【’Neon Genesis Evangelion’ Series】 Hakone Town, Ashigara Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ has captivated countless fans as a landmark in Japanese anime history since its broadcast debut in 1995. Kanagawa Prefecture, in particular, features prominently as an important setting in the work, with numerous fans from both domestically and internationally visiting as pilgrims to sacred sites.
This article provides a thorough explanation of sacred sites within Kanagawa Prefecture that appear in the Evangelion series. We comprehensively introduce filming locations that appeared in the anime, access methods, shooting points, and surrounding tourist information, organized by major areas such as Hakone, Yokohama, and Kamakura.
The Deep Connection Between Evangelion and Kanagawa Prefecture
The Third New Tokyo City, the stage of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ is set as a fictional city, but its model is the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture. Director Hideaki Anno utilized Hakone’s topography and landscape in constructing the work’s world, skillfully fusing real scenery with science fiction elements.
Kanagawa Prefecture was chosen for its magnificent landscape overlooking Mount Fuji, natural environments such as Lake Ashi, and excellent accessibility from Tokyo. The mountains, lakes, roads, and other landscapes that appear in the work are based on real scenery in Hakone, making it a special place for fans where they can “experience the world of Evangelion in reality.”
Hakone Area: Model of the Third New Tokyo City
Lake Ashi and Hakone’s Mountains
Lake Ashi is one of the most iconic sacred sites in ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’ The landscape of the lake and mountains that appears repeatedly in the anime’s opening and main episodes is modeled after views from Lake Ashi. In particular, the view of Mount Fuji and the mountain range of Hakone from the lake shore evokes the work’s worldview.
Visit Points:
- Hakone Town Harbor vicinity: The view from the sightseeing boat dock is especially recommended
- Lake Guchi Water Gate: A quiet atmosphere where you can shoot at leisure
- Moto-Hakone Harbor: Ideal for photography with Mount Fuji as a backdrop
Access:
Approximately 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Line, get off at Moto-Hakone Harbor or Hakone Town Harbor
Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani
The view overlooking from the Hakone Ropeway evokes the grand panorama of aerial shots in Evangelion. The volcanic terrain around Owakudani, in particular, reminds one of the topography of the Third New Tokyo City where battles with Angels occur.
The desolate landscape of Owakudani and sulfurous smoke have a unique atmosphere that matches the anime’s worldview. On clear days, Mount Fuji is also visible, making it an ideal shooting spot.
Visit Notice:
Access restrictions may apply depending on volcanic activity status, so please check the official website in advance.
Hakone Yumoto Station Area
Hakone Yumoto Station is the gateway to Hakone tourism and serves as the starting point for Evangelion fans’ sacred site pilgrimages. The area around the station also has shops and merchandise stores that have collaborated with Evangelion, making it ideal for preparation before pilgrimage.
The atmosphere of the hot spring town in front of the station overlaps with the image of the townscape that appears in the work, with many fans taking commemorative photographs.
National Route 1 (Hakone Shindo)
The Hakone section of National Route 1, particularly the Hakone Shindo, is said to be the model for the road that appears in Evangelion. The straightforward road running through mountains evokes scenes of transportation to NERV headquarters.
Photography Points:
The main enjoyment comes from appreciating the scenery while traveling by car, but photograph from safe parking spaces. Never photograph while driving.
Senogahara
The Senogahara Susuki (Japanese pampas grass) grassland is said to be one of the places that influenced the landscape depiction in Evangelion. Especially when autumn’s susuki glows golden, a fantastical atmosphere permeates, allowing one to immerse in the work’s worldview.
Best Season:
Late September through early November is when susuki is at its best.
Yokohama Area: Urban Landscape and Landmarks
Minato Mirai 21 District
The futuristic urban landscape of Minato Mirai is one of the image sources for the urban areas depicted in Evangelion. The high-rise building clusters, orderly townscape, and open waterfront spaces evoke the urban planning of the Third New Tokyo City.
Main Shooting Spots:
- Yokohama Landmark Tower Observation Deck: A 360-degree panoramic view of all of Yokohama
- Rinko Park: An excellent location for photographing the full view of Minato Mirai
- Shajinmichi (Railway Path): Contrast between retro railroad relics and modern buildings
Yokohama Port Great Pier International Cruise Terminal
The unique architectural design of the Great Pier and the view of Yokohama Harbor from there is a spot where you can feel the worldview of Evangelion. The night view in particular is beautiful, evoking nighttime scenes from the work.
The rooftop wooden deck is open 24 hours and offers views of Yokohama’s cityscape with different expressions depending on the time of day.
Yokohama Station Area
Yokohama Station is Kanagawa Prefecture’s largest terminal station, overlapping with the image of a point of transportation importance in the Evangelion world. Nearby commercial facilities sometimes host limited-time Evangelion-related events and pop-up stores.
Kamakura Area: Fusion of History and Nature
Around Kamakura High School Station
The area around Kamakura High School Station on the Enoden Railway is famous as an anime sacred site, and for Evangelion fans, it’s also an important spot for feeling Kanagawa Prefecture’s coastline. The waterside landscape overlaps with the image of ocean scenes that appear in the work.
Enoshima Island
Enoshima Island is one of Kanagawa Prefecture’s representative tourist destinations and a place where Evangelion fans can feel the boundary between sea and land in the work’s world. The view from the island, particularly the panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay, is spectacular.
Highlights:
- Enoshima Sea Candle (Observation Lighthouse): A 360-degree grand panorama
- Chigogafuchi: Wild coastal landscape
- Enoshima Shrine: Harmony between a historic shrine and nature
Other Sacred Sites Within Kanagawa Prefecture
Lake Sagami
The landscape of mountains and lake surrounding Lake Sagami is also said to have influenced the background art of Evangelion. Because it is less commercialized than Hakone, you can enjoy sacred site pilgrimage quietly.
Tanzawa Mountains
The magnificent mountain range of the Tanzawa Mountains is one of the models for the mountains surrounding the Third New Tokyo City. For fans who enjoy mountain climbing, actually climbing the mountains to experience the work’s world is also recommended.
Planning and Preparation for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
How to Create an Efficient Pilgrimage Route
Evangelion’s Kanagawa Prefecture sacred sites are scattered over a wide area, so advance planning is important.
Sample 1-Day Course (Hakone-focused):
- Morning: Hakone Yumoto Station → Lake Ashi (Hakone Town Harbor) → Sightseeing boat
- Afternoon: Hakone Ropeway → Owakudani → Senogahara
Sample 1-Day Course (Yokohama-focused):
- Morning: Minato Mirai District exploration
- Afternoon: Great Pier → Yamashita Park → Chinatown
Sample 2-Day Course:
- Day 1: Pilgrimage centered on Hakone Area
- Day 2: Pilgrimage through Yokohama and Kamakura areas
Transportation and Access
Hakone Area:
- Odakyu Romance Car: Approximately 85 minutes from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto
- Hakone Free Pass: Unlimited rides on transportation in the Hakone area at a good price
Yokohama Area:
- Well-developed JR and private railway lines, approximately 30 minutes from central Tokyo
- Minato Mirai Line is convenient
Kamakura/Enoshima Area:
- Approximately 1 hour from Tokyo Station on the JR Yokosuka Line
- Travel on the Enoden Railway offers charm
Packing Checklist
- Camera/Smartphone (don’t forget chargers)
- Work materials (scene photos, etc., useful for comparative photography)
- Maps and guidebooks
- Comfortable walking shoes (Hakone has many slopes)
- Clothing appropriate for weather (Hakone is cooler than flatlands)
- Beverages and light snacks
Best Season and Timing
Spring (March~May):
Cherry blossom season with beautiful scenery. Mild climate, ideal for pilgrimage.
Summer (June~August):
Hakone is comfortable as a summer retreat. Rain countermeasures necessary during rainy season.
Autumn (September~November):
Most popular autumn foliage season. Senogahara’s susuki also at its peak.
Winter (December~February):
Clear air reveals Mount Fuji beautifully. Hot springs are exceptional.
Photography Etiquette and Rules
Following proper etiquette is extremely important when enjoying sacred site pilgrimage.
Basic Etiquette
- No trespassing on private property: Do not enter private land even if it appears in the work
- Obey traffic rules: When photographing on roads, be careful not to obstruct vehicles or pedestrians
- Be considerate of noise: Don’t raise your voice in residential areas
- Take trash with you: Always take garbage home for environmental conservation
- Be considerate of local residents: Remember that people live in these places even if they are tourist destinations
Photography Precautions
- Tripod use: Avoid during crowded times or in narrow spaces
- In commercial facilities: Do not photograph where prohibited
- Photobombing: Be considerate when other tourists appear in photos
- Long occupation: Share popular spots with the spirit of fairness
Evangelion-Related Facilities and Events
Hakone Evangelion Merchandise Shops
There are shops selling Evangelion-related merchandise around Hakone Yumoto Station and around Lake Ashi. With many limited products, they’re ideal for finding sacred site pilgrimage souvenirs.
Collaboration Cafes and Restaurants
Limited-time cafes and restaurants that collaborate with Evangelion occasionally open. Check the official website and SNS for the latest information.
Regular Events
Hakone hosts irregular collaboration events with Evangelion. Stamp rallies and special exhibitions are among the plans fans cannot miss.
Combining with Surrounding Tourism
Hakone Hot Springs
To soothe the fatigue of sacred site pilgrimage, Hakone’s hot springs are a must. Day-trip hot spring facilities are well-equipped and can be visited during pilgrimage.
Recommended Hot Spring Facilities:
- Hakone Kowakien Yunessun: Hot spring theme park enjoyable in swimwear
- Tenzan Yoji-kyo: Full-scale day-trip hot spring
- Day-trip bathing plans at various inns
Yokohama Tourist Spots
Yokohama has many tourist attractions beyond Minato Mirai.
- Yokohama Chinatown: Japan’s largest Chinatown for gourmet food
- Red Brick Warehouse: Shopping and event venue
- Yamashita Park: Waterfront promenade
- Cup Noodles Museum: Experience-based food culture facility
Kamakura’s Historical Exploration
Kamakura offers temples and shrines to visit.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: Kamakura’s representative shrine
- Kotoku-in (Kamakura Great Buddha): National treasure Buddha statue
- Hasedera Temple: Beautiful flowers in all seasons
Accommodation Information and Recommended Hotels
Hakone Area
Luxury Inns:
Hakone has many long-established luxury inns where you can enjoy hot springs and kaiseki cuisine. Recommended for those wanting to make sacred site pilgrimage special.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations:
Business hotels and guesthouses around Hakone Yumoto offer choices to suit your budget.
Yokohama Area
Minato Mirai District:
- InterContinental Yokohama
- Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
- New Otani Inn Yokohama Premier
Around Yokohama Station:
- Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
- Various business hotel chains
Kamakura/Enoshima Area
Kamakura has historic inns and modern hotels scattered throughout. Enoshima is popular for accommodations with ocean views.
Tips for Further Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Previewing the Work
Reviewing the work before pilgrimage allows deeper enjoyment of the sites. In particular, preparing screenshots of relevant scenes makes comparative photography at the location enjoyable.
Information Gathering via SNS
Searching hashtags like “#エヴァ聖地巡礼” “#箱根エヴァ” on Twitter and Instagram yields pilgrimage reports and latest information from other fans.
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Recording visited places, photographed images, and impressions in a notebook becomes a wonderful memory when revisited later.
Revisiting by Season
The same place displays entirely different faces depending on the season. Enjoying spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snowy landscapes is recommended.
Conclusion: Rediscovering Kanagawa’s Charm Through Evangelion Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Evangelion series sacred site pilgrimage is not merely visiting anime locations. It becomes a wonderful opportunity to experience Kanagawa Prefecture’s rich nature, history, and culture.
Hakone’s magnificent nature, Yokohama’s modern urban landscape, Kamakura’s historical charm. All of these elements form the worldview of Evangelion, and visiting them actually deepens understanding of the work.
Through sacred site pilgrimage, you can sense the background of the work’s creation and the creators’ intentions. Additionally, encounters with fellow fans who love the same work and exchanges with local people are also attractions of pilgrimage.
While respecting rules and showing respect for the region, enjoy the special journey of experiencing the Evangelion world in reality. Kanagawa Prefecture’s sacred sites always welcome fans.
We hope this article helps with your Evangelion sacred site pilgrimage planning and leads to wonderful experiences. Now, embark on a sacred site pilgrimage journey to Kanagawa Prefecture, the model for the Third New Tokyo City!
