Hakone Sekisho is an important historical site of traffic history during the Edo period. The location is rich with views of Lake Ashinoko in Kanagawa Prefecture. Sekisho is a facility built on a Kaido (road) which was an important transportation network at the time. After about 140 years, Sekisho has been restored using technology and tools of the Edo period. You can see the scenery of the Edo period and so you can experience how it was at that time. Sekisho is a recommended spot full of historical romance in Hakone.
Hakone Sekisho Exhibition Hall
Sekisho is a type of facility established throughout the country for the purpose of monitoring Kaido(road) during the Edo period. Hakone Sekisho is located on the important Kaido(Tokaido) which connects Edo, Kyoto and Osaka. It was a famous gateway where many travellers came and went from that time. After completing its duties in 1869, the buildings were destroyed and the site became a national historic site. After that, restoration work was started and completed in 2007. The building was restored using the technology and tools of the Edo period and finally, Hakone Sekisho in the Edo period was revived. Not only the buildings but the furniture, weapons and armour at that time have also been restored. You can see dummies displaying the work in Sekisho and feel the atmosphere of Sekisho at the time. There is also an Exhibition Hall, where you can learn the history of Sekisho from the displayed materials.
Highlights of Hakone Sekisho
Hakone Sekisho is the only Sekisho at the time that is completely restored in Japan. What should be noted is that the building is restored with technology and tools of the Edo period. The realistic scenery of the Edo period let you experience the atmosphere at that time. Obansho is one of the main buildings at the core of Sekisho. It is a building that plays an important role in history having an imposing appearance as its highlight. The gate is built using traditional techniques. You can imagine travellers in the past coming and going through the gate. There are also interesting spots such as the Rouya (jail).
Opening hours of Hakone Sekisho
Take the bus bound for "Hakonemachi-ko" (about 55 minutes) at Odawara Station and get off at the "Hakone-Sekishoseki" bus stop and walk for 2 minutes. You can also take the buses departing from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Opening hours are 0900~19:00 (Last admission is 30 minutes before closing). It is closed at 16:30 from December to February. The admission fee is 500 yen for adults (400 yen for aged 65 and above) and 250 yen for children. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, elementary and middle school students are free to enter.
Access to Hakone Sekisho
Take the bus bound for "Hakonemachi-ko" (about 55 minutes) at Odawara Station and get off at "Hakone-Sekishoseki" bus stop and walk for 2 minutes. You can also take the buses departing from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Hakone Sekisho
- Street Address: 1 Hakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Take the bus bound for "Hakonemachi-ko" (about 55 minutes) at Odawara Station and get off at "Hakone-Sekishoseki" bus stop and walk for 2 minutes.
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Japanese only
- Tickets: At counters on site
- Credit cards: Not accepted
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