Hakone Shrine, Sagami Travel Guide

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Discover Hakone Shrine, a spiritual gem on Lake Ashi with stunning views, rich history, and iconic torii gate.

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Hakone Shrine

Nestled on the shores of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is a serene Shinto shrine with a history dating back to 757 AD. Famous for its iconic red torii gate that rises from the lake, it offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by ancient cedar trees.

A brief summary to Hakone Shrine

Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Combine your visit with a cruise on Lake Ashi for stunning views of the shrine and Mount Fuji.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there are stone steps and paths to navigate.
Check the timetable for buses and cruises, as services may end early in the evening.
Consider purchasing a Hakone Free Pass for unlimited use of transportation within Hakone.

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Explore Hakone Shrine on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hakone Shrine, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (H line) to Moto-Hakone. The ride takes approximately 35 minutes and costs around ¥1080. The shrine is a 5-10 minute walk from the Moto-Hakone boat pier. The Hakone Free Pass covers this bus route.
Walking

From Moto-Hakone, follow the well-marked trail alongside Lake Ashi to Hakone Shrine. The walk takes about 10 minutes. Enjoy the peaceful scenery along the way.
Taxi

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, a taxi to Hakone Shrine costs approximately ¥4500-¥5500 and takes about 12 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the station.

Discover more about Hakone Shrine

Hakone Shrine, also known as Hakone-jinja, is a Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi. Founded in 757 AD by the priest Mangan, the shrine has been a site of mountain worship since ancient times. According to legend, Mangan erected a simple lakeside sanctuary to worship the deities of the nearby mountains. The shrine gained prominence during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) when Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, sought refuge here after a defeat in battle. He prayed for victory and, after establishing the shogunate, made regular pilgrimages to the shrine, inspiring other samurai and travelers to do the same. The shrine was burned down in 1590 during the Battle of Odawara, but the current buildings date back to 1667.The shrine complex includes several noteworthy structures. The main hall was rebuilt in 1936 after a fire. An annex, Kuzuryu Shrine, is dedicated to the nine-headed dragon deity believed to be the protector of Lake Ashi. The most iconic feature is the bright red Heiwa no Torii (“Torii of Peace”), built by the lakeside in 1952 to commemorate the Treaty of San Francisco. The torii gate symbolizes the connection between the spiritual and natural worlds. Visitors come to pray for good luck, warding off misfortune, fulfilling wishes, safe travel, and matchmaking. The shrine is surrounded by large cedars and pines, adding to the beauty and charm of the area.