Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu: Discover the Sacred Dragon Deity's Lakeside Sanctuary
Hakone is a highly popular tourist destination with excellent access from the urban center that has been famous for generations. While Hakone is well-known for hot spring areas like Gora, due to the large number of visitors from both Japan and overseas, delicious restaurants and Instagram-worthy spots have also been increasing.
Additionally, in Hakone, which is surrounded by mountains and sea, events where deities are enshrined to pray for peace as residents coexist harmoniously with nature are also thriving.
In this article, we will introduce the attractive points and recommended events of Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu. We will also explain in detail the history, access methods, and how to worship, so please check this information before visiting Hakone.
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Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu is an Energy-Filled Shrine Counted Among Hakone's Three Shrines
Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu is a popular power spot in Japan that is counted among Hakone's three shrines along with Hakone Shrine and Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine.
Furthermore, Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine has two worship locations: Hongu and Shingu.
Originally, only Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu existed, built deep in the forest, but in 1999, Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu was built within the grounds of Hakone Shrine to make it easier for more people to worship.
It is said that you can receive the same benefits no matter which one you visit for worship. While it's good to worship at the easily accessible Shingu, my recommendation is to make a bit more effort to visit Hongu. From the old buildings, you can experience the history that Hakone has undergone for a long time.
Why Are Shrines Special to Japanese People?
Shrines are special to Japanese people because they are sacred places where the presence of deities can be felt.
Japanese people have long feared the great power dwelling in nature whenever disasters and famines occurred.
In the past, mountains, seas, water, rocks, and trees were directly revered as gods, but as architectural techniques spread, buildings called shrines began to be constructed.
Shrines exist throughout Japan, and each holds events to pray for good harvests or express gratitude for harvests.
5 Charms of Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu
Many Legends Related to Japanese Mythology and Culture Remain
One of the charms of Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu is that many legends have been passed down.
Shrines in Japan each have local tales related to mythology and culture that have been handed down. Myths and legends have the effect of enhancing people's faith.Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine also has legends that have been told since ancient times and have been passed down by local people for a long time.
Before visiting Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, check the mythology to deepen your understanding of Japanese faith.
What is the Nine-Headed Dragon Legend?
At Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine, the Kuzuryu (Nine-Headed Dragon) legend remains.
Long ago, there was a dragon in Lake Ashi that tormented residents through evil deeds. A monk who was building Hakone Shrine heard rumors about this dragon from the people and created an altar at the shore of Lake Ashi to help them.
By chanting sutras for several days, he was said to have reformed the dragon.The incarnation of the reformed dragon who stopped its evil deeds was enshrined as a deity dwelling in Lake Ashi, and Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu was built in the forest.
This Kuzuryu legend continues to be passed down in modern times, and Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine is treated with great importance.
The "Matchmaking Deity" That Attracts Love and Good Connections
Source:Official website
The Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu has become a popular tourist spot among young women due to its connection with matchmaking. Matchmaking here doesn't only refer to romantic relationships but also opportunities to connect with important people and things. This shrine is not only recommended for women but also for men seeking beneficial business connections.
When praying for good connections at the Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, try following these worship steps:
1. Cleanse your hands and mouth at the Temizuya
2. Place a money offering
3. Bow twice then clap twice. After that bow once again.
By the way, the water flowing from the nine dragon objects is natural spring water. It's said to bring good fortune if you drink it, and you can also take some home in a water bottle.
Easy to Visit Along With Hakone Shrine
One attractive feature of the Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu is that it's located within the grounds of Hakone Shrine, making it convenient to visit both at once. When visiting Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, be sure to also pay your respects at Hakone Shrine.
Additionally, when at Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, you can also see Hakone Shrine's famous photo spot "The Peace Torii" nearby. The Peace Torii is a gate that appears to be floating on the lake and is extremely popular among tourists as an Instagram-worthy spot. Be sure to take photogenic pictures with your partner or friends.
Monthly Festivals Held on the 13th of Each Month at Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu
At the Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, a monthly festival is held on the 13th of every month. The monthly festival takes place across the Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, Hongu, and Hakone Shrine areas, and is an important ceremony praying for people's peace.
An attractive feature of the monthly festival is that you can access the Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu by boat, which is normally only accessible on foot.
Among these, I particularly recommend the Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu annual festival held on June 13th. While the content of the ceremony is the same as other months, since this annual festival is only held once a year, the Shinto priests' demeanor becomes more solemn. You can experience a more authentic Japanese ceremony.
Three Particularly Recommended Festivals at Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu Throughout the Year
At Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine, in addition to the monthly festivals, events that reflect the seasons are held throughout the year. I'd like to introduce three annual events at Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine that I particularly focus on.
Setsubun Festival
Source:Official website
If you're visiting Hakone in February, you should participate in the Setsubun Festival held at Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu and Hakone Shrine grounds. You can experience Setsubun, a traditional Japanese event, up close.
During Setsubun, beans are scattered to drive away evil spirits and pray for health and safety. At the Kuzuryu Shrine Setsubun Festival, demons symbolizing evil spirits appear to retreat after beans are thrown at them on the shrine grounds, but then escape on water skis across Lake Ashi. Therefore, participants move onto the lake by boat and throw beans from the boats.
The Setsubun Festival is enjoyable even just to watch and is recommended for foreign tourists visiting Hakone.
Kojiri Dragon God Festival
Source:Official website
For those visiting Hakone in August, I recommend the Kojiri Ryujin Festival. This festival honors Kuzuryu Myojin, who is enshrined as the god of Lake Ashi in Hakone.
The Kojiri Ryujin Festival is held on August 4th, the fifth day of the "Summer Festival Week at Lake Ashi," which runs for six days from July 31st to August 5th.
While the ritual ceremony at Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu Hongu is not open to the public, the highlight comes afterward when sacred fire is carried by boat to Lake Ashi, signaling the start of a fireworks display.
The fireworks performance over the lake creates a mystical scene as the lights reflect beautifully on the water's surface. Through the Kojiri Ryujin Festival, you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of a Japanese summer.
End-of-Year Purification Ritual
Source:Official website
If you plan to spend the New Year in Hakone, visit the Shiwasu no Oharai held at Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu and Hakone Shrine grounds.
Oharai is a Japanese ritual that dispels disasters and prays for health and safety. At Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu and Hakone Shrine grounds, Oharai ceremonies are held twice a year, in December and June.
Among these, I especially recommend the Shiwasu no Oharai held on December 31st. By removing disasters at the end of the year, you can welcome the new year with peace of mind.
The highlight of this event is the Chinowa Kuguri ritual. By formally passing through a large Chinowa (ring made of straw), it is believed that disasters and evils attached to you will be dispelled.
If you register in advance, you can also participate in the ritual, so those interested should check for information.
Access to Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu
- Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access:
From Odakyu Line "Yumoto Station" or JR Tokaido Shinkansen "Odawara Station"/"Atami Station"
Take the Izu Hakone Bus and get off at "Motohakone" (about 10 minutes on foot)
Or take the Hakone Tozan Bus and get off at "Motohakone Port" (about 10 minutes on foot)
To reach Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu, it's about a 30-minute walk from Hakone Shrine. On the 13th during the monthly festival, motorboat access is also available.
- Official Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Two Shrines to Visit When You're at Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu
When visiting Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine, it's recommended to also worship at Hakone Shrine and Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine. By visiting all three of these famous power spots, you'll likely receive many blessings.
Each of the three shrines has its own unique characteristics.
Hakone Shrine has been a notable shrine since ancient times, even visited by bushi (warriors) who competed for power. Visit the site to discover why it's so popular.
Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine has the mountain itself enshrined as a sacred mountain, offering a completely different scene from the other two.
By checking information about the shrines you plan to visit in advance, you can deeply understand their significance and Japanese spirituality.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hakone. It's known for bringing good fortune, attracting many worshippers from both Japan and abroad.
When people think of Hakone Shrine, they often recall the famous torii gate floating on the lake that's popular on social media, but the Shrine itself has a long history and is a sacred place.
Famous bushi from Japanese history like "Ieyasu Tokugawa" and "Yoritomo Minamoto" also worshipped at this Shrine.
There was even a time when visiting Hakone Shrine became a national annual event.
On weekends, holidays, and during holiday seasons, lines may form at Hakone Shrine, and it might take 30 minutes to an hour to worship.
Be sure to plan your sightseeing schedule with plenty of time.
Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine
When visiting Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine and Hakone Shrine, try to make one more push to experience Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine as well.
Shrines sometimes have buildings located not only at the Honden (main building) but also in somewhat distant locations. Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine was built on the mountain behind Hakone Shrine.
Since Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine is located at the summit of Hakone Komagatake, it offers a completely different atmosphere from the other two shrines.
To reach Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine, walk from Hakone Shrine to Hakone-en, then take the Komagatake Ropeway to the summit station. From the summit station, it's about an 8-minute walk to the shrine.
During your journey on the ropeway to the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the sea.
