Kokuhei Shosha

Hakone Shrine

箱根神社

/ Hakone Jinja

Hakone Shrine
Image: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Admission
Free
Goshuin
500 JPY
Access
See details
Hours
Open daily

Overview

Hakone Shrine's vermilion torii gate rising from the waters of Lake Ashi, framed by ancient cryptomeria trees with Mount Fuji in the background, is one of Japan's most photographed scenes. The shrine sits at the foot of Mount Hakone along the western shore of the lake. Historically it served as a guardian shrine for travelers on the Tokaido road, Japan's most important highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto. The Kuzuryu (Nine-Headed Dragon) sub-shrine on the lakeshore adds a mystical dragon-worship element.

History

Founding

📜According to tradition
757 [天平宝字元年]

According to tradition, founded in 757 by the priest Mangan Shonin after receiving divine inspiration in a dream. The shrine served as a guardian for travelers on the Tokaido road and was patronized by the Hojo clan of Kamakura and later samurai families.

Enshrined Deities

primary Deity

The collective divine spirit of the Hakone mountains and Lake Ashi; enshrined at Hakone Jinja

Blessings

Shrine Network

Did You Know?

💡

The torii gate standing in Lake Ashi is called the 'Peace Torii,' erected in 1952 to celebrate Japan's independence after WWII.

Source: documented

💡

A nine-headed dragon was subdued by the shrine's founding priest and is now worshipped at the lakeside Kuzuryu Shrine.

Source: tradition

In Pop Culture

Strong Fan Connection

Hakone Shrine in Hakone, Kanagawa. Tokyo-3 in the series is set in the Hakone area. The shrine has embraced the connection with Evangelion-themed goods and collaboration events.

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

35.1962, 139.0222

Physical Address

80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa

神奈川県足柄下郡箱根町元箱根80-1

Historical Province

Sagami / Musashi

Access

Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)

Hours

Open daily

Bus

Bus to Motohakone (40 min from Hakone-Yumoto)

Best Times to Visit

springautumnsummer

Foreign Language Support

English

Accessibility

Limited - many stone steps

Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.

Why This Shrine

Its iconic lakeside torii is one of Japan's most recognizable images, and the shrine's location within the popular Hakone hot-spring resort area makes it one of the most visited shrines in the Kanto region.

Related Shrines

Learn More About Shinto Shrines

Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Hakone Shrine?

Hakone Shrine's vermilion torii gate rising from the waters of Lake Ashi, framed by ancient cryptomeria trees with Mount Fuji in the background, is one of Japan's most photographed scenes. The shrine sits at the foot of Mount Hakone along the western shore of the lake. Historically it served as a guardian shrine for travelers on the Tokaido road, Japan's most important highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto. The Kuzuryu (Nine-Headed Dragon) sub-shrine on the lakeshore adds a mystical dragon-worship element.

Where is Hakone Shrine located?

Hakone Shrine is located in Hakone, Kanagawa. The full address is: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa.

What deities are enshrined at Hakone Shrine?

The enshrined deities are: Hakone Okami.

What blessings can you pray for at Hakone Shrine?

Hakone Shrine is known for: Safe Travel, Victory, Matchmaking, Protection.

How do I get to Hakone Shrine?

The nearest station is Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway). Bus to Motohakone (40 min from Hakone-Yumoto)