Complete Guide to ‘Evangelion’ Series Pilgrimage Sites in Kanagawa Prefecture: Thorough Explanation of Famous Spots in Hakone, Yokohama, and Kamakura
Since its broadcast began in 1995, ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ has continued to captivate many fans as a monumental work in Japanese anime history. Kanagawa Prefecture in particular appears in numerous scenes as an important setting for the series, and many fans visit from both within Japan and abroad as a pilgrimage destination.
This article thoroughly explains the Evangelion series pilgrimage sites within Kanagawa Prefecture. We comprehensively introduce locations that appeared in the anime, access methods, photography points, and surrounding tourist information for each major area including Hakone, Yokohama, and Kamakura.
The Deep Connection Between Evangelion and Kanagawa Prefecture
Tokyo-3, the setting of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’, is established as a fictional city, but its model is the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture. Director Hideaki Anno utilized Hakone’s topography and scenery in constructing the work’s world, masterfully fusing real landscapes with science fiction elements.
The reasons Kanagawa Prefecture was chosen include its magnificent scenery overlooking Mount Fuji, natural environments like Lake Ashi, and excellent access from Tokyo. The mountains, lakes, roads, and other features appearing in the series are based on scenery that actually exists in Hakone, making it a special place for fans to “experience the world of Eva in the real world.”
Hakone Area: Model Location for Tokyo-3
Lake Ashi and the Mountains of Hakone
Lake Ashi is one of the most iconic pilgrimage sites in ‘Evangelion’. The scenery of the lake and mountains appearing multiple times in the anime’s opening and main story is modeled on the views from Lake Ashi. Particularly, the view of Mount Fuji and Hakone’s mountain ranges from the lakeside evokes the work’s worldview.
Points to Visit:
- Around Hakonecho Port: The view from the pleasure boat landing is especially recommended
- Kojiri Suimon: A spot where you can photograph leisurely in a quiet atmosphere
- Moto-Hakone Port: Optimal for photography with Mount Fuji as a backdrop
Access:
Approximately 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Odakyu Line Hakone-Yumoto Station, get off at Moto-Hakone Port or Hakonecho Port
Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani
The scenery viewed from above on the Hakone Ropeway is a magnificent panorama reminiscent of aerial scenes in Evangelion. Particularly, the volcanic terrain around Owakudani evokes the topography of Tokyo-3 where Angel battles unfold.
Owakudani’s desolate landscape and sulfurous steam have a unique atmosphere matching the anime’s worldview. On clear days, Mount Fuji is also visible, making it an ideal photography spot.
Visiting Precautions:
Entry restrictions may be in place depending on volcanic activity conditions, so please check the official website in advance.
Around Hakone-Yumoto Station
Hakone-Yumoto Station is the gateway to Hakone tourism and serves as the starting point for Eva fan pilgrimages. Around the station, there are shops and goods stores that have collaborated with Evangelion, ideal for preparation before pilgrimage.
The hot spring town atmosphere in front of the station also overlaps with the image of townscapes appearing in the series, and many fans take commemorative photos.
National Route 1 (Hakone Shin-dō)
The Hakone section of National Route 1, particularly the Hakone Shin-dō, is said to be the model for roads appearing in Evangelion. The linear road running through the mountains evokes transportation scenes to NERV headquarters and others.
Photography Points:
The main attraction is enjoying the scenery while traveling by car, but photograph from safe parking spaces. Never photograph while driving.
Sengokuhara
The Sengokuhara pampas grass field is said to be one of the places that influenced Evangelion’s landscape depictions. Particularly when the autumn pampas grass shines golden, a fantastical atmosphere drifts, allowing immersion in the work’s worldview.
Best Season:
Late September to early November is the best time to see pampas grass.
Yokohama Area: Urban Landscapes and Landmarks
Minato Mirai 21 District
Minato Mirai’s futuristic urban landscape is one of the image sources for urban areas appearing in Evangelion. The high-rise building groups, orderly townscape, and open seaside spaces evoke Tokyo-3’s urban planning.
Main Photography Spots:
- Yokohama Landmark Tower Observatory: 360-degree panoramic view overlooking all of Yokohama
- Rinko Park: Excellent location to photograph the entire Minato Mirai area
- Kishamichi: Contrast between retro railway ruins and modern building groups
Yokohama Port Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal
Osanbashi’s distinctive architectural design and the view of Yokohama Port from there is a spot where you can feel Evangelion’s worldview. The night view in particular is beautiful, evoking the work’s night scenes.
The rooftop wood deck is open 24 hours, allowing you to enjoy Yokohama’s townscape showing different expressions depending on the time of day.
Around Yokohama Station
Yokohama Station is Kanagawa Prefecture’s largest terminal station, overlapping with the image of a transportation hub in Evangelion’s world. At commercial facilities around the station, Evangelion-related events and pop-up stores are sometimes held for limited periods.
Kamakura Area: Fusion of History and Nature
Around Kamakura-Kōkōmae Station
The area around Kamakura-Kōkōmae Station on the Enoden Railway is famous as an anime pilgrimage site, but for Evangelion fans as well, it’s an important spot to feel Kanagawa Prefecture’s coastline. The coastal scenery overlaps with the image of ocean scenes appearing in the series.
Enoshima
Enoshima is a representative tourist destination of Kanagawa Prefecture and a place where you can feel the boundary between sea and land in Evangelion’s world. The view from the island, particularly the scenery overlooking Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay, is magnificent.
Highlights:
- Enoshima Sea Candle (observation lighthouse): 360-degree panorama
- Chigogafuchi: Rugged coastline scenery
- Enoshima Shrine: Harmony of historic shrine and nature
Other Pilgrimage Sites in Kanagawa Prefecture
Lake Sagami
The scenery of mountains and lake around Lake Sagami is also said to have influenced Evangelion’s background art. Being less touristy than Hakone, you can enjoy pilgrimage quietly.
Tanzawa Mountains
The magnificent mountain ranges of the Tanzawa Mountains are one of the models for the mountains surrounding Tokyo-3. For fans who enjoy mountain climbing, actually climbing the mountains to experience the work’s world is also recommended.
Planning and Preparation for Pilgrimage
Creating Efficient Pilgrimage Routes
Since Evangelion’s Kanagawa Prefecture pilgrimage sites are scattered over a wide area, advance planning is important.
One-Day Course Example (Hakone-centered):
- Morning: Hakone-Yumoto Station → Lake Ashi (Hakonecho Port) → Pleasure boat
- Afternoon: Hakone Ropeway → Owakudani → Sengokuhara
One-Day Course Example (Yokohama-centered):
- Morning: Minato Mirai district stroll
- Afternoon: Osanbashi → Yamashita Park → Chinatown
Two-Day Course Example:
- Day 1: Pilgrimage centered on Hakone area
- Day 2: Pilgrimage to Yokohama/Kamakura areas
Transportation and Access
Hakone Area:
- Odakyu Romance Car: Approximately 85 minutes from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto
- Hakone Free Pass: All-you-can-ride deal for Hakone area transportation
Yokohama Area:
- Well-served by JR and private railways, about 30 minutes from central Tokyo
- Minato Mirai Line is convenient
Kamakura Area:
- About 1 hour from Tokyo Station on JR Yokosuka Line
- Travel on Enoden Railway is atmospheric
Items Checklist
- Camera/smartphone (don’t forget charger)
- Work materials (scene photos, etc., convenient for comparison photography)
- Maps/guidebooks
- Comfortable walking shoes (Hakone has many slopes)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (Hakone is cooler than flatlands)
- Drinks/light snacks
Best Seasons and Timing
Spring (March-May):
Beautiful scenery during cherry blossom season. Mild climate optimal for pilgrimage.
Summer (June-August):
Hakone is comfortable as a summer retreat. However, rain countermeasures needed during rainy season.
Autumn (September-November):
Most popular during autumn foliage season. Sengokuhara pampas grass also at its peak.
Winter (December-February):
Clear air makes Mount Fuji visible beautifully. Hot springs are exceptional.
Photography Manners and Rules
Observing manners is extremely important when enjoying pilgrimage.
Basic Manners
- No unauthorized entry to private property: Even if locations appear in the work, do not enter private property
- Observe traffic rules: When photographing on roads, be careful not to obstruct cars or pedestrians
- Consideration for noise: Don’t raise your voice in residential areas
- Take garbage home: For environmental conservation, always take garbage with you
- Consideration for local residents: Even in tourist areas, don’t forget people live there
Photography Precautions
- Tripod use: Refrain during crowded times or in narrow places
- Inside commercial facilities: Don’t photograph in photography-prohibited areas
- People in frame: Show consideration when other tourists may be captured
- Long-term occupation: At popular spots, share with a spirit of cooperation
Evangelion-Related Facilities and Events
Hakone Evangelion Goods Shops
Around Hakone-Yumoto Station and Lake Ashi area, there are shops handling Evangelion-related goods. Many limited items, ideal for pilgrimage souvenirs.
Collaboration Cafes/Restaurants
Cafes and restaurants collaborating with Evangelion sometimes open for limited periods. Check official sites and SNS for latest information.
Regular Events
In Hakone, collaboration events with Evangelion are held irregularly. Stamp rallies, special exhibitions, and other unmissable projects for fans are sometimes implemented.
Combining with Surrounding Tourism
Hakone Hot Springs
To soothe pilgrimage fatigue, Hakone’s hot springs are essential. Day-trip hot spring facilities are also abundant, allowing stops during pilgrimage.
Recommended Hot Spring Facilities:
- Hakone Kowakien Yunessun: Hot spring theme park you can enjoy in swimwear
- Tenzan Toji-kyo: Authentic day-trip hot spring
- Day-trip bathing plans at various inns
Yokohama Tourist Spots
Yokohama has many tourist spots besides Minato Mirai.
- Yokohama Chinatown: Enjoy gourmet food in Japan’s largest Chinatown
- Red Brick Warehouse: Shopping and event venue
- Yamashita Park: Seaside promenade
- Cup Noodles Museum: Experiential food culture facility
Kamakura Historical Exploration
In Kamakura, you can visit historical temples and shrines.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: Representative shrine of Kamakura
- Kotoku-in (Kamakura Daibutsu): National treasure Great Buddha
- Hase-dera: Temple with beautiful seasonal flowers
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 pilgrimage a special trip.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Around Hakone-Yumoto, there are also business hotels and guesthouses, allowing choice according to budget.
Yokohama Area
Minato Mirai District:
- InterContinental Yokohama
- Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
- Hotel New Otani Inn Yokohama Premium
Around Yokohama Station:
- Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
- Various business hotel chains
Kamakura/Enoshima Area
Kamakura has historic inns and modern hotels scattered throughout. On Enoshima, accommodations overlooking the ocean are popular.
Tips to Enjoy Pilgrimage Even More
Reviewing the Work
Rewatching the work before pilgrimage allows deeper enjoyment of sacred sites. Particularly, preparing screenshots of relevant scenes makes comparison photography on-site enjoyable.
Information Gathering on SNS
Searching for hashtags like “#エヴァ聖地巡礼” “#箱根エヴァ” on Twitter and Instagram provides pilgrimage reports and latest information from other fans.
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Creating a notebook recording visited places, photographed pictures, impressions, etc., becomes a wonderful memory when looking back later.
Revisiting by Season
The same place shows completely different expressions depending on the season. Enjoying sacred sites in each of the four seasons—spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, winter snow scenes—is also recommended.
Summary: Rediscover Kanagawa’s Charms Through Evangelion Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage to ‘Evangelion’ series sacred sites is not merely visiting anime settings. It becomes a wonderful opportunity to experience Kanagawa Prefecture’s abundant nature, history, and culture.
Hakone’s magnificent nature, Yokohama’s modern urban landscape, Kamakura’s historical atmosphere. All of these become elements forming Evangelion’s worldview, and actually visiting deepens understanding of the work.
Through pilgrimage, you can sense the background from which the work was born and the creators’ intentions. Also, encounters with companions who love the same work and interactions with local people are one of pilgrimage’s real pleasures.
While observing manners and maintaining respect for the region, please enjoy the special journey of experiencing Evangelion’s world in reality. Kanagawa Prefecture’s sacred sites always welcome fans.
I hope this article helps with planning your Evangelion pilgrimage and leads to a wonderful experience. Now, let’s depart on a pilgrimage journey to Kanagawa Prefecture, the model for Tokyo-3!
