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Hakone
箱根 · Hakone, Kanagawa
A natural barrier on the Tōkaidō: the torii in Lake Ashi, the Edo checkpoint, and Mount Fuji when the sky is clear.
Know before you go
- Don't push in or hog the spot in the queue for photos at the lakeside torii
- don't enter closed areas in the volcanic zone
- onsen etiquette is the same as everywhere (rinse first, towels stay out of the water)
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The Hakone checkpoint: the gateway to Edo
In the Edo period Hakone was 'Hakone-juku', a post station on the Tōkaidō with a checkpoint. All travellers entering or leaving Edo had to show their passes and have their luggage inspected here, and officials strictly enforced the Tokugawa shogunate's restrictions on women travelling and weapons coming in.
Source: Wikipedia: Hakone
History
Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed for victory at Hakone Shrine
During the Genpei War, after his defeat at nearby Ishibashiyama, Minamoto no Yoritomo came to Hakone Shrine to pray for victory over his enemies.
Source: Wikipedia: Hakone
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Most of Hakone lies within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, centred on Lake Ashi in an active volcanic area. In the Edo period it was 'Hakone-juku', a post town on the Tōkaidō with a checkpoint where every traveller in or out of Edo was inspected, with particular scrutiny of women travelling and weapons coming in. Earlier, in the Genpei War, Minamoto no Yoritomo came to Hakone Shrine to pray for victory after his defeat at Ishibashiyama.
Local customs
- Rinse off before getting into a hot spring
- the lakeside torii of Hakone Shrine is a popular photo spot with a queue
- many ryokan offer kaiseki and private baths
Religion & beliefs
Hakone Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of Hakone.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't push in or hog the spot in the queue for photos at the lakeside torii
- don't enter closed areas in the volcanic zone
- onsen etiquette is the same as everywhere (rinse first, towels stay out of the water)
Locals appreciate DO
Locals appreciate visitors who stay a night, soak in the hot springs and walk the old Tōkaidō stone path slowly, rather than rushing through every sight in a day.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Clear days in autumn and winter for views of Mount Fuji |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1–2 days |
Travel tips
- Buy the Hakone Free Pass covering the mountain railway, cable cars and pirate ship to get around the whole area
- Mount Fuji is most likely to be visible on clear winter mornings
- volcanic activity can temporarily close some areas, so check before you go
Photos
Photos
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Guilhem Vellut · CC BY 2.0
Charlie fong · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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