Hakone Shrine (箱根神社), also known as Hakone Jinja, is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is situated on the shores of Lake Ashi and is known for its stunning “Peace Torii” gate (平和の鳥居), which appears to float on the water’s surface. Built in 1952, this iconic red gate is a popular spot for photography and is often featured in travel brochures and postcards.
Hakone Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Konohanasakuya-hime, and Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto. The shrine was originally established in the 8th century and has been rebuilt several times over the years due to natural disasters and fires. The current main hall was built in 1667 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
One of the most iconic features of Hakone Shrine is the Peace Torii gate, which stands in the water of Lake Ashi. The gate is made of wood and is painted bright vermilion. Visitors can take a short boat ride to get a closer look at the torii gate, or hike up to the nearby hill for a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Another notable feature of Hakone Shrine is the “Ansan Sugi” (安産杉), a sacred cedar tree believed to be around 800 years old. It is said to bring blessings for safe childbirth and fertility.
Hakone Shrine is also home to the Kuzuryu Shrine (九頭龍神社), a subsidiary shrine dedicated to the dragon god of the lake, known for its blessings in matchmaking. It has two shrine buildings, the main shrine and the new shrine.
Hakone Shrine is also known for its beautiful natural setting. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Hakone and is surrounded by lush forest and mountains. Visitors can explore the shrine’s grounds, which include several smaller shrines, a sacred spring, and a number of stone lanterns and statues. The shrine also hosts the annual Hakone Shrine Grand Festival (箱根神社例大祭) on July 31st, featuring the “Kosui-sai” (湖水祭) ceremony where the divine spirits are transported across the lake on a boat.
Getting there
By Train and Bus from Tokyo
- Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (85 minutes by Romance Car)
- Transfer to a Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Moto-Hakone-ko (35 minutes, 960 yen)
- From Moto-Hakone-ko, walk about 10 minutes to the shrine
By Direct Bus from Tokyo
- Take the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus from Shinjuku Station to Moto-Hakone
- Journey time: About 2 hours
From Odawara Station
- Take a Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Moto-Hakone-ko
- Get off at Hakone-jinja-iriguchi or Moto-Hakone bus stop
- Walk to the shrine (about 5-10 minutes)
Details
| Hours | 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Phone | +81 460-83-7123 |
| Address | 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522 |
| Official Website | https://hakonejinja.or.jp/ |
