hot springs and cuisine in Hakone-Yumoto, and exclusive merchandise at the Evangelion Store, there is no shortage of highlights for fans. Check spot information on AnimeTrips and set out on a journey to experience the world of Tokyo-3 for yourself.