While the weather is less then favorable in Japan at the moment, I’d figure I’d post this up before part 2 of my Evangelion Anime Pilgrimage. These are images from Hakone’s “Instrumentality Map” in English. This is a map meant for foreign visitors to use to visit their favorite locations around Hakone that were used as settings for the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion.
These English version maps are quite difficult to get a hold of unless you live in Japan. At Hakone Yumoto station, you have to ask for them at the tourist information building. They keep them behind the counter (and hidden from view) and make you fill in a paper saying where you are from and the length of your stay in Hakone. I managed to get two, just in case one got roughed up in my travels.
To my surprise, these Hakone maps were much nicer (and larger) then I was anticipating. Even if you are not actually going on the pilgrimage, the maps allow for a sense of realism of the anime.
Tokyo 3 is located just above Lake Ashinoko. It is in an area which is presently called Sengokuhara. While it is mostly covered by golf courses, there are still many sites to check out such as the Tokyo III 1st Junior High School (07), grass swamps (19), and “Misato/Shinji view” (01).
The locations you see on the map are ordered by number. I’m going to try and put a full sized download at the end of this article.
When I was planning my Evangelion pilgrimage I was frustrated to see the lack of English information and maps out there. Hopefully, when my pilgrimage is complete, this journey will be far easier for foreigners to undertake.
To the north of Tokyo 3 there are some very rugged mountains, so the bulk of the defenses are focused to the south of the city. This is the Gora Absolute Defense Line. You can visit the “defense fortifications” outside of Sounzan station (18), the place where the N2 mines were dropped in episode 1 (11), or the misty mountains that Shinji ran away to in Episode 4 (2).
Although it’s not in the guide, I would also like to check out Mt. Myojyojatake and the Daimonjiyaki Bonfire. I remember seeing that mountain somewhere in the TV series.
Towards the south, Lake Ashinoko is seen as the “Floating Fortress” (Diamond) 6th angel makes it’s appearance (3). The Hakone shrine is also on the east shore and it is mentioned in the guide as the model for the shrine that Shinji’s friends run to watch the Evangelion fight. The actual location for that shrine in the story, however, is far closer to Tokyo III (12). Also, the sniping point for Operation Yashima on Mt. Futagoyama is in the area as well (4).
To the far east of the lake is Hakone Yumoto station. In order to get access to the other sites, you will have to use the bus, train, or hiking trails from Hakone Yumoto station. Ask for the “Hakone Free Pass” (4,000 yen) at Odawara station so that you don’t have to fiddle with yen along the way. It lasts for 2 days.
The reverse side of the map has some anime screen shots to help you get the best angle for your own photos.
The next time I go to Hakone, I will be going to get this shot. Hopefully on a clear day.
Owakudani is the misty mountain side the Shinji runs away to. You can see my photos in the first part of my Evangelion pilgrimage.
To get this shot, you would have to be on one of the pirate ships while looking at the south shore of Lake Ashinoko.
The Operation Yashima sniping point. For some of these, you really got to use your imagination. ^^;
Some of the sights I saw when on the first part of my pilgrimage.
As you can see, some of these places just don’t exist. Tokyo III and the Geofront will have to be visited in your imagination. It’s cool to see where they would be though….underneath golf courses. ^^;;
The Hakone Tozan lines does exist and the cars look similar to how they appear in Evangelion.
These are all places I’d like to visit on Part 2 of my anime pilgrimage. I just got to wait for a sunny weekend. ^^;
That’s all for the Hakone Instrumentality Map (English version). As you can see, the actual journey would take several days and is spaced out quite a bit. Also, a few of the sights require hiking to get to. I recommend learning the Japanese characters for some of the landmarks around where you are going so you don’t end up getting lost. ^^;
And a smaller picture for Figure.fm recognition. Larger pic here.
All of the above images full sized for download here.
I hope these articles are helping folks. 😀
Uh, detailed is the least I can called this. Seriously, wow. On the other hand, you got to be committed to travese through all of those place.
I know what you mean. The lady at the tourist office told me that there were no guides available (just maps) and that I was on my own. ^^;
I mean, just figuring out the way to the Misato/Shinji view took about two hours when you calculate writing all the Kanji out for the landmarks around the area. Talk about dedication. ^^;
Hello,I really envy you that you have the map. Japanese can get the map?
When I go to Hakone, I will ask the infomation.( I should say Iwas asked by american friend..)
I want to camp in the prace like the story!
I don’t think they would turn away a native Japanese.
The card they gave me to fill out was nothing really formal and they didn’t need a passport.
In any case, I do hope you get to camp in the fields, like in the anime. The fall is the best time to visit them supposedly. Have fun!
I tried to get the map at hakoneyumoto information, but they said that this map is fo
people who visit Japan!
But I won’t give up! I’ll try Yahoo auction.
Hmm, Hakone Kankyo Kyokai should make downlord page for this map…
Completely agree about the online download need for this map. In fact, I spent two hours trying to find the map online before heading to Hakone in person. ^^;
Sorry to hear that happened to you.
I’m not sure why they would only limit distribution to foreigners and “people visiting Japan”. Paper is not that expensive and Evangelion is certainly popular in Japan as well (probably more so).
Hi there!
I’m a big fan of Evangelion (obviously), and am intending on making a 3D model of Tokyo-3 and the surrounding area.
I am beginning to collect together lots of reference images, but what I really need to get the project kick-started is a copy of this wonderful map!
Do you know where I would be able to get my hands on a copy? Alternatively do you know where I could get a high resolution scan of the map?
I have downloaded your high res images from this article, but unfortunately I require a flat scan of the map in order to begin all the 2D line work, and align the Tokyo-3 plan with the existing topography.
Anyway, any assistance you can give me would be much appreciated!
Toby
p.s. great article!
I am very sorry Toby,
To my knowledge, no one has scanned the Hakone Evangelion map to date and the Hakone information center has stuck with hard copy maps as opposed to just putting it up for download on their website. It’s a pain in the neck. ^^;
Thanks for the reply.
I was sort of hoping that you may be willing to scan your map! 😀 I haven’t been able to make contact with anyone else who I know to have a copy, so I thought you may be willing to help me out – for the good of Evangelion!
Toby
Out of country (Japan) at the moment.
I’ll see what I can do…..
Sorry, didn’t see a convenient place to just email you, so leaving a comment on this thread…
I am in the navy and visiting Yokosuka this week. Is there a store you recommend in Yokosuka to buy figures, particularly Revoltech line? (Fraulien series and Danboard models)? I have no idea where to go besides the nearby Daiei plaza.
Thanks.
Yokosuka does have Animate (near Yokosuka-chu station/across from Burger King if you look up) but they are very light on figures. They mostly focus on books and character merchandise (aside from figures). Daiei has a few things but I also haven’t seen much in the way of figures.
The best place to go is Akihabara in Tokyo. You can find everything you need there are it’s a little over an hour away.
At Yokosuka-chu station, buy a transfer ticket to Shinagawa station. Board a red or green train.
At Shinagawa station, pass through the ticket gates (don’t forget your ticket) and make a right to board the Yamanote line towards Tokyo.
Akihabara station takes about 20 minutes to reach from Shinagawa station.
For help on what stores to go to for figures, please see my Akihabara article.
https://punynari.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/biribiri-and-nanoha-in-akihabara/
Mandarake had tons of stuff and was a great store to visit. Picked up a Danbo figure and the Figma movie version of Nanoha. Thanks for the help and advice on where to go…
np. Glad my advice is helping folks. 🙂
Very interesting information with the Eva locations! Thank you! ^_^
Thank you so much for writing about this map! I would never have known it existed otherwise. I’m a foreigner who visited Hakone today and I was able to get your exact english map at the Hakone-yumoto info desk. I love it!! Thank you!!