Hakone Shrine's Lakeside Torii

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A serene lakeside gate marking the entrance to the historic Hakone Shrine, offering stunning views and spiritual solace.

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Hakone Shrine 1st Torii Gate

The iconic first Torii gate of Hakone Shrine stands serenely on the shores of Lake Ashi, marking the entrance to a sacred space steeped in history and natural beauty. It's a picturesque symbol of Hakone, drawing visitors seeking spiritual connection and stunning views.

A brief summary to Hakone Shrine 1st Torii Gate

Motohakone, 東海道, Hakone, 東海道 Motohakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, 250-0522, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hakone Shrine 1st Torii Gate.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photographs of the torii gate and Lake Ashi.
Combine your visit with a cruise on Lake Ashi for a unique perspective of the torii gate and surrounding scenery.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there are steps and paths to navigate around the shrine.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as visibility of Mount Fuji can vary.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

Heiwa no Torii

Heiwa no Torii: Gateway to Hakone Shrine

Ishidatami Hakone

Ishidatami Hakone: A Journey Through Time

Nihyaku Kaidan (Stairs of Two Hundred Steps)

Nihyaku Kaidan: Ascending to Hakone's Natural Beauty

Getting There

Bus

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (lines H or K) towards Motohakone or Hakonemachi. Ride for approximately 40 minutes to the Hakone-jinja-iriguchi bus stop. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the Torii gate. The bus fare is approximately ¥1080, and the ride is covered by the Hakone Free Pass.
Ferry

Take a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi to Moto-Hakone. From the Moto-Hakone boat pier, it's a short 5-10 minute walk to the Hakone Shrine's lakeside torii gate. A one-way cruise from Togendai to Motohakone-ko costs around ¥1200, but a discount is available with the Hakone Free Pass.
Walking

From the Hakone Checkpoint, walk along the shore of Lake Ashi towards the Hakone Shrine. The walk is roughly 15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

Discover more about Hakone Shrine 1st Torii Gate

Hakone Shrine, with its history stretching back over 1200 years, has been a place of worship and pilgrimage nestled in the lush mountains of Hakone. The shrine's first Torii gate, located on the shores of Lake Ashi, welcomes visitors to a serene and spiritual experience. The shrine was founded in 757 during the Nara Period, a time when mountain worship was common in Japan. People believed that the souls of the dead would go to the high peaks of Hakone when traveling to the next world.Over the centuries, Hakone Shrine has drawn shoguns, samurai, and countless travelers seeking blessings for safe travel and prosperity. Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Kamakura shogun, sought refuge at the shrine in 1180. The shrine was burned down in 1590 during the Battle of Odawara and rebuilt in 1667. Today, Hakone Shrine is known for bestowing good luck, ensuring road safety, warding off evil, and fulfilling wishes. Many visitors seek romantic blessings at the shrine.The first Torii gate at Motohakone welcomes visitors arriving by boat. The red gate stands in Lake Ashi, creating a stunning image with the lake and Mount Fuji in the background. The path leading from the gate has 89 steps that pass stone lanterns and cedar trees.