Hakone Shrine is a popular tourist spot in Hakone that has a proud 1250 year history. Part of its charm comes from the abundant nature of Lake Ashi lying in front, and Mt. Hakone surrounding it. Another plus is being only one hour from Tokyo.
About Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine has long been known as a holy place for those religions who worship mountains as sacred. It is considered to be a power spot with the power to improve competitive fortune, traffic fortune, relationship fortune and just good fortune in general, so many people visit to offer their prayers. Hakone Shrine and the associated shrines, Kuzuryu Shrine and Hakone Mototsumiya, together form a popular pilgrimage route.
Highlights of Hakone Shrine
The grounds of Hakone Shrine are expansive, and there are many power spots within. First, how about a visit to the main shrine, after climbing the 89 step staircase that is said to have the power to eradicate evil. Afterwards, a stroll around the shrine grounds is lovely. The shrine also sells many charms imbued with the power of the shrine, so perhaps it would be good to get one as a souvenir.
The Gate of Peace
The Gate of Peace stands on the bank of Lake Ashi. The vivid scarlet gate standing in the water of the lake is a beautiful sight, and is a popular spot for photographs. The stone wall extends to side of the lake, so please go and experience the beauty of Lake Ashi up close.
Hakone Shrine Tree, The Sacred Tree
There are two sacred trees, the “Anzan Cedar” and the “Yatate Cedar.” The sight of the 1200 year old cedars is breathtakingly beautiful. The legend says that a Samurai commander in the Heian period came there to make a wish, and that his wish came true, so now many people visit to pray for safe childbirth at the Anzan Cedar, or to win a competition at the Yatate Cedar.
Kuzuryu Shrine (九頭龍神社新宮)
The Kuzuryu New Shrine was built within the grounds of Hakone Shrine, since the original shrine is rather far away. The protective deity of Lake Ashi, the nine-headed dragon god Kuzuryu-Okami, is enshrined there, and provides good economic, business, and relationship fortune. The Kuzuryu Main Shrine is only about an hour’s walk from Hakone Shrine, so it’s great to visit it if you have the time.
Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine
Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine is the rear shrine of Hakone Shrine. It is located on Mt. Komagatake, and is said to offer wish fulfillment, and to help one achieve love. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji, and it is a very popular scenic spot. Also, it is only a 7 minute ride on the “Komagatake Ropeway” to the summit.
Access to Hakone Shrine from Tokyo
If you are traveling to Hakone Shrine from Tokyo, first aim for JR Odawara Station. Odawara Station can be easily reached by either the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station or the Romance Car out of Shinjuku Station. From JR Odawara Station, board either the Izu-Hakone bus or the Hakone-Tozan bus, ride for about an hour, and get off at the “Moto-Hakone” stop. The shrine is about a 10 minute walk from the bus stop.
Spot information
- Spot name：Hakone Shrine
- Street address： 80-1 Moto-Hakone, Ashigarashimogun Hakone-Machi, Kanagawa-ken, 〒250-0522
- Access：About a 10 minute walk from the Izu-Hakone bus stop “Moto-Hakone”
- Wi-Fi：Available（Hakone Free Wi-Fi）
- Language：Only Japanese
- Credit cards：No credit cards accepted
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