Hakone Shrine
箱根神社
Hakone's guardian shrine, said to have been founded in 757 by the priest Mangan. Long revered as the "Guardian Shrine of the Kanto Region," Hakone Daigongen, it drew deep devotion from many warlords including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is known for blessings of good fortune, warding off misfortune, wish fulfillment, and traffic safety. The "Peace Torii" standing at the edge of Lake Ashi is a popular photo spot that appears to float on the water, and the grounds enshrine Kuzuryu Shrine (Shingu), an auxiliary shrine deeply tied to the dragon-god legend. With a long approach lined by cedar trees hundreds of years old combined with the lakeside scenery, it is one of Hakone's foremost power spots, drawing many visitors for New Year's prayers and matchmaking wishes.
Founded in 757, a guardian shrine of the Kanto region
Founded, according to tradition, in 757 (Tenpyo-hoji 1) during the Nara period by the priest Mangan, this ancient shrine has long been revered as the "Guardian Shrine of the Kanto Region," Hakone Daigongen. Minamoto no Yoritomo is said to have prayed for victory here when he raised his army, and generations of warlords including Tokugawa Ieyasu are said to have worshipped here, with blessings said to include good fortune, warding off misfortune, wish fulfillment, and traffic safety.
The Peace Torii, floating on the lake
The "Peace Torii," standing at the edge of Lake Ashi, was erected in 1952 to commemorate Japan's independence and the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco. The plaque reading "Peace" on the torii is in the hand of former Prime Minister Yoshida Shigeru. The sight of the torii appearing to float on the water's surface has become one of Hakone's signature photo spots.
The dragon-god legend and Kuzuryu Shrine (Shingu)
The grounds house Kuzuryu Shrine (Shingu), an auxiliary shrine enshrining the great dragon god Kuzuryu, guardian deity of Lake Ashi. Said to bring blessings of financial fortune, business prosperity, and matchmaking, and combined with the lake's ancient dragon-god legend, it draws many worshippers. The main Kuzuryu Shrine is located elsewhere along the lakeshore and can only be reached by boat or on foot.
Seasonal Highlights
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
A season when the trees on the grounds change color, making a beautiful contrast with the vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The New Year's visiting season draws some of the largest crowds in Hakone.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 45-60 minutes including worship and a stroll
- Crowd levels
- The parking lot and approach get very crowded during the New Year's period and on weekends
- Best time to visit
- Weekday mornings, before the sightseeing boats arrive
| Address | 80-1 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | The grounds are open for worship 24 hours (授与所 amulet office 8:15-17:00, treasure hall 9:00-16:30) |
| Admission | Free to worship on the grounds (treasure hall viewing: adults ¥500) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 10 min walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station (About 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus, get off at "Moto-Hakone," then a 10-minute walk)
- 10 min walk from Moto-Hakone Port (About a 10-minute walk after disembarking the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise at "Moto-Hakone Port")