At a glance
Hakone Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Founded in 757, the shrine features vermilion architecture, ancient cedar trees, and the iconic Peace Torii gate standing in the lake waters. The grounds include a small museum and Kuzuryu Shrine branch, making it a significant spiritual and cultural site that has served as a guardian deity for the Kanto region since the Nara period.
Photographs
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine stands as one of Japan's most photographed spiritual sites, where ancient cedar trees tower over vermilion buildings and the iconic Peace Torii gate rises from the misty waters of Lake Ashi. Founded in 757 by the monk Mangan, this historic Shinto shrine has served as a power spot for over 1,200 years, revered by samurai leaders including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine grounds feature impressive Gongen-zukuri architecture, thousand-year-old cedar trees lining the stone approach, and the nearby Kuzuryu Shrine branch dedicated to the Nine-Headed Dragon God, making it a complete spiritual experience in Hakone's lakefront setting.
Visitors can explore multiple sacred areas including the main hall enshrining Hakone Okami, the photogenic lakeside torii gate that has become synonymous with Hakone tourism, and the purifying Ryujin-sui spring where worshippers float prayer slips. The shrine offers goshuin stamps for 500 yen with handwritten or pre-written options, various omamori amulets including the popular Yoriki charm for happiness protection, and unique fortune slips featuring the Seven Lucky Gods. Wheelchair accessibility includes an elevator system near the main parking area, though the traditional stone stairway approach provides the most atmospheric entry through towering cedar forest.
For photography, early morning is best, when the forest is quieter and Lake Ashi often has a soft, misty mood. The torii gate is beautiful in cloudy weather too, but it can draw long lines later in the day, so the shrine’s stone stairway, cedar-lined approach, and red buildings are often better places to capture the atmosphere without rushing.
Located along Lake Ashi's eastern shore in Moto-Hakone, the shrine sits approximately 30 minutes by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and within walking distance of the pirate ship port. The tranquil temple grounds offer restroom facilities and dedicated parking across three lots, with the third lot providing easiest access to the main shrine buildings for visitors with mobility considerations.
Before you go
Entry to Hakone Shrine grounds is free. Goshuin stamps are available for an additional fee, typically around 500 yen. The main approach includes a long stone staircase through cedar forest, so comfortable footwear is recommended, though elevator access is available from the parking area for visitors with mobility concerns. Toilets, parking areas, small souvenir shops, and vending machines are available near the shrine grounds. English signage is limited but manageable for most travelers. Tripods are generally discouraged around the Peace Torii during crowded periods due to narrow pathways and queues for photography. Bringing a light jacket is recommended, as the lakeside area can feel cool and damp even outside winter.
Hakone Shrine is generally open year-round with no regular closing days. Shrine grounds remain accessible throughout the day, while the shrine office and goshuin reception typically operate from around 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. During New Year holidays, especially the first few days of January, the shrine becomes extremely crowded with hatsumode visitors.
When to go
Spring brings stunning azalea blooms in nearby gardens while autumn transforms the surrounding cedar forests into vibrant displays of color, making these seasons ideal for photography at the iconic lakeside torii gate. Early morning visits during these periods offer calm Lake Ashi waters that perfectly reflect the Peace Torii and Mount Fuji views. Weekday mornings between 6AM and 8AM provide the most serene experience with minimal queues for photos at the famous torii gate. Weekends and public holidays see significant crowds from 10AM to 2PM, particularly at the lakeside photo spot where wait times can exceed an hour during peak periods. The shrine experiences maximum capacity on Sundays and Saturdays between 11AM and 1PM when visitor numbers reach their highest levels. This period also coincides with tour bus arrivals and pirate ship passengers disembarking at nearby Motohakone Port, creating extended waits at popular photo locations. For a peaceful visit with shorter waits, Tuesday through Thursday mornings from 6AM to 8AM offer the quietest experience. Early risers during these hours can capture photos at the Peace Torii without queuing and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere along the cedar-lined approach before the majority of tourists arrive.
Average crowd levels throughout the day, based on historical data.
Public review summary
Visitors consistently praise the serene atmosphere created by ancient cedar trees and the iconic lakeside torii gate. Many appreciate early morning visits for photography and peaceful reflection. Common feedback notes crowds during peak hours and long queues for photos at the Peace Torii, though most find the natural beauty and spiritual ambiance worth the wait. The shrine grounds receive high marks for cleanliness and accessibility features.
What you'll find here
Location & access
- DirectionsAddress
80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
- How to get there
By Public Transportation:
From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus toward Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi. The ride takes around 35 to 45 minutes. Get off at the “Moto-Hakone” bus stop, then walk approximately 10 minutes to the shrine entrance. The shrine is also within walking distance of the Hakone Pirate Ship pier on Lake Ashi.
By Car:
Hakone Shrine can be reached via National Route 1 from Odawara or Mishima. Paid parking is available near the shrine grounds across several parking areas. Roads around Hakone can become congested during weekends, holidays, and autumn foliage season, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
Common questions
Is Hakone Shrine free to enter?
Yes, Hakone Shrine offers free admission to all visitors. The shrine grounds are open 24 hours daily, allowing you to explore the main hall, approach paths, and lakeside torii gate without any entrance fee. However, goshuin stamps are available for purchase at 500 yen at the shrine office.
How do I get to Hakone Shrine from Hakone-Yumoto Station?
From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take a bus bound for Hakone-machi Port, which runs 3-4 times per hour. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes without traffic. Get off at the Motohakone stop, then walk about 10 minutes to reach Hakone Shrine. The shrine is located on the shores of Lake Ashi.
What is the Peace Torii gate at Hakone Shrine?
The Peace Torii is Hakone Shrine's iconic red torii gate standing in the waters of Lake Ashi. It's one of the most photographed spots in Hakone and creates stunning reflections on calm days. Due to its popularity, there is often a queue to take photos, with a 3-minute time limit per group during busy periods.
Are there wheelchair accessible facilities at Hakone Shrine?
Hakone Shrine offers wheelchair accessible parking and an elevator service for visitors with mobility issues. The third parking lot provides the flattest route to the main shrine. Contact the shrine office near the torii gate entrance to arrange elevator access, as the main approach involves steep stairs.
Can I bring my pet to Hakone Shrine?
Pets are generally allowed at Hakone Shrine if kept on a leash or harness. Many visitors bring dogs to the shrine grounds. However, it's recommended to keep pets outside the main shrine buildings themselves, as temples and shrines typically request this out of respect for the sacred spaces.
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