- Introduction
- Overview of Hakone Shrine
- History of Hakone Shrine
- 1. Nara Period (757): Founding by Mangan Shonin—A Sacred Site of Mountain Worship
- 2. Kamakura Period: Minamoto no Yoritomo’s Devotion—Becoming the Warriors’ Guardian
- 3. Sengoku to Edo Period: The Hakone Checkpoint and Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Protection
- 4. Meiji Era: Separation of Shinto and Buddhism and Transformation to “Hakone Shrine”
- 5. Modern Era: The Power Spot Boom and Global Popularity
- Highlights and Recommended Spots
- 1. The Peace Torii—Hakone’s Symbol Floating on Lake Ashi
- 2. Cedar-Lined Approach—A Sacred Space Created by 800-Year-Old Giants
- 3. Kuzuryu Shrine (New Shrine)—Sacred Site for Romantic Relationships
- 4. Treasure Hall—Housing Hakone Shrine’s Greatest Treasures
- 5. Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine Through the Seasons—Spectacular Views Year-Round
- Nearby Attractions
- Access
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Nestled deep in the forests of Hakone, on the shores of Lake Ashi, stands Hakone Shrine. Many visitors have been moved by the solemn beauty of the cedar-lined approach and captivated by the magical sight of the vermilion “Peace Torii” standing at the lakeside. This torii gate, appearing to rise from the water’s surface, has become a world-renowned photo spot through social media, representing Hakone’s most iconic scenery.
Hakone Shrine is one of the Kanto region’s premier power spots, with approximately 1,260 years of history. Founded in 757 (Tenpyo Hoji 1) by the ascetic priest Mangan Shonin, it has been deeply revered by warriors including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The saying “He who has Hakone at his back shall rule the land” speaks to the shrine’s important position in samurai society.
Overview of Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is located in Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, on the slopes of Mount Hakone beside Lake Ashi. Its former name was “Hakone Gongen,” and it flourished as a syncretic Shinto-Buddhist mountain ascetic training ground until the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism.
| Official Name | Hakone Shrine |
|---|---|
| Location | 80-1 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa |
| Enshrined Deity | Hakone Okami (Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Konohanasakuya-hime, Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto) |
| Shrine Rank | Former Kokuhei Shosha, Beppyo Shrine |
| Founded | 757 (Tenpyo Hoji 1) |
| Visiting Hours | Grounds open freely (Treasure Hall 9:00–16:00) |
| Admission | Grounds free (Treasure Hall: Adults ¥500) |
| Closed | Open year-round |
*Please check the official Hakone Shrine website for the latest visiting information.
The enshrined deity “Hakone Okami” is a collective name for three deities: Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Konohanasakuya-hime-no-Mikoto, and Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto. As these deities appear in the myth of the descent of the heavenly grandchild, the shrine is believed to offer blessings for national peace, good fortune, and romantic relationships.
The grounds extend from the shores of Lake Ashi up the slopes of Mount Hakone, and the approach lined with cedar trees estimated to be 800 to 1,000 years old exudes an atmosphere befitting a sacred precinct. Within the grounds also sits a new shrine of Kuzuryu Shrine, popular especially among young women as a deity of romantic relationships.
History of Hakone Shrine
1. Nara Period (757): Founding by Mangan Shonin—A Sacred Site of Mountain Worship
The Hakone area was an object of mountain worship long before the shrine’s founding.
In 757, the mountain ascetic Mangan Shonin is said to have climbed Mount Hakone, and after rigorous training, received an oracle from Hakone Okami and established the shrine.
The original Hakone Gongen developed as a syncretic Shinto-Buddhist mountain ascetic training ground.
2. Kamakura Period: Minamoto no Yoritomo’s Devotion—Becoming the Warriors’ Guardian
Hakone Shrine gained nationwide fame during the Kamakura period.
Never forgetting this debt of gratitude, after establishing the Kamakura shogunate, Yoritomo donated many lands and commissioned the construction of shrine buildings.
Throughout the Kamakura period, Hakone Gongen received fervent protection from the warrior class, giving rise to the saying “He who has Hakone at his back shall rule the land.” For warriors, receiving the blessing of Hakone Gongen, which commanded the strategic Tokaido road, symbolized their ambition to unify the nation.
3. Sengoku to Edo Period: The Hakone Checkpoint and Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Protection
During the Sengoku period, Hakone Gongen received protection from the Later Hojo clan, but temporarily declined after the Siege of Odawara by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590.
In 1619, the Hakone Checkpoint was established, making Hakone the Tokaido’s greatest barrier.
During the Edo period, Hakone Gongen was also a major temple complex with many monk quarters.
4. Meiji Era: Separation of Shinto and Buddhism and Transformation to “Hakone Shrine”
The 1868 Separation of Shinto and Buddhism decree forced a major transformation on Hakone Gongen, which had prospered through syncretic Shinto-Buddhism for approximately 1,100 years.
However, from the Meiji era onward, Hakone gained new appeal.
In 1952, the “Peace Torii” was erected on the surface of Lake Ashi to commemorate the enactment of the San Francisco Peace Treaty.
5. Modern Era: The Power Spot Boom and Global Popularity
Since the Heisei era, Hakone Shrine has gained explosive popularity as “one of the Kanto region’s premier power spots.” During the late 2000s power spot boom in particular, Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine were featured in magazines and on television as “sacred sites for romantic relationships,” leading to a surge in young female visitors.
The Peace Torii has become globally known through Instagram and other social media, becoming a must-visit spot for international tourists as a “Torii in the lake.” The torii reflected in the quiet morning lake surface is particularly magical, and many photographers arrive before dawn to capture the scene.
During the annual Hakone Ekiden relay race on January 2–3, the outbound finish and return start points are located very near Lake Ashi, making Hakone Shrine a watchful presence over the runners’ efforts and part of the New Year tradition.
Highlights and Recommended Spots
Here are the must-see highlights at Hakone Shrine.
1. The Peace Torii—Hakone’s Symbol Floating on Lake Ashi
The most famous spot at Hakone Shrine is the “Peace Torii” standing at the shore of Lake Ashi.
The torii’s plaque bears the characters for “Peace,” embodying prayers for Japan’s postwar peace.
The best time for photography is early morning.
2. Cedar-Lined Approach—A Sacred Space Created by 800-Year-Old Giants
Hakone Shrine’s approach is a solemn space with giant cedar trees estimated to be 800 to 1,000 years old towering on both sides.
The stone steps of the approach total 89, with the fourth and fifth torii gates standing along the way as you climb through dense groves.
Among the cedars, the “Yatate no Sugi” (Arrow-Standing Cedar) deserves special attention.
3. Kuzuryu Shrine (New Shrine)—Sacred Site for Romantic Relationships
Within Hakone Shrine’s grounds sits the new shrine of Kuzuryu Shrine.
It is especially popular as a power spot for “romantic relationships,” and sacred water called “Ryujin-sui” springs forth within the grounds.
On the 13th of each month, a monthly festival is held at the main shrine, and a special “monthly festival worship boat” operates across Lake Ashi.
4. Treasure Hall—Housing Hakone Shrine’s Greatest Treasures
Hakone Shrine’s Treasure Hall houses and displays approximately 200 cultural artifacts including swords, armor, and ancient documents donated by warriors such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
From the second floor of the Treasure Hall, views of Lake Ashi extend before you, allowing you to enjoy both the exhibitions and the scenery.
5. Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine Through the Seasons—Spectacular Views Year-Round
Hakone Shrine shows a different face with each season, offering impressive scenery whenever you visit.
Autumn (late October–mid November) is foliage season, when the maples around Lake Ashi turn red.
Hakone sits at approximately 700 meters elevation, making it 5–6 degrees cooler than Tokyo.
Nearby Attractions
Hakone Checkpoint—Experience the Edo-Period Gateway
About a 15-minute walk from Hakone Shrine, the Hakone Checkpoint is a fully restored recreation of the checkpoint that served as the Tokaido’s greatest barrier during the Edo period.
The restored buildings—including the main guardhouse, rest quarters, and foot soldier guardhouse—feature exhibits recreating the checkpoint inspections of the era.
Owakudani—The Power of Hakone’s Volcano
About 40 minutes from Hakone Shrine by bus and Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani is a popular spot where you can see the fumaroles of Hakone volcano up close.
On clear days, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from Owakudani.
Hakone Hot Springs—One of Japan’s Premier Hot Spring Destinations
Hakone is one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring areas, with over 20 hot spring zones including Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Sengokuhara, and Lake Ashi areas.
Hakone-Yumoto is the gateway to Hakone, with day-trip hot spring facilities abundant around the station.
Access
By Train and Bus
- Odakyu Line: From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take Hakone Tozan Bus bound for “Moto-Hakone-ko” for about 40 minutes, get off at “Moto-Hakone,” about 10-minute walk
- JR Tokaido Line: From Odawara Station, Hakone Tozan Bus for about 50 minutes
- From Shinjuku: Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station about 85 minutes → Bus about 40 minutes
By Car
- About 30 minutes from Gotemba IC on the Tomei Expressway (via Hakone Skyline)
- About 40 minutes from Hakone-guchi IC on the Odawara-Atsugi Road
- Hakone Shrine visitor parking available (free, approximately 50 spaces)
By Lake Ashi Sightseeing Boat
- Taking the Hakone Pirate Ship across Lake Ashi from Hakone-machi Port or Moto-Hakone Port is also popular
- About 25 minutes from Togendai Port to Moto-Hakone Port
- Viewing the Peace Torii from the boat is also recommended
Recommended Access Route
The smoothest route is taking the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station, then the Hakone Tozan Bus to Moto-Hakone. Purchasing the Hakone Free Pass (from ¥6,100 round-trip from Shinjuku) provides unlimited rides on the mountain railway, cable car, ropeway, pirate ship, and buses in the Hakone area—excellent value. Following the “Hakone Golden Course” (Hakone-Yumoto → Gora → Owakudani → Togendai → Lake Ashi → Moto-Hakone) lets you efficiently cover all of Hakone’s major spots.
Summary
With over 1,260 years of history, Hakone Shrine is one of the Kanto region’s premier power spots, brimming with highlights including the Peace Torii floating on Lake Ashi, the cedar-lined approach with 800-year-old giants, and Kuzuryu Shrine for romantic blessings. Come experience for yourself the power of this shrine that even Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu revered as a place to “rule the land.”
Combined with Hakone’s hot springs, the natural grandeur of Owakudani, and a Lake Ashi cruise, you have the makings of a fulfilling Hakone trip. Hakone Shrine, showing different beauty with each season, is one of Japan’s finest spiritual spots that offers new discoveries with every visit.
