Located on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone Shrine is one of the Kanto region’s premier power spots with approximately 1,250 years of history. Founded in 757 (Tenpyo-hoji 1) by the monk Mangan Shonin, it has long been revered as the “Guardian of All Kanto” by samurai warriors and commoners alike.
The enshrined deity is Hakone Okami—three deities: Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Konohanasakuya-hime-no-Mikoto, and Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto. The shrine is known for wide-ranging blessings including fortune opening, wish fulfillment, and traffic safety.
The vermillion “Peace Torii” (Heiwa no Torii) standing in Lake Ashi is Hakone’s signature scenic spot. The “dual shrine visit” with adjacent Kuzuryu Shrine is considered the ultimate power spot course for matchmaking and financial fortune, drawing approximately 2 million visitors annually.
The Allure of This Sacred Site
Hakone Shrine’s founding dates to 757 (Tenpyo-hoji 1). The Nara period eminent monk Mangan Shonin received a divine revelation while practicing asceticism at the summit of Mount Komagatake in the Hakone mountains, and built a shrine at this location on the shores of Lake Ashi.
During the Heian period, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro prayed for victory here before his eastern campaign, and subsequently Minamoto no Yoritomo, the Hojo clan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and successive military commanders all visited for worship. Particularly, Minamoto no Yoritomo, after his defeat at the Battle of Ishibashiyama, prayed at this shrine and vowed to rise again, eventually going on to establish the Kamakura Shogunate.
During the Edo period, it was called “Hakone Gongen” as a guardian deity for travelers on the Tokaido road, gathering widespread worship. Following the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism, it was renamed “Hakone Shrine” and continues to this day.
Adjacent Kuzuryu Shrine is said to have even older history than Hakone Shrine, a sacred site of dragon deity worship. Enshrining the nine-headed dragon residing in Lake Ashi, it is known for blessings of matchmaking and financial fortune improvement.
Hakone Shrine is situated at approximately 730 meters elevation on the shores of Lake Ashi. The main hall was constructed in 1667 (Kanbun 7) by Tokugawa Ietsuna, with its vermillion shrine buildings striking against the deep forest.
The approach path consists of stone steps leading from Lake Ashi, lined on both sides with giant cedars over 800 years old, including a sacred tree called “Yatate no Sugi” (Arrow-Standing Cedar). Many people feel their hearts being purified just by walking this approach.
Most famous is the “Peace Torii” standing in Lake Ashi. Built in 1952 (Showa 27), this vermillion torii gate is beautiful with its reflection on the lake surface, and as the symbolic view of Hakone, many tourists photograph it.
Kuzuryu Shrine’s main shrine is located about a 30-minute walk along the lakeshore from Hakone Shrine. On the 13th of every month, a “Tsukinami-sai” (monthly festival) is held with special worship boats operating, gathering worshippers from across the country.
What sets Hakone Shrine apart from other shrines is its extremely strong “dragon vein energy.”
The Hakone mountains have long been worshipped as mountains where dragons dwell, and Lake Ashi has been considered the dwelling place of dragon deities. By making a “dual shrine visit” to both Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine, it is said you can receive the maximum power of the dragon deity.
Also, Hakone is a key transportation point connecting east and west, a place with strong energy of “turning points” and “change.” Many visit at life transitions, and it is said to grant the power to forge new paths.
The historical episode of Minamoto no Yoritomo making his comeback also supports this shrine’s power of “revival and renewal.”
Spiritual Benefits and Effects
Hakone Shrine is known for various blessings:
Fortune Opening & Evil Dispelling: As Guardian of All Kanto, it has the power to dispel misfortune and open good fortune. Particularly many visit in their unlucky years (yakudoshi).
Wish Fulfillment: Following the story of Minamoto no Yoritomo’s comeback, it is believed to have the power to fulfill major wishes.
Traffic Safety: As guardian deity of the Tokaido, it protects travelers’ safety. Many come today for car purification blessings.
Winning Fortune & Victory Prayers: From the history of military commanders praying for victory, there are blessings for competitive matters.
Matchmaking & Romance: The dual shrine visit with Kuzuryu Shrine is said to especially strengthen matchmaking blessings.
Financial Fortune Improvement: Kuzuryu Shrine is also famous for financial fortune blessings. Dragon deity power improves wealth.
What many worshippers sense at Hakone Shrine is “purifying power” and “forward-moving power.”
Many feel that walking through the cedar-lined approach washes away accumulated fatigue and mental cloudiness. This place where Lake Ashi’s water energy and Mount Hakone’s mountain energy intersect is said to have very strong purifying power.
Many also report gaining “courage to take that first step.” People facing major decisions like job changes, starting businesses, or marriage have experiences of feeling pushed forward.
“I visited when I decided to start my own business. Walking the approach, my hesitation disappeared and I felt ‘let’s do this.’ My company is doing well now.” (Man in his 40s, Tokyo)
“I participated in the monthly festival at Kuzuryu Shrine. The experience of worshipping from the lake was mystical, and positive feelings about romance welled up. Afterward, I had a wonderful encounter.” (Woman in her 30s, Yokohama)
Best Times to Visit
Early to mid-April features beautiful cherry blossoms. The contrast of Lake Ashi, cherry blossoms, and torii is spectacular. Golden Week is very crowded, but weekdays are relatively empty. Fresh greenery in May is also refreshing. June features hydrangeas in bloom. As a summer resort area it’s bustling, and worship in cool Hakone is comfortable. The August “Lake Festival” features a mystical ritual where offerings are made to the dragon deity in Lake Ashi. Famous as an autumn foliage destination. Peak is early to mid-November, with the contrast of autumn colors on the approach and vermillion shrine buildings breathtakingly beautiful. Many tourists, but early mornings allow quiet worship. The season when Lake Ashi is clearest. On clear winter days, Mount Fuji is also visible. New Year’s worship draws about 200,000 visitors causing major crowds. After mid-January it’s relatively empty, and worship in the crisp air is exceptional. Early Morning (6:00–8:00 AM): Few worshippers for exclusive sacred atmosphere. Lake Ashi wrapped in morning mist is mystical. Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): Amulet and goshuin reception begins. Relatively empty. Afternoon (1:00–5:00 PM): Most crowded time. Especially busy on weekends and holidays. Evening (5:00 PM–Sunset): The Peace Torii illuminated by sunset is spectacular. Great for photography.
Recommendation: ★★★★★
Recommendation: ★★★★☆
Recommendation: ★★★★★
Recommendation: ★★★★☆
Visitor’s Guide
1. Walk the Approach: If climbing the stone steps from the Lake Ashi side, there are 89 steps. Savor the forest approach as you proceed.
2. Purify at the Temizuya: Hold the ladle in your right hand, purify left hand → right hand → mouth → ladle handle.
3. Worship at the Main Hall: Place offering, ring the bell, bow twice, clap twice, bow once.
4. To the Peace Torii: Descend from the main hall to the lakeshore and photograph the Peace Torii.
5. To Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu: Also worship at the dragon deity’s new shrine within the grounds.
6. (If time permits) To Kuzuryu Shrine Main Shrine: About 30-minute walk. Or use worship boats on the 13th monthly festival.
Peace Torii: Vermillion torii standing in Lake Ashi. Its beautiful reflection on the lake surface is hugely popular as an Instagram spot.
Yatate no Sugi: A sacred tree approximately 1,200 years old on the approach. Legend says Sakanoue no Tamuramaro stood his arrow here to pray.
Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu: Within the grounds, with blessings for matchmaking and financial fortune. You can also take “Ryujin-sui” (dragon deity water) home.
Anzan-sugi (Safe Birth Cedar): A large cedar tree with blessings for conception and safe childbirth. Many touch it to pray.
Goshuin: You can receive goshuin stamps from both Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine (¥500 each).
- Clothing: The approach has many stone steps, so comfortable walking shoes essential. The forest is cool, so bring layers even in summer.
- What to Bring: Offering coins, goshuin stamp book, camera, drinks
- Note: The 13th monthly festival requires reservations (worship boats).
Basic Information
Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
By Car:
- About 30 minutes from Tomei Expressway “Gotemba IC”
- About 40 minutes from Odawara-Atsugi Road “Hakone-guchi IC”
- Parking: About 200 spaces (free)
By Public Transportation:
- Odakyu Romancecar to “Hakone-Yumoto Station,” then Hakone Tozan Bus to “Motohakone,” 10-minute walk
- JR “Odawara Station” to Hakone Tozan Bus “Motohakone Port,” 10-minute walk
Visiting Information
- Worship Hours: Grounds freely accessible (Treasure Hall 9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
- Closed: None
- Admission: Free (Treasure Hall ¥500)
- Prayer Reception: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
- Initial Offering: Prayers from ¥5,000
- Duration: 30 min–1 hour for main hall only, 2–3 hours including Kuzuryu Main Shrine
- Official Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
- Contact: 0460-83-7123
Area Information
Lake Ashi Sightseeing Boats (5-min walk)
Cruise Lake Ashi on pirate ships or pleasure boats. Views of the Peace Torii from the lake are excellent. About 30 minutes one way, round trip ¥1,840.
Hakone Checkpoint (10-min walk)
Historical facility reconstructing the Edo-period checkpoint. Experience what travelers went through. Admission ¥500.
Owakudani (20 min by car)
Representative Hakone tourist spot. Impressive scenery with rising steam and famous “black eggs.” Also accessible by ropeway.
Gongen Karamemochi (within grounds)
- Hakone Shrine’s famous “karamemochi”
- Specialty: Gongen Karamemochi (¥650/plate)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Bakery & Table Hakone (5 min by car)
- Bakery café overlooking Lake Ashi
- Specialties: Special Curry Bread (¥380), terrace seating with foot bath
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
La Terrazza (5 min by car)
- Italian with Lake Ashi views
- Specialty: Pasta Lunch (from ¥1,800)
- Hours: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Amazake Chaya (10 min by car)
- 400-year-old traditional teahouse
- Specialties: Amazake (¥500), Chikara Mochi (¥800)
- Hours: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
Souvenirs & Local Products
- Hakone Yosegi-zaiku: Traditional Hakone woodcraft. Secret boxes and coasters are popular
- Black Eggs: Owakudani specialty. Said to extend life by 7 years per egg
- Hakone Onsen Manju: Classic Hakone souvenir
- Ryujin-sui: Sacred water from Kuzuryu Shrine. Can be taken home
Model Itineraries
Half-Day Course (approx. 3 hours)
10:00 AM Arrive at Motohakone
10:15 AM Hakone Shrine worship (main hall, Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu)
11:00 AM Photos at Peace Torii
11:30 AM Rest at Gongen Karamemochi
12:00 PM Lake Ashi sightseeing boat (30 min)
12:45 PM End
Full-Day Course (approx. 7 hours)
9:00 AM Arrive at Motohakone
9:15 AM Hakone Shrine worship
10:00 AM Walk to Kuzuryu Shrine Main Shrine (1.5 hours round trip)
11:30 AM Lunch (Bakery & Table Hakone)
1:00 PM Hakone Checkpoint visit
2:00 PM Lake Ashi sightseeing boat
3:00 PM Owakudani (via ropeway)
5:00 PM End
Visitor Reviews and Experiences
“Dual Shrine Visit Brought Good Match” (Woman in her 30s, Tokyo)
“When I wanted to get married, a friend recommended the dual shrine visit. I drank Kuzuryu Shrine’s dragon deity water daily, and met my current husband three months later. Might be coincidence, but I’m grateful.”
“Work Fortune Improved” (Man in his 40s, Chiba)
“I visited during job hunting. Walking the approach, confidence mysteriously welled up. Subsequent interviews went well, and I got into my desired company.”
“A Spot Where You Feel Power” (Woman in her 50s, Kanagawa)
“No matter how many times I visit, I feel the air change when I enter the approach. Especially in quiet early morning hours, there’s a sensation of the heart being purified.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I visit both Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine?
A: If you have time, we definitely recommend the “dual shrine visit.” Just Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu within the grounds has effects, but going to the main shrine is said to bring stronger blessings.
Q: How do I get to Kuzuryu Shrine Main Shrine?
A: About 30-minute walk, or take worship boats (reservations required, ¥4,000) on the 13th monthly festival. Boats depart from Motohakone Port.
Q: Does the parking lot get crowded?
A: Very crowded during autumn foliage season, Golden Week, and New Year’s. Early morning or weekdays recommended.
Q: Can I receive goshuin from both shrines?
A: Goshuin for Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu are available at the shrine office (¥500 each). Main shrine goshuin only at the main shrine.
Summary
Hakone Shrine is one of the Kanto region’s premier power spots with approximately 1,250 years of history. As symbolized by Minamoto no Yoritomo’s comeback story, it is a sacred site filled with energy of “fortune opening,” “wish fulfillment,” and “revival,” drawing approximately 2 million worshippers annually.
The Peace Torii floating in Lake Ashi, the approach through cedars over 800 years old, and Kuzuryu Shrine enshrining the dragon deity—all combine to purify visitors’ hearts and give power to take new steps forward.
The “dual shrine visit” of Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine is particularly popular as the ultimate course for matchmaking and financial fortune improvement. Participating in the 13th monthly festival offers the mystical experience of worshipping from the lake.
Combined with Hakone sightseeing, be sure to receive dragon deity power at Hakone Shrine. For those at life’s turning points or wanting to forge new paths, it will surely give you strength.
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*Information in this article is current as of December 2025. Please verify the latest details via the official website before visiting.*
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