Neon Genesis Evangelion’s story is set in “New Tokyo-3,” a fortress city modeled after Hakone Town in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa Prefecture. The work features numerous real Hakone landscapes, including Hakone Yumoto Station, the Hakone Tozan Railway, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi, which have become important pilgrimage sites for fans.
This article provides comprehensive information to maximize your Evangelion experience in Hakone, covering everything from the full scope of Evangelion and Hakone collaboration, must-visit pilgrimage spots, and store information where you can obtain limited merchandise.
The Background Behind Hakone Becoming “New Tokyo-3”
Hakone’s Position in Evangelion
In Evangelion’s world setting, Tokyo has sunk into the sea due to the Second Impact, and Earth’s capital functions have been relocated to a future world. The special agency NERV’s headquarters are built deep underground in Hakone, with the Sengoku area near the north shore of Lake Ashi depicted as the central part of “New Tokyo-3.”
In the series, when Angels attack, Hakone becomes a battlefield, with impressive scenes of buildings rising from underground and entire streets becoming fortified. For this reason, Hakone has become a sacred site that Evangelion fans must visit.
Official Collaboration Between Hakone Town and Evangelion
Hakone Town began full-scale town development through collaboration with Evangelion starting in 2015. The Hakone Town Tourism Association has been leading the initiative to develop regional revitalization projects that utilize the work’s worldview.
In 2020, a large-scale collaboration project was implemented as “Evangelion × Hakone 2020,” with the Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Ropeway, and station facilities being wrapped in Evangelion designs. Furthermore, hot spring facilities and convenience stores were also “Evangelionified,” with efforts made to transform Hakone as a whole into “New Tokyo-3.”
Pilgrimage Spots in the Hakone Yumoto Area
Hakone Yumoto Station: The Beginning of the Story
Hakone Yumoto Station is an important spot where the protagonist Shinji Ikari first visits Hakone. The scene where Shinji is greeted by Misato Katsuragi is depicted impressively, and many fans visit this station to take photos from the same angle.
The station interior and surrounding areas feature decorations and panels from the Evangelion collaboration, making it an ideal starting point for pilgrimage. It is recommended to explore the station area and immerse yourself in the Evangelion world before boarding the Hakone Tozan Railway.
Access Information
- Address: Yumoto, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Starting station of the Odakyu Line and Hakone Tozan Railway
- Approximately 85 minutes from Shinjuku via Odakyu Romance Car
Hakone Yumoto Evaya: A Treasure Trove of Limited Merchandise
“Hakone Yumoto Evaya,” located within walking distance of Hakone Yumoto Station, is an official merchandise shop that every Evangelion fan must visit. The store, specializing in traditional Japanese and souvenir items, is located in Hakone, the setting for “Evangelion (New Tokyo-3).”
The shop is well-stocked with products featuring Hakone-exclusive newly drawn illustrations, with many rare items unavailable elsewhere. Products combining Japanese-style goods and Hakone souvenirs with Evangelion are appealing even to non-fans.
Popular Products
- Hakone limited-edition design T-shirts and towels
- Clear files and postcards using newly drawn illustrations
- Collaboration products with traditional Japanese sweets like hot spring buns
- Eva soft (soft-serve ice cream) and other food & beverages
- Hakone yosegi woodwork collaboration merchandise with Evangelion
Store Information
- Address: Shiraishishita, Yumoto, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (varies by season)
- Closed: Irregular
- Official Site: EVANGELION REAL STORE
The store regularly holds anniversary events and special promotions, with limited merchandise sales and special projects. It is recommended to check the official SNS account (@hakone_evaya) for the latest information before visiting.
Sacred Sites in the Gora and Owakudani Areas
Gora Station and Gora Park
Gora Station, the terminal of the Hakone Tozan Railway, is also an important spot that appears in the work. The scenery around the station and the Hakone Tozan Cable Car are popular as places where fans can feel the Evangelion worldview.
Gora Park is a famous tourist attraction in Hakone, but for Evangelion fans, it holds special significance as a place to experience the atmosphere of the work. The views of Hakone’s mountains from the park’s walking trails and observation spots evoke the scenes of New Tokyo-3.
Hakone Ropeway: Viewing New Tokyo-3 from the Sky
The Hakone Ropeway, connecting Sounzan Station and Togendai Station, is a means of transportation depicted impressively in the work. The scenery viewed from the gondola allows you to experience the sensation of viewing New Tokyo-3 from above.
During collaboration project periods, the ropeway gondolas are sometimes wrapped in Evangelion designs, providing a special experience for fans. The route passing through Owakudani toward the Lake Ashi area is a standard pilgrimage course.
Owakudani: The Battlefield for Battles with Angels
Owakudani, a famous tourist attraction representing Hakone, also appears as an important location in Evangelion. The desolate landscape of the volcanic area is effectively used as the background for battle scenes with Angels, making it a deeply meaningful place for fans.
The unique landscape of Owakudani, with its rising volcanic smoke, creates the atmosphere of New Tokyo-3 as a fortress city. Eating the area’s famous black eggs while reminiscing about scenes from the work is a unique way for Evangelion fans to enjoy the location.
Owakudani Information
- Just below “Owakudani Station” on the Hakone Ropeway
- Access restrictions may occur due to volcanic activity
- Check the official sites of Hakone Town or the Hakone Ropeway for the latest information before visiting
Sengoku Area: The Center of New Tokyo-3
Sengoku Susuki Plains: An Autumn Scenic Masterpiece
Sengoku is set as the central area of “New Tokyo-3,” and the Susuki plains in autumn are a scenic masterpiece representing Hakone. The golden silvergrass spreading across the area mysteriously matches the Evangelion worldview, and many fans visit.
In the work, this area is depicted as the surface portion of NERV headquarters, making it a “sacred site within the sacred site” for fans. From late September to early November is the best time to see the silvergrass, offering a magical landscape.
Lawson Hakone Sengoku Kogen Store: “Lawson New Tokyo-3 West Store”
Particularly noteworthy in the collaboration was Lawson Hakone Sengoku Kogen Store. This store was renovated as “Lawson New Tokyo-3 West Store” with its exterior and interior designed in Evangelion style.
The store with the NERV logo is like a recreation of the convenience store that appears in the work, making it a popular spot where many fans come for commemorative photos. Limited Evangelion merchandise and related products are also sold inside.
Store Information
- Address: Sengoku, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Open 24 hours
- Evangelion-style exterior and interior
- Limited merchandise available
Tokikoen Public Restroom ~ Sengoku Advanced Base ~
The public restroom at Tokikoen Park in Sengoku was renovated as a “Sengoku Advanced Base” in Evangelion style, a unique spot. The exterior is designed to resemble NERV facilities, and you can feel the attention to detail that transcends a typical public restroom.
Such detailed collaboration is part of the effort to present Hakone as a whole as “New Tokyo-3,” and it’s a must-see point during pilgrimage visits.
Kuji Shrine: Popular as a Power Spot
Kuji Shrine in the Sengoku area is a shrine dedicated to Sakata Kintoki, known from the Kintaro legend. While there is no direct connection to Evangelion, the number of fans visiting this shrine as a pilgrimage spot within the New Tokyo-3 area has increased.
Located in a quiet shrine surrounded by Hakone’s nature, it is also known as a power spot. Visiting to pray for safe travels during your pilgrimage or to purify your Evangelion merchandise is a good idea.
Lake Ashi and Togendai Area
Togendai Station: The Entrance to NERV Headquarters
Togendai Station, the terminal of the Hakone Ropeway, is said to be the location of the entrance to NERV headquarters in the work. Located on the shore of Lake Ashi, you can see the beautiful lake scenery and Mount Fuji (weather permitting) from the station.
The Hakone Pirate Ship boarding area is also near the station, where you can enjoy a Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise. Since NERV headquarters is set deep underground, imagining the secret base extending beneath from this point is a unique pleasure for fans.
Lake Ashi: A Landscape Symbolizing New Tokyo-3
Lake Ashi is both a famous tourist attraction in Hakone and an important location depicted in Evangelion. In the work, New Tokyo-3 spreads along the north shore of this lake, and the lake appears as a background in battle scenes with Angels.
Riding the Hakone Pirate Ship and viewing Hakone’s mountains from the lake allows you to experience the sensation of overlooking the entire New Tokyo-3. On clear days, Mount Fuji is also visible, allowing you to enjoy stunning views while immersing yourself in the Evangelion worldview.
How to Enjoy Evangelion × Hakone
Pilgrimage Model Course
Here is a model course for efficiently visiting Evangelion pilgrimage sites in Hakone in one day.
Morning
- Arrive at Hakone Yumoto Station (9:00 AM)
- Purchase merchandise at Hakone Yumoto Evaya (9:30 AM–10:30 AM)
- Move to Gora Station via Hakone Tozan Railway (11:00 AM)
- Move to Sounzan Station via Hakone Tozan Cable Car (11:30 AM)
Afternoon
- Move to Owakudani via Hakone Ropeway (12:00 PM)
- Lunch and exploration at Owakudani (12:30 PM–2:00 PM)
- Move to Togendai Station via Hakone Ropeway (2:30 PM)
- Explore the Lake Ashi shore (3:00 PM–4:00 PM)
- Move to Sengoku area via bus (4:30 PM)
- Visit Lawson New Tokyo-3 West Store, Sengoku Advanced Base, etc. (5:00 PM–6:00 PM)
Utilizing the Hakone Free Pass
For efficient pilgrimage visits, the “Hakone Free Pass” issued by Odakyu is recommended. Major transportation in the Hakone area, including the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Ropeway, and Hakone Pirate Ship, are available for unlimited travel.
Passes are available for 2 days or 3 days. For fans wanting to visit every corner of the sacred sites, the 3-day pass is ideal. Prices vary depending on the departure point, but for those departing from Shinjuku, the 2-day pass is 6,100 yen (adults).
Limited Merchandise and Souvenir Information
Evangelion merchandise available only in Hakone is a major attraction of pilgrimage visits.
Limited Products at Hakone Yumoto Evaya
- Merchandise using Hakone exclusive newly drawn illustrations
- Collaboration products with hot spring buns
- Items featuring Hakone yosegi woodwork design
- Eva soft (soft-serve ice cream available for purchase at the store)
- Original beverages
Merchandise Available at Other Spots
- Lawson New Tokyo-3 West Store: Limited collaboration products
- Various facilities: Facility-exclusive Evangelion merchandise
- Souvenir shops around Hakone Yumoto Station: Hakone × Evangelion collaboration souvenirs
Photo Spots
There are many Instagram-worthy photo spots.
Recommended Photo Locations
- Hakone Yumoto Station platform (recreation of Shinji’s arrival scene)
- Exterior of Hakone Yumoto Evaya
- Exterior of Lawson New Tokyo-3 West Store (with NERV logo)
- Sengoku Advanced Base (public restroom)
- Owakudani as seen from the Hakone Ropeway
- Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji scenery
- Owakudani’s volcanic smoke (atmosphere of Angel battles)
When taking photos, be considerate of other tourists and facility users, and enjoy responsibly while following proper etiquette.
Seasonal Enjoyment Methods
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Hakone is a season of beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. Around Hakone Yumoto Station and Gora Park, cherry blossoms bloom, offering a calm atmosphere different from the Evangelion worldview. The mild weather makes this an ideal time for pilgrimage visits.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is a season to fully enjoy Hakone’s appeal as a summer retreat. Higher elevation areas offer cool temperatures. However, the rainy season brings frequent rain, so rain gear is necessary. The hydrangeas on the Hakone Tozan Railway bloom from mid-June to mid-July.
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is the peak season for Hakone tourism. The Sengoku Susuki plains are especially stunning from late September to early November, with golden grass creating spectacular scenery. Autumn foliage is also beautiful, allowing for a special experience where the Evangelion worldview merges with autumn landscapes.
Winter (December–February)
Winter in Hakone is relatively quiet, allowing for leisurely pilgrimage visits. Hot springs become even more appealing during this season, and it’s recommended to relax in the hot spring after pilgrimage. However, snow and ice may affect transportation, making advance information checks important.
Access and Transportation Information
Access from Tokyo
By Train
- Approximately 85 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto Station via Odakyu Romance Car
- Approximately 100 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto Station via Odakyu Line express train (transfer to Hakone Tozan Railway at Odawara)
By Car
- Approximately 30 minutes from “Atsugi IC” on the Tomei Expressway via Odawara Atsugi Toll Road
- Approximately 30 minutes from “Gotemba IC” on the Tomei Expressway via National Route 138
Transportation Within the Hakone Area
Hakone Tozan Railway
A mountain railway connecting Hakone Yumoto Station and Gora Station. Featured by a unique operation method using switchbacks repeatedly.
Hakone Tozan Bus
Bus routes covering the entire Hakone area. Convenient for accessing the Sengoku area.
Hakone Tozan Cable Car
A cable car connecting Gora Station and Sounzan Station. Used for connections to the Hakone Ropeway.
Hakone Ropeway
A ropeway connecting Sounzan Station and Togendai Station. Passes through Owakudani.
Hakone Pirate Ship
A sightseeing boat cruising Lake Ashi. Connects Togendai Port, Hakone Town Port, and Moto-Hakone Port.
Accommodation Information and Recommended Plans
Recommended Accommodation Areas for Evangelion Fans
Hakone Yumoto Area
Good transportation access and close to Hakone Yumoto Evaya. With many hot spring inns, it’s ideal as a base for pilgrimage visits.
Gora Area
Many luxury inns offering opportunities to fully enjoy Hakone’s hot springs. Good access to the Hakone Ropeway.
Sengoku Area
Accommodate in the center of New Tokyo-3. The natural, quiet environment is appealing.
One Night, Two Days Model Plan
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive at Hakone Yumoto Station, purchase merchandise at Hakone Yumoto Evaya
- Afternoon: Travel to Gora via Hakone Tozan Railway, sightseeing at Owakudani via Hakone Ropeway
- Evening: Check in at accommodation, relax in hot spring
Day 2
- Morning: Pilgrimage visits in Sengoku area (Lawson New Tokyo-3 West Store, Sengoku Advanced Base, etc.)
- Afternoon: Explore areas around Lake Ashi and Togendai Station
- Evening: Return to Hakone Yumoto, purchase souvenirs before heading home
How to Obtain Latest Event and Collaboration Information
Official Information Sources
Information on Evangelion and Hakone collaboration can be found on the following official sites and SNS.
Hakone Town Tourism Association Official Site
Distributes collaboration information between Hakone Town and Evangelion.
Hakone Yumoto Evaya Official Twitter (@hakone_evaya)
Get the latest information on merchandise arrivals and events. Changes in business hours are also announced.
EVANGELION REAL STORE Official Site
Information on all nationwide Eva stores, including Hakone Yumoto Evaya, is posted.
Anniversary Events
Hakone Yumoto Evaya holds special events and limited merchandise sales as anniversary celebrations. During such events, rare merchandise not ordinarily available may be sold, making it a must-not-miss opportunity for fans.
Pilgrimage Notes and Etiquette
Tourism Manners
Hakone is a popular tourist destination attracting many visitors. When enjoying Evangelion fan pilgrimage visits, remember to be considerate of other tourists.
- Be mindful not to disturb others during photography
- Never trespass on private property
- Always take garbage with you
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- Follow traffic rules
Precautions When Using Facilities
Hakone Yumoto Evaya
- Business hours vary by season, so confirm before visiting
- Popular items may sell out, so early arrival is recommended
- Photography inside the store is permitted within allowed limits
Lawson New Tokyo-3 West Store
- Operating as a regular convenience store, so avoid interfering with customers
- Avoid extended stays
- Be mindful that parking lot photography doesn’t inconvenience other users
Precautions Regarding Volcanic Activity
Hakone is located in the area of Hakone, an active volcano. Volcanic gas is produced around Owakudani, and access restrictions may be implemented depending on volcanic activity levels.
- Confirm the latest information on official sites of Hakone Town or Hakone Ropeway before visiting
- Exercise caution if you have asthma or heart conditions when accessing Owakudani
- Do not push yourself if volcanic gas concentration is high
Conclusion: Experiencing New Tokyo-3 in Hakone
Hakone Town in Kanagawa Prefecture holds special significance for fans as the setting of Evangelion’s “New Tokyo-3.” There are many ways to enjoy it, from purchasing limited merchandise at Hakone Yumoto Evaya, exploring areas around NERV headquarters in Sengoku, to re-experiencing scenes from the work at Lake Ashi and Owakudani.
The presentation of “New Tokyo-3” through official collaboration with Hakone Town provides experiences beyond mere pilgrimage visits. The natural charm of Hakone, including the Hakone Tozan Railway and Ropeway, hot springs, and natural scenery, has beautifully merged with the Evangelion worldview.
Like protagonist Shinji’s words, “I mustn’t run away,” Evangelion fans should visit Hakone at least once. Beautiful nature throughout the seasons and satisfying collaboration facilities await you in New Tokyo-3. Utilizing the Hakone Free Pass for efficient sacred site pilgrimage, obtaining limited merchandise available only in Hakone, and relaxing in hot springs to ease travel fatigue — experience such a fulfilling Evangelion pilgrimage trip in Hakone.
The latest collaboration information and event details are continuously updated on the Hakone Town Tourism Association and Hakone Yumoto Evaya official SNS. Be sure to check the latest information before visiting to realize the ultimate pilgrimage experience.
