[Soun-ji Temple (Hakone-Yumoto)]
□ Elements
・ Access
A quiet 10-to-15-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station. While most tourists stay near the riverside shopping street, crossing the Ajisai Bridge and walking up the gentle slope leads you to this hidden spiritual gem. It is nestled against the foot of the mountain, offering a sharp contrast to the busy atmosphere of the station area.
・ time
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for a peaceful visit. The temple grounds are not sprawling, but they contain significant historical monuments.
・ Outfit
The temple approach involves some slopes and stone-paved paths, so stable walking shoes are recommended. As it is a sacred Zen temple and a burial site for one of Japan’s most famous samurai families, quiet and respectful behavior is expected. Avoid wearing overly casual or revealing beachwear, and ensure you are dressed comfortably for a short uphill walk.
・ Stay
Staying at one of the traditional ryokans in the "Taki-dori" area of Hakone-Yumoto puts you within easy walking distance of Soun-ji. Visiting early in the morning, right after the temple gates open, allows you to experience the true Zen atmosphere and the scent of incense in the cool mountain air before the day-trip tourists arrive at the station.
・ Eat
After visiting the temple, head back down toward the river to find several traditional tea houses and Soba restaurants. There are some hidden cafes near the temple that offer a quiet place to rest.
If you are in Hakone, this temple is absolutely worth a visit. The lush nature it includes is beautiful, and the serenity on site very relaxing.
If you are a fan or know about The Legend Of Zelda, then your visit will be even better as this temple served as inspiration for the Royal Family.
The historical background is interestingly tragic and intertwined with Japans's feudal history.
The place is magnificent and extremely well taken care of.
There are bathrooms in the building across the street from the entrance. It is easy to access with Hakone buses and walking inside the town is also beautiful, especially during Sakura blossoming season.
We stayed at the Yumoto Fujiya hotel and randomly visited this temple at one morning. It was a 15 minutes walk from the hotel. The temple was quiet, beautiful, peaceful. You can definitely refresh yourself here at the beginning of a new day in Yumoto.
The area is nice and compact but most importantly I guess, especially to Sengoku fans, is the resting place of the 5 Hōjō warlords of the Hōjō clan.
Nice little shrine quite peaceful clean and beautiful
