Hakone Shrine

Visiting Hakone Shrine on a weekday made the entire experience feel calm and unhurried. There was no wait to enter, and the walk through the tall cedar trees immediately set a peaceful tone. The path leading up to the shrine is beautifully maintained, and the atmosphere feels respectful without being overly crowded or commercial. Even with a few visitors around, there was plenty of space to pause, take in the surroundings, and appreciate the history of the site. The shrine buildings themselves are elegant and understated, blending naturally into the forest setting. I didn’t need to buy tickets in advance, and everything felt straightforward and accessible. What stood out most was how grounding the entire visit felt. The combination of nature, tradition, and quiet moments made it easy to slow down and reflect. It’s a great stop for anyone wanting to experience the spiritual side of Hakone without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The area around the shrine is also easy to explore, with clear paths and scenic viewpoints that add to the experience. Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, it’s a place that invites you to take your time and enjoy the stillness.

📍 Hakone Shrine 箱根神社 @ Hakone, Japan 🇯🇵 Visited on 20 November 2025. Hakone Shrine is a peaceful, spiritual place surrounded by tall cedar trees and a refreshing forest atmosphere. The bright red shrine buildings and stone steps create a sacred, beautiful setting. It’s also known as a popular power spot, where many visitors come to pray for good fortune and blessings. The walk through the quiet forest felt calming, and the shrine was well-maintained and welcoming. Together with the nearby Heiwa-no-Torii, it’s one of Hakone’s must-visit spots. A serene and meaningful shrine — beautiful forest path, sacred atmosphere, and a famous power spot in Hakone. ⛩️🌿✨

Little bit of a climb up the steps, but we'll worth it. There are a few shrines throughout the area, but this is the largest of the bunch. You can go up and make your offerings. Set in the forest, very beautiful. The cedar trees are humongous, just amazing. The parking lot is not that far away. There is also a small path you can follow instead of the steps. It's just so peaceful and scenic, a must stop.

Hakone-jinja, located on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, is one of Japan’s most iconic Shinto shrines. Surrounded by towering cedar trees and misty mountains, the shrine exudes a sense of peace and spirituality that blends beautifully with its natural surroundings. Its most famous feature is the bright red torii gate that stands partly submerged in the lake, creating a striking and photogenic scene that has become a symbol of Hakone. For photographers, Hakone-jinja offers multiple perspectives. The lakeside torii is best captured at sunrise or sunset, when the soft light enhances the colors and reflections on the water. The approach to the shrine, lined with ancient cedar trees and stone lanterns, provides atmospheric compositions that highlight both nature and tradition. Seasonal changes also bring unique opportunities—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery leaves in autumn, and occasional snow in winter. Beyond photography, the shrine is a place of worship and cultural importance, attracting visitors who come to pray for good fortune, safe journeys, and harmony. The serene environment invites slow exploration, making it a rewarding stop for both spiritual reflection and creative inspiration. Hakone-jinja is more than just a shrine—it is a meeting point of history, culture, and natural beauty. For travelers and photographers, it captures the essence of Hakone and remains a must-visit landmark in Japan.

2nd shrine to visit in Japan and was not expecting to be as large as it was. Took car ride all the way from Tokyo and you could see a huge lake before climing to the top of the shrine. They also have a Soba shop in the parking area so was able to enjoy a nice hot meal before leaving

Hakone Shrine is a magical and atmospheric place. Hidden among tall cedar trees and surrounded by nature, the shrine feels mysterious and deeply spiritual. The walk to the temple is already part of the experience. Truly one of the most evocative spots in Hakone.

Gotta give this 5 stars, it was beautiful to see in person and got some great photos. Like any big tourist spot, don't go after a certain time unless you're ready to queue for a long time. We got there at 7am and only had 6 or 7 couples ahead of us. If we didn't get the photos we liked, we just queued again which was very fast and everyone was happy to help out.

Not really a must-visit if you're short on time, you can just see the Torii gate from the water. If you do - do take a the long walk around, as it is a very tranquil and calm place to visit.

The Hakone-jinja Shrine is a very popular Japanese shrine and it stands along the shores of Lake Ashinoko. The shrine buildings are located in the forest with many massive, sacred trees. The Hakone Shrine's lakefront red torii gate is frequently seen in photos of Mt. Fuji and is considered the most famous feature at the Hakone-Jinja Shrine because it is built over the lake. We saw a long queue close to the Torii gate for taking pictures so we skipped the long queue and took the photo at the Torii gate close enough instead. It was beautiful but was it worth it to line up for a long time for pictures? The Hakone-jinja Shrine was very beautiful indeed. However, it was so hot that day and we visited many shrines so we didn't spend too much time there. Anyhow, we were so satisfied with this day trip in Hakone, Tokyo this time (except the traffic).

We stopped for photos around this Torii gate while visiting Hakone. This Japanese Shinto Shrine is located near Lake Ashi and was easy to find along the coast. Hakone alone is just a beautiful and peaceful town. The view of Mt. Fuji from a distance, the beautiful lake, and the lush greenery, and the bright red Torii gate really made my visit a memorable one. If you're every in Hakone, be sure to stop by. They have plenty of shops, restaurants, and onsens!

Hakone Shrine / Hakone -- Once Jamie W. and I got off the crowded local bus, we took in the view of Lake Ashi, and we couldn't help but notice the bright red torii gate in the distance. It looked like it was planted in the water, so we followed the well-trodden lakeside path to get up-close and personal. It looked like a couple of bus loads of Chinese tourists beat us to it because they were queuing up to pose in front of the gate. Or is it the back? It's The Gate of Peace but should be called The Gate of Instagram Hell. It was only built in 1951 as a mirror to the more famous floating gate in Miyajima. We didn't bother waiting for our photo op and instead climbed the steps to the main shrine which was obscured from view by the forest. Built roughly 1,200 years before The Gate of Peace, it offers a bucolic setting which enhances its spiritual nature. Besides, there are other torii gates onsite fully worthy of other Instagram moments. RELATED - Exploring Japan? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2qrUBZo

Such a beautiful shrine in the mountains! We wrote down our wishes for the new year, and my friend also prayed to the baby tree. The climb up to the shrine was not too bad and there was a delicious noodle shop at the base

Some locales, or the memories thereof, embed themselves so firmly in their mind, its as if they are seared into the very surfaces of our brain matter. Hakone-jinja (Hakone Shrine) is one of these places for me, yet the visuals were imprinted upon me even before I'd ever visited. I'd seen pictures somewhere online, and having traveled to Japan before, and preparing to return again, I made sure that somehow, someway, I was going to find my way here. And I did. I took a roundabout way of getting here, taking the Hakone Ropeway and the Lake Ashi boat tour, but getting there is part of the journey, and I'd already had quite a bit of adventure and excitement. Now was the time for peace, meditation, and quiet reflection. A narrow, stone stairway ascends a few hundred feet through gorgeous, evocative forest, under and through torii gates and past red lantern posts that look like little crimson mailboxes, to the shrine itself at the top. Along the way and throughout your pilgrimage, you'll encounter smaller shrines, partitioned behind ropes bearing sacred talismans, stone watchdog statues, and over rustic, slowly eroding bridges. And the climb up is just half of the beauty of this journey, as the return descent offers breathtaking views of Lake Ashi peeking through the passage of foliage back down the mountain. Regardless of your religious affiliation, this is a sacred, hallowed, holy place, crafted by the hand of whomever, whatever, watches over us. You can feel it here, unmistakably. You will leave Hakone-jinja changed, even if it is nothing more than a quieting of the troubles in your soul, for a brief time.

Hakone shrine is the very famous shrine in Hakone town. This is located by Ashinoko lake. The precincts of the shrine is very large and we can feel mysterious and spiritual atmosphere. There are not only the main shrine but also Kuzuryu shrine, Soga shrine, Inari shrine and Ebisu shrine in the precincts. Kuzuryu shrine is located on the right side by the main shrine, and Inari shrine is next to Kuzuryu shrine. And Soga shrine is located on the left side along the staircase to the shrine. Ebisu shrine is located in front of the restaurant on the bottom. They enshrine Ebisu deity at Ebisu shrine. He brings a good luck of money and business for us. He is one of Seven Gods of Good Fortune in Japan. They are called "Shichifukujin". And there is the pilgrimage round as "Shichifukujin" on Hakone area. This shrine is the one stopping place of the pilgrimage round. I would recommend that you visit here if you come to Hakone. However, this will get very crowded around the beginning of the year because many Japanese will pray for their happiness of New year. We can get "Goshuin" (handwritten sign and stamp of shrines and temples) at here. They have 3 versions of Goshuin regularly. One is the version of the main shrine. The 2nd one is the version of Kuzuryu shrine. Last one is the version of Ebisu deity. Also, they have Hakone shrine's original collection book for Goshuin. If you want them, you should visit the shrine office on the left side from the main shrine. The collection book charges 1000 yen and Goshuin charges 300 yen per one. Details about Goshuin is below. http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html 芦ノ湖の畔にある、初詣と行ったら箱根神社と言うほど有名な神社です。 ただ、初詣の期間はかなりの混み具合です。 特に元旦は初詣渋滞が起きてしまうほど。 さらに、1月2日と3日は箱根駅伝も開催される為、初詣に行く際にはかなりの覚悟が必要です。 神社の境内はかなりの広さです。 広大な境内には箱根神社の本殿だけでなく、九頭龍神社、稲荷神社、曽我神社、恵比寿社など、たくさんの摂社、末社が鎮座しています。 また鬱蒼とした雰囲気は厳かで、とても神秘的な場所です。 箱根観光の際にはぜひ訪れてみてはいかがでしょうか。 御朱印は、本殿左側にある社務所で頂戴する事が出来ます。 この箱根神社では、通常3種類の御朱印を授与して下さいます。 1つ目は箱根神社の御朱印。 2つ目は九頭龍神社の御朱印。 もう1つは箱根七福神の恵比寿様の御朱印になります。 また、こちらの神社ではオリジナルの御朱印帳も頒布しています。 芦ノ湖と富士山が刺繍された美しい御朱印帳です。 記念に1冊ご購入されるのも良いかと思います。 御朱印の初穂料は1体300円で、御朱印帳は1000円です。 御朱印については下記のリンク先にまとめてあります。 http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html

The Hakone Jinja is a popular temple for many Japanese, especially during the new year holidays. The Hakone area is a resort area so there is always plenty to do and see.

Beautiful Japanese Shinto Shrine locates on the shore of Lake Ashi in Hakone, taking a picture with the Torii gate at the shore was something I wanted to do. Hakone Shrine has a small museum, and be sure to visit to witness some of the national treasure. Queuing up to take pictures under the Torii gate, it was interesting as I only saw visitors from other countries. (Of Japanese people didn't talk while waiting?) I guess it's only foreigners things to do? If I ever come back again, I would like to come back during sunset to capture different colors. Water with red Torii gate was so photogenic.

super beautiful shrine situated in Hakone onsen region. It's easily accessible via bus if you are inside the town of Hakone. Be prepare to climb up some stairs if you plan to visit the shrine. There is a torii built over the lake, reminds me of the one at Hiroshima Miyajima (torii over the sea). We went at 9am, really fresh air, less people. Highly recommend to go early to capture to most scenic view of the shrine

When people come and visit Hakone, they're here to see the shrine. Yet, they find themselves staying because of the beautiful landscape. That was exactly my experience while visiting Hakone for the first time with my girlfriend back in May. The only thing I knew about this prefecture was the famous shrine that everyone waited in line to take a picture at. However, after spending the night in Hakone and zipping around the lake, checking out museums, and riding a bus along the region, I knew that I had fallen in love. Anyway, shameless plug aside, Hakone Shrine is definitely very beautiful! You can get here by bus via the Hakone Loop. You don't need to get the pass, but it's convenient because you can travel around the region at a discount and won't worry about buying different tickets. It took about a 45 minute ride to get here via bus from Hakone Yumoto and luckily the weather was in our favor. The shrine is very easy to access, as it's about a 5 minute walk from the main part of the port area. Grab a drink from the automated machines while you're at it because it might get chilly. The shrine itself is pretty big and encompasses multiple parts. Pay respects and take pictures! Obviously you're here for the tori gate and that's at the end of the shrine, downhill near the water. You'll know it when you see the long line. Luckily, tourists in Japan are so much nicer than in the states so there will be a nice, peaceful line where people are patiently waiting. It took my girlfriend and I about 20 or so minutes before reaching the gate. Then, it was sheer bliss as we soaked in the moment and got a great set of pictures! I really recommend coming early to avoid the crowds. Plus, you don't want to wait and have your experience sullied by rain! Right after our picture, it started POURING NONSTOP! So good luck because Hakone Shrine is worthy of an "Omg, I'd travel 2 hours for this" rating. Have fun and prosper,

I first read about Hakone Shrine on JapanGuide and saw how beautiful the torii gate looked across from the river. On the day that we had planned for Hakone, it was raining and terribly foggy. The view across from the river was so-so with low visibility. However, the main shrine was gorgeous. We hiked up the stairs (and it's quite a hike) to the top of the shrine and it was really beautiful. High up in the hill and surrounded by trees, the shrine looked like it came from another world. The mist from the rain made it seem almost magical. There are some cool charms and trinkets for sale - it's different from the ones in Tokyo and some of them are prettier than the ones from Sensoji. You can also get your shrine book stamped - there stamp has a fisherman on it, which I thought was very cool. The shrine grounds are small, but it was definitely one of my favorite places during my Japan trip. It's so out of the way from the main areas that not a lot of people were there when we went - definitely more peaceful than the other main tourist shrines and temples in Tokyo.

The crisp fresh mountain air, the towering trees, and the nearby lake made this shrine my favorite to visit. The massive tori gates lead from the lake and up the mountain to the shrine itself. This is manageable enough, but be ready to take breaks if you or your companions need it! Went in December and was lucky enough to witness some flurries during my visit! The perfect balance of culture and nature! Also, a refreshing contrast for predominantly urban focused itineraries!

This is a beautiful shrine located not far from Hakone lake and within earshot of the famous hot spring hotels in the area. The shrine is picturesque and is definitely a place to visit if you're in the area. There is a reasonable amount of parking but things can get dicey on the weekends so plan accordingly. It is not uncommon to see traditional ceremonies here, and there are also a few decent hiking trails nearby. The area can be quite cold in the winter so definitely bundle up if you're visiting around that time. If you're in the Hakone area and want to take in some local sights, it's worth budgeting an hour or so to visit the shrine.

Beautiful Japanese Shrine. Many people enjoyed taking photos near a red "Torii" on the lake.

This shrine is Beautiful!! It starts at Lake Ashi, and the stairs run up the hill where the shrine is located. It is free and parking is easy to find if you have a GPS. Takes about an hour to hour and half to see everything. Great place to visit in the summer and the town is about 5 mins away which has several Great restaurants to eat at.

This is the iconic Hakone Shrine where one of its landmarks are on the waters of Lake Ashi. It's a great picture opportunity to snap photos of it while on the other side of Motohakone's port. The main portion of the shrine, however, is on land. If you've been to other Japanese shrines before, it's pretty standard.

There are many parts of this shrine. The most famous part is probably the gate in the water. You can see it from the lake as well as the two ports nearby. You'll have to climb a few stairs to get to the top of the shrine, but nothing you wouldn't be able to handle. It wasn't the most impressive shrine I've been to and the gate in the water was not as nice as the one in Miyajima.