Hakone Shrine (箱根神社, Hakone Jinja) stands at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi. The shrinebuildings are hidden in the dense forest, but are well advertised by its huge torii gates, one standing prominently in the lake and two others over the main street of Moto-Hakone. A path leads from the torii gate in Lake Ashi up a series of steps flanked by lanterns through the forest to the main building of the shrine, which sits peacefully among the tall trees. The shrine is beautiful throughout the year, and is particularly breathtaking when shrouded in mist. A second shrine, Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya ("original shrine") stands at the summit of Komagatake, one of Mount Hakone's multiple peaks. It is accessible by the Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone-en or via hiking trails. |
How to get there |
Hakone Shrine is a five minute walk from the Moto-Hakone boat pier, which is a 35 minute bus ride by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station by bus line H (930 yen, 4-5 buses per hour, covered by the Hakone Free Pass).
Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya is a short walk from the top station of Komagatake Ropeway, which departs from Hakone-en at the shores of Lake Ashi. A round trip ticket costs 1050 yen. Hakone Free Pass holders can get a discount. |