Hakone Ekiden Museum
1 / 10

Hakone Ekiden Museum

3.8
·2k reviews·Hakone, Japan

Discover the legacy of Japan's iconic collegiate marathon, the Hakone Ekiden, through its history, memorabilia, and race footage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Hakone Ekiden Museum

Hakone Ekiden Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the legacy of Japan's iconic collegiate marathon, the Hakone Ekiden, through its history, memorabilia, and race footage.

3.8
(2k reviews)

"Interesting for running fans, but the lack of English translations limits its appeal for general tourists."

Vertical photo
TIP

Translate Exhibits

Use a translation app for exhibit info; visuals are key if you don't read Japanese. :iphone:

Combine with Art

Pair with Hakone Open-Air Museum for a diverse cultural experience. 🎨

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.8 · 1,612 reviews

Type

Museum

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Race Memorabilia

Historic Race Memorabilia

Exhibition Halls

See authentic uniforms, trophies, and race footage from the legendary Hakone Ekiden marathon.

Reddit
Visual Race Storytelling

Visual Race Storytelling

Video Displays

Immerse yourself in the drama and history of the Hakone Ekiden through captivating video presentations.

Reddit
Souvenir Shopping

Souvenir Shopping

Gift Shop

Find unique Hakone Ekiden-themed merchandise, though options may be limited in size.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Language Barrier Alert

Most exhibits and information at the Hakone Ekiden Museum are exclusively in Japanese. If you're not fluent, consider focusing on visual elements like uniforms, trophies, and videos, or pair your visit with a translation app. Reddit

Combine with Art & Nature

While the museum is niche, Hakone offers stunning natural beauty and art. Pair your visit with the Hakone Open-Air Museum or a cruise on Lake Ashi for a well-rounded experience. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
January Race Season
Why
Experience the buzz
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Symphonic Sculpture by Gabriel Loire (1904-1996, France) / Hakone Open Air Museum
@wafflesailor
249K likes • 990.8K views

Translate Exhibits

Use a translation app for exhibit info; visuals are key if you don't read Japanese. Reddit :iphone:

Combine with Art

Pair with Hakone Open-Air Museum for a diverse cultural experience. TikTok+1 🎨

7 minggu sebelum ke Hakone Ekiden - Universitas Josai, peringkat 9 pada tahun 2023 Kami mengunjungi universitas Josai bersama @sweatelite minggu ini. Universitas Josai berada di peringkat ke-9 tahun ini di Hakone Ekiden tetapi memiliki ambisi yang lebih tinggi untuk edisi ke-100 yang diadakan Januari mendatang karena mereka menempati posisi ke-3 dan ke-5 di Izumo Ekiden dan All-Japan University Ek...
@kurahara_kakeru
57.8K likes • 1.3M views
If you’re in Tokyo and want to visit the mountains, Hakone is an absolute must. It’s the fictional home of Tokyo-3, the setting of Neon Genesis Evangelion, and has an incredible open air art museum, volcano, and scenery in general. Between that and all the Eva references, including NERV HQ, it’s got everything for the nerd and the nature lover in you. Don’t forget to check out the official Eva sto...
@brenxbw
34.6K likes • 251.8K views

Check Hakone Pass

Consider the Hakone Free Pass for transport discounts. Reddit 🎟️

Limited Sizes

Merchandise sizes can be limited, so check availability. Reddit :shopping_bags:

Hakone Ekiden 2025 🇯🇵 Favourites for the win 🏆 第101回箱根駅伝 優勝候補
@tempo_japan
25.4K likes • 474.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Translate Exhibits

Use a translation app for exhibit info; visuals are key if you don't read Japanese. Reddit :iphone:

Combine with Art

Pair with Hakone Open-Air Museum for a diverse cultural experience. TikTok+1 🎨

Check Hakone Pass

Consider the Hakone Free Pass for transport discounts. Reddit 🎟️

Limited Sizes

Merchandise sizes can be limited, so check availability. Reddit :shopping_bags:

What Travellers Say

3.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Hakone Ekiden Museum interesting for its unique focus on the historic marathon, especially for running fans. However, the lack of English translations for most exhibits is a significant drawback for international tourists, making it a niche attraction. Despite this, the low entry fee and potential inclusion in the Hakone Free Pass make it a potentially worthwhile stop for those with a specific interest.

"So wish they had english translations! Otherwise an interesting place to see for running fans. They had decent merchandise but it was only in one size."

Derin A

"Really cool exhibits and items, ie uniforms and trophies and videos about the races, but unfortunately all the information is only in Japanese. So, I would say foreigners could skip this unless you’re really into running. Although, entry is quite cheap especially with the free pass so is cool to see the exhibits."

Aarushi Mishra

"All information is in japanese. No photo taking in the museum"

Andy Yeo

What People Like

Unique historical focus
Running memorabilia
Affordable entry

What People Dislike

All information in Japanese
Limited merchandise sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Tokyo, take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, you can use local buses or the Hakone Tozan Railway to reach the museum. The Hakone Free Pass can cover most of this journey. TikTokReddit

Yes, the museum is well-served by local buses and the Hakone Tozan Railway, making it easily accessible for visitors using public transport. TikTok

Many visitors opt for the Hakone Free Pass, which offers unlimited rides on various modes of transport including buses, trains, ropeways, and boats, making it convenient to explore the area. Reddit

While driving is possible, parking can be limited and expensive in Hakone. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access and to avoid traffic congestion. TikTok

The journey from Shinjuku, Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto typically takes around 85 minutes by Odakyu Romancecar. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Hakone Ekiden Museum is quite affordable, especially if you have the Hakone Free Pass. Specific prices can vary, but it's generally considered a budget-friendly attraction. Reddit

Advance booking is usually not required for the Hakone Ekiden Museum. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance. Reddit

Yes, the Hakone Free Pass often includes discounted or free entry to various attractions in Hakone, potentially including the Ekiden Museum. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website or a reliable travel guide for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

The Hakone Free Pass is a popular option that covers transportation and offers discounts on many attractions, so it's worth checking if the museum is included or discounted. Reddit

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

The museum showcases the history of the Hakone Ekiden, featuring uniforms, trophies, race footage, and memorabilia from this famous collegiate relay marathon. Reddit

Yes, unfortunately, all informational text and exhibits at the Hakone Ekiden Museum are primarily in Japanese, which can be a challenge for non-Japanese speakers. Reddit

Photography is generally not allowed inside the museum exhibits to protect the historical items. Reddit

If you have a deep interest in Japanese running culture or the Hakone Ekiden specifically, it can be interesting. Otherwise, its niche focus might be less engaging for general tourists. Reddit

While the museum focuses on historical displays and videos, the visual nature of the exhibits, like uniforms and trophies, can still be engaging. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

The museum shop offers Hakone Ekiden-themed merchandise, such as apparel and souvenirs. However, reviewers note that sizes can be limited. Reddit

The museum itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there are dining options available in the surrounding Hakone area, particularly near Hakone-Yumoto Station. TikTok

You can find various dining options in Hakone-Yumoto, offering local Japanese cuisine. For a more scenic experience, consider restaurants with views of Lake Ashi or Mt. Fuji. TikTok

While specific online availability can vary, it's worth checking official Hakone Ekiden merchandise websites or larger Japanese online retailers for potential online purchases. Reddit

Hakone is known for its onsen (hot springs) and local delicacies. Look for dishes featuring fresh mountain vegetables and river fish. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2
Hakone Ekiden Museum (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide