What other travelers are saying about Hakone Shrine
#throwback2016
Tucked between mistdrenched cedars and the still waters of Lake Ashi, Hakone Jinja feels less like a shrine and more like an accidental portal to Studio Ghibli. The iconic red torii gate, emerging from the lake like a spiritual submarine hatch, is Instagram bait but somehow still sacred.
Founded in 757 AD, back when Fuji was still updating her firmware, the shrine once drew samurai warriors seeking divine WiFi before battle. These days, it draws influencers in linen shirts whispering “so zen” before posting a Reel with lofi beats.
The walk up through ancient trees is calming except when the fog gets too thick and you start questioning your life choices and the location of your travel group. Bonus: there’s also a side shrine for a nineheaded dragon deity. Because oneheaded dragons are just too basic for Hakone. 1200 years of vibes and foggy drama, blessed.
📸 Tip: Come early morning for mist, mystery, and minimal humans. Otherwise, enjoy the queue to touch a gate.
It is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. The torii gate by the lake is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots for a photo. But be prepared for a long queue, especially on weekends when it gets extremely crowded. The Hakone Shrine itself is huge, with many areas to explore. I recommend setting aside at least half a day to fully enjoy the experience and not miss anything.
Very busy shrine but in a beautiful area. There are a few trails and small areas off to the side where you can't find some peaceful moments of reflection. The amulet and goshuin areas were very busy but at least efficient. They have a good sized bathroom facility that unfortunately was in pretty rough shape during our visit. While the grounds are beautiful many of the buildings are undergoing some repairs and scaffolding abounds. Overall if you are in Hakone you will visit it is sort of the point but I hope it's not the only shrine you see in Japan.
An absolutely beautiful and serene shrine. I loved how the tall trees towered over our heads and the way the green of the forest mixed with the redish orange colors of the shrine. The architecture was simply stunning. And of course the torii gate on the lake is the main celebrity here. Just know that there’s a crazy long line to get a picture with it at all times, some saying it was an hour of waiting. We didn’t wait, we decided to admire the main part of the shrine instead. Don’t forget to get some water from the shrine spring, it’s said to bring good luck.
Hakone Shrine is a beautiful and peaceful spot surrounded by tall cedar trees, but just take note, you’ll need to climb a long flight of stairs to reach the main hall. It’s not too tough, but if you have mobility issues, it might be a bit challenging. There’s no lift or alternative path up, so plan accordingly.
