Kinnotake Blog

3/03/2025

Hakone Shrine: Sacred Stillness by Lake Ashi and Mountain

Hakone Shrine: A Sacred Realm of Tranquility and Strength Between Lake and Mountain

From lakeside Torii to forested paths — discover the soul of Hakone.

Nestled at the edge of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is a deeply spiritual site with a history dating back to 757 AD. Revered by samurai warriors during times of territorial conflict, the shrine earned national fame as a place to pray for victory and divine guidance.

As you step into the shrine grounds, you're enveloped by a serene and sacred atmosphere — even the rustling of the trees feels spiritual. The path through the ancient forest invites quiet reflection, as each step brings you deeper into a space that feels both timeless and powerful.

Torii of Peace

One of its most iconic sights is the “Heiwa-no-Torii” (Torii of Peace), which stands gracefully in Lake Ashi. This lakeside torii gate has become a favorite photo spot for travelers seeking both beauty and meaning.

Hakone Shrine is known for blessings in:

Safe travels

Success in relationships

Good fortune in work and career

Passing through a torii symbolizes crossing from the everyday world into a sacred one. The act of walking toward the shrine — surrounded by towering cedars and mountain air — offers a calming, deeply personal experience for many visitors.

Access Information

Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Nearest Bus Stop: Hakone-jinja-iriguchi (箱根神社入口)

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take a Hakone Tozan Bus (H Line or K Line) for about 40 minutes to Hakone Shrine Entrance.

From the bus stop, it’s a 10-minute walk.

Alternatively, it’s also a 10-minute walk from Motohakone Port on Lake Ashi.

More about Hakone Shinto/Shrine

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