Hakone Shrine: Explore the Historic Lakeside Sanctuary with Iconic Torii Gate and Scenic Views

"Hakone" has long been beloved as one of Japan's premier hot spring resort destinations. Hakone is blessed with Japan's diverse nature, including highlands, forests, rivers, and lakes, and is also a treasure trove of cuisine. It's no wonder that acclaimed auberges and renowned restaurants where food connoisseurs line up have gathered here.

Furthermore, Hakone's famous "Lake Ashi" is actually a spectacular viewpoint for Mt. Fuji. It's highly regarded for offering wonderful scenery created by nature throughout all four seasons of the year.

Among the many attractions in Hakone, one place you absolutely must visit is Hakone Shrine. As a sacred site in the Hakone area, which flourished as a center of mountain worship, it's one of Japan's foremost power spots.

In this article, we'll delve into the profound appeal of Hakone Shrine.

Hakone Shrine: A Must-Visit Shrine Overflowing with Appeal

Why Are Shrines Special to Japanese People?

With over 100,000 shrines across Japan, they have been closely connected to Japanese culture and daily life.

Originally, shrines were places to worship the deities of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion. However, even non-believers visit shrines to offer New Year's greetings, pray for success in university entrance exams and job hunting, and join their hands in prayer to the gods on various occasions.

While shrines are the dwelling places of gods, they are also deeply rooted in Japanese DNA as spiritual anchors for people.

5 Attractions of Hakone Shrine

The Iconic Torii Gate Emanating a Mystical Atmosphere

The most famous viewpoint at Hakone Shrine is the "heiwa no torii" (Peace Torii), which stands in Lake Ashi. Its vermillion color standing out against the quiet lake surface is divine, showing breathtaking beauty. It's no wonder this spot is frequently featured on social media as a perfect photo opportunity.

Incidentally, a torii gate serves as an entrance to the sacred realm. It plays the important role of separating the human world from the divine world. Perhaps this is why we're overwhelmed by the solemn atmosphere that the torii gate emanates.

The view of the mountains across the lake while standing directly under the torii gate is particularly spectacular.

Natural Grandeur Surrounded by Lake Ashi and Rich Forests

The Goshintai (object believed to house the deity) of Hakone Shrine is Mount Hakone itself. The mountain has a long history of being revered as a divine dwelling place, with its deep forests enhancing its mystical nature. Along both sides of the path leading to the main shrine stand ancient cedar trees that are 600 years old and reach heights of 40 meters, allowing visitors to tangibly feel their sacred power.

Lake Ashi is essential when discussing the natural beauty of this area. With Mount Fuji as its backdrop, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, the sparkling lake surface illuminated by summer sun, a deep crimson world of autumn leaves, and pure white snow scenes in winter.

In this way, Hakone Shrine serves as Hakone's symbol, harmoniously blending with the rich nature that preserves Japan's distinctive seasonal beauty.

Sacred Atmosphere and Long History Carved into the Shrine

Delving into Hakone's history, worship of the Mount Hakone area dates back to before the Common Era. The shrine buildings were established at their current location about 1,200 years ago, and it is said that many historically significant military commanders have revered Hakone Shrine since then.

The shrine grounds, covered with trees hundreds of years old, are enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere gently separated from the outside world.

The grounds include a treasure house (admission fee required) where visitors can deepen their historical understanding by viewing Hakone Shrine's historical materials and important cultural properties.

The Main Shrine Housing Three Legendary Deities

Hakone Shrine has long been a center of mountain worship in the Kanto region. The deities enshrined in the main hall are famous, beginning with Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of Amaterasu-Omikami, the supreme deity in Japanese mythology. He is revered as the god who brought rice cultivation to earth and brings prosperity to heaven and earth.

Konohanasakuya-hime, Ninigi-no-Mikoto's wife and the origin of the name "sakura" (cherry blossom), is also one of the Hakone-no-Okami deities. She is known not only as a guardian of women, particularly for safe childbirth and fertility, but also as a protector of agriculture, fishing, sake brewing, textiles, and safe navigation.

The third deity is Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto, the child of Ninigi-no-Mikoto and Konohanasakuya-hime, believed to bring benefits for business prosperity, maritime safety, and matchmaking.

Free Admission for Shrine Area Tourism

Hakone Shrine can be visited without an entrance fee. It's recommended to slowly climb the stone steps of the approach path surrounded by large trees, which offers a refreshing forest bathing experience.

Visitors can meaningfully spend their time viewing the "Anzan Sugi," a giant cedar over 1,000 years old, or learning about Hakone's history in the treasure house (paid admission).

Additionally, since the shrine faces Lake Ashi, creating memorable moments by admiring both the vermillion torii gate and Mount Fuji simultaneously from a sightseeing boat on the lake is a wonderful experience.

Early Morning is the Best Time to Visit Hakone Shrine

It's generally recommended to visit shrines in the morning. While this relates to feng shui principles of "energy flow," it also means you can pray in peace during less crowded hours (there's also a rumor that your wishes are more likely to reach the deities).

For Hakone Shrine in particular, visiting early in the morning is definitely recommended to enjoy the natural surroundings enveloped in crisp morning air, including the stunning view of Lake Ashi gleaming in the morning sun. It's a refreshing way to start your day.

Visit Hakone Shrine During Exciting Event Seasons!

In addition to the monthly Tsukinami festival, Hakone Shrine hosts grand festivals during seasonal changes, milestones, and special commemorative dates.

These celebrations sometimes coincide with community-wide events like fireworks displays over Lake Ashi, bringing excitement to the entire Hakone area. Here are some must-see events:

New Year's Visit & Hakone Shrine New Year Celebration Fireworks

Source:Hakone Navi

Every year, many visitors come to Hakone Shrine for their first shrine visit of the year (hatsumode), celebrating the safe arrival of the new year. The shrine grounds are filled with a festive atmosphere, quite different from their usual solemn state.

In the Hakone area, the "Shinnen hosyuku hanabi" (New Year's Celebration Fireworks) launched over Lake Ashi at midnight on January 1st signals the arrival of the new year. About 1,000 fireworks color the winter night sky and clear lake surface, celebrating the beginning of the new year.

As the first major event of the year, it attracts locals, tourists, and people of all ages who gather in a celebratory mood. The fireworks viewed through the "peace torii" floating on Lake Ashi create an elegant and atmospheric scene. Just memorizing this beauty seems to bring good fortune for the new year.

Setsubun Festival & Setsubun Celebration Fireworks

Source:Hakone Zenzan

The Setsubun Festival and Setsubun Celebration Fireworks are annual events held during Setsubun.

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event held in early February during risshun (the transition from winter to spring) to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune. One common ritual is mamemaki (bean throwing). On Setsubun day, there's a custom of throwing beans at oni (demons) who symbolize misfortune, which is practiced in many Japanese households.

At Hakone Shrine, they conduct a unique and exciting Setsubun festival where people throw beans at demons who flee on water skis across Lake Ashi. A festival celebrating wakasagi (smelt fish), a Lake Ashi specialty, is held simultaneously, with freshly fried wakasagi served on the shrine grounds.

On the eve of the festival, the Setsubun Celebration Fireworks show is held. The spectacular display of fireworks blooming in February's crystal-clear winter night sky is truly impressive.

Annual Festival

Source:Hakone Geopark

Reitaisai refers to the most important annual ritual ceremony held at shrines. It is often conducted on days associated with the enshrined deities or the shrine's history, making it the biggest festival of the year. Traditionally, it's an occasion to offer comprehensive prayers of gratitude and for the prosperity of local descendants.

Hakone Shrine holds its Reitaisai every summer. Grand offerings are made to the deities, followed by sequential performances of the Hakone Ennen no Mai, Hakone Song, and Yutate Shishimai, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere.

The Hakone Ennen no Mai is a dance performed by local children residing in Hakone, expressing wishes for people's health and longevity. The Yutate Shishimai is a unique folk ritual passed down in Hakone, featuring a lion dance where hot water is sprinkled—this is the highlight of the performance. It is said that those sprinkled with the hot water will remain healthy and free from illness for the coming year.

Access to Hakone Shrine

Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access Routes:
- From Hakone-Yumoto Station (Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line): Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakonejinja-iriguchi" stop
- From Yumoto Station (Odakyu Line): Take the Odakyu Hakone Railway Line (Tozandensya) to Kowakidani Station, then take Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakonejinja-iriguchi" stop
- From Odawara Station (JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line/Tokaido Main Line/Odakyu/Izuhakone Railway): Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakonejinja-iriguchi" stop
Official Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/

Two Additional Shrines to Visit When at Hakone Shrine

Sansha Mairi refers to visiting three shrines. In the Hakone area, this involves visiting Hakone Shrine, Kuzuryu Shrine, and Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine.

From Hakone Shrine to the mountaintop Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine, and Kuzuryu Shrine situated by Lake Ashi, visiting these three major power spots in Hakone is said to generate positive energy.

Each shrine is pleasantly nestled in Hakone's natural environment, offering various blessings including good fortune, protection from misfortune, business prosperity, love fulfillment, and traffic safety. Consider entrusting your wishes to the deities of Hakone.

Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu

Kuzuryu Shrine enshrines "Kuzuryu no Okami" (the nine-headed dragon deity), the guardian deity of Lake Ashi, and has been revered by people since ancient times. Lake Ashi, protected by Kuzuryu no Okami, is considered a sacred lake believed to grant various blessings including business prosperity, financial fortune, and relationship success. Recently, it has become widely known as a deity of matchmaking. 

Kuzuryu Shrine has both a main shrine and a new shrine. The new shrine is located within Hakone Shrine's grounds, next to the main hall. The main shrine is situated in "Hakone Kuzuryu no Mori" by Lake Ashi, slightly away from Hakone Shrine's grounds. If time permits, consider visiting the main shrine.

Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine

Source: Official website

Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine was established at the summit of Mount Komagatake as the inner shrine of Hakone Shrine. Its history predates Hakone Shrine by approximately 2,400 years. It was once a center for mountain worship (religious practices attributing spiritual significance to mountains) and ascetic training. 

Today, it's renowned as a power spot for good fortune, protection from misfortune, fulfillment of wishes, and traffic safety. The shrine grounds feature a simple structure with only a worship hall (where visitors pay respects to the deities) facing "Kamiyama."

To reach Mount Komagatake's summit, visitors take a ropeway. The journey offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Ashi and the entire Hakone landscape.