Hakone Jinja is considered one of the most significant shrines in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama). Founded in 757 C.E., the shrine was founded as a source of good luck and good fortune. It was a shrine that was revered by warlords from Minamoto no Yoshitomo in the Heian/Kamakura Periods, to Tokugawa Ieyasu in the Edo Period. In fact, it was Minamoto no Yoritomo who is credited for boosting the reputation and notoriety of the shrine. It’s said that a giant nine-headed dragon was pacified by the priest of Hakone Jinja, and now that dragon serves the shrine to protect pilgrims and worshipers. Imagery and references can be found throughout the shrine to this dragon, most notably in the form of hand-cleansing basin with nine dragon heads dispensing water. The shrine is most known for its torii standing in the waters of Lake Ashinoko.

For the casual: 8. For the educated: 8.

So, to be clear, the only reason this shrine isn’t a 9 or a 10 is purely due to its distance from major hubs. Many people add a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo and in that regard it’s a very easy location to access, but it does require a full day trip. Is it worth it? I certainly think so because Hakone is a beautiful place to hike, bike, drive, bathe, and so much more. Hakone Jinja is certainly no exception to that. For starters, many readers have probably seen this shrine before and just don’t know it. The famous shots of this shrine are from the south shore of Lake Ashinoko looking to the north west where you can get Mt. Fuji and the water torii of Hakone Jinja in one shot. If that sounds familiar, then here you go!

Hakone Jinja is really known for it’s water torii and that means beautiful sights, but also long lines of people taking photos below the gate, by the gate, near the gate, and every other possibility. But that’s only one part of the shrine’s appeal! The shrine is also known for its surrounding forest which is original protected forest area. Some of the ceder pine trees are over 600 years old! In the middle of these amazing giant trees, the shrine stands in vermillion brilliance with gold capped finials. It’s a really amazing shrine with wonderful atmosphere.

The last part of the shrine requires a little bit of travel. The current location of Hakone Jinja actually not the original location, and instead the original shrine is up on the higher slopes of Mt. Hakone. It’s mainly accessable by the Komagatake Hakone Ropeway. The Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine is the original shrine to Mt. Hakone and the sulfur plumes which provides Hakone with its renowned hot springs.