What other travelers are saying about Hakone Shrine
We visited this beautiful shrine early in the morning and there were not many people about. It was amazingly serene and quiet. We walked across to the Heiwa no Torii and again there were not many people, so we were able to take some nice photos.
Beautiful torii gate on the water - an iconic view amidst the forest and lake. The shrine is up the stairs and is quite nice.
Note that the line for the torii gate photos are quite long - usually an hour+ wait even on a rainy weekday
Hakone Shrine is a tranquil and spiritually enriching destination nestled along the shores of Lake Ashi. The iconic red torii gate, standing gracefully in the water, creates a breathtaking view, especially with Mount Fuji in the background. The shrine’s rich history and serene forested surroundings make it a perfect place for reflection and appreciation of traditional Japanese culture. Whether exploring the peaceful pathways or witnessing a Shinto ceremony, a visit to Hakone Shrine is a truly memorable experience.
Majestic place with breathtaking views, the best option to get around is by buying the day pass which gives you access to the cable cart, sky lift, boat and bus back to train station.
We especially enjoyed walking among the massive cypress trees along the passage into the shrine, but the large line up/crowd of tourists at the iconic tori gate on the water was a real disappointment - even on a weekday morning!
