Moto-Hakone Stone Buddha Group
元箱根石仏群
A group of stone Buddhas and pagodas said to have begun being carved around 1293 (Einin 1), in the late Kamakura period. Along the shore of Shojin Pond by the old Tokaido road, they include the 3.2-meter-tall seated statue of Jizo Bosatsu known as "Rokudo Jizo," a group of cliff-carved reliefs called the "Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas," and a hoky-oin pagoda said to mark the grave of Tada Mitsunaka — a valuable historic site designated a national Historic Site and Important Cultural Property. During the Edo period, the site became associated with the popular kabuki and joruri story of the "Soga Brothers," and it has long been cherished both as an object of travelers' devotion and as a famous spot along the highway.
Rokudo Jizo, watching over travelers
At the core of the stone Buddha group stands the 3.2-meter-tall seated statue of Jizo Bosatsu, known as "Rokudo Jizo." Carved directly into the lava rock face, it is said to have been created around 1293 (Einin 1), in the late Kamakura period. It was a deeply venerated object of faith for travelers crossing the old Tokaido road over the Hakone pass, who prayed for safety on their journey.
The Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas and the Soga Brothers legend
North of Rokudo Jizo, the "Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas" (actually numbering 26) are lined up, carved into the rock face overlooking Shojin Pond. In the Edo period, these stone Buddhas and pagodas became associated with the then-popular revenge tale of the "Soga Brothers," and came to be cherished as pagodas said to mark the graves of Tora Gozen and the Soga brothers.
A historic site of the old Tokaido road
The group of stone Buddhas and pagodas around Shojin Pond is now designated a national Historic Site and Important Cultural Property. A walking path has been maintained, allowing a full circuit in about 30 minutes one way. The guidance facility "Sekibutsugun to Rekishikan" closed at the end of September 2023, but the outdoor stone Buddhas and pagodas remain freely open to view.
Seasonal Highlights
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The trees around Shojin Pond change color, letting visitors tour the stone Buddha group amid a subdued, atmospheric setting.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The air turns crisp, heightening the solemn atmosphere of the stone Buddhas standing in the stillness.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 30 minutes for a full circuit of the walking path
- Crowd levels
- Early morning offers a quieter visit than daytime, when tour buses are more frequent
- Best time to visit
- Early in the morning
| Address | Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa (shore of Shojin Pond) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access for viewing (the outdoor stone Buddhas and pagodas can be viewed all day; the guidance facility "Sekibutsugun to Rekishikan" closed in September 2023) |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 40 min walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station (About 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus bound for "Moto-Hakone Port" or "Hakone-machi Port," get off right at the "Rokudo Jizo" bus stop)