Hakone Shrine Travel Guide | A Sacred Place Shaped by History and Nature

Hakone Shrine

Hakone Shrine, with its vermilion great torii gate standing on the shore of Lake Ashi, is one of the most renowned power spots in the Kanto region. Climb the moss-covered stone steps and walk the cedar-lined approach to reach the main hall. The air is clear and crisp, and it's a place to pray for safe travels or good fortune. The "Peace Torii," which appears to float on the lake, is a popular photo spot framed by Mt. Fuji in the background, and early-morning mist gives it an especially dreamlike atmosphere.

The grounds also feature historic strolling spots like the "Anzansugi" cedar associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Edo-period "Amazake-jaya" teahouse (a teahouse serving amazake, a sweet, low/non-alcoholic rice drink). Combine your visit with a sightseeing boat ride for the special experience of passing under the torii from the water. The shrine is also stunning across all four seasons — cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, and snowy scenery in winter.

Basic Information About Hakone Shrine

Hakone Shrine sits in Moto-Hakone, in the town of Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, set within a forest overlooking Lake Ashi. Since ancient times it has been venerated as the guardian shrine of the entire Kanto region, and legendary warriors such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu are known to have been devoted followers.

Key Facts

Surrounded by the beauty of Hakone's nature, the shrine takes on an especially solemn air during cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage period. Busy with worshippers all year round, it has been drawing growing attention from foreign tourists in particular in recent years.

The History of Hakone Shrine

The founding of Hakone Shrine goes back so far it reaches into Japan's mythological age. According to legend, during the reign of the 5th emperor, Kōshō, a hermit named Seisen opened a shrine on the summit of Mt. Komagatake in the Hakone mountains and enshrined Mt. Kamiyama — the main peak — as the divine mountain itself, marking the shrine's beginnings.

In 757 AD, during the Nara period (Tenpyō-hōji 1), the monk Mangan Shōnin is said to have received a divine revelation from the Hakone Deity and built the shrine hall in its current location. At the time the shrine was called "Hakone Gongen" (a Shinto-Buddhist syncretic deity from Japan's premodern fusion of the two faiths) and served as a major center of mountain worship.

In the Kamakura period, Minamoto no Yoritomo became a devout follower of Hakone Gongen and enshrined it as the guardian deity of the Kamakura shogunate. The Hakoneyama Engi Narabi ni Jo (Records of the Origins of Mt. Hakone), compiled in 1191 around the time of the shogunate's establishment, contains detailed records of the shrine's origins.

In the Edo period, the shrine drew strong devotion from samurai families — Tokugawa Ieyasu among them — as a place to pray for safe passage over the treacherous Hakone leg of the Tōkaidō road. As a deity of traffic safety, many travelers stopped by to pray for a safe journey.

When the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism took effect, the shrine was renamed "Hakone Jinja" (Hakone Shrine), and it has continued to serve as an important shrine in the Kanto region. In 1964, the ancient ritual site on the summit of Mt. Komagatake was rebuilt as "Hakone Mototsumiya," supplementing today's main shrine.

Hakone Shrine houses valuable cultural assets from the Heian through Edo periods, and the main hall, romon (tower gate), and other structures are themselves of high historical value. The depth of its history and air of sacred power continue to draw many worshippers today.

Highlights of Hakone Shrine

The Beautiful Vermilion Shrine Buildings

One of the biggest highlights of Hakone Shrine is the vermilion-lacquered buildings set against the green of the forest. The contrast between the cypress-bark roof and the vivid vermilion pillars and walls captures the beauty of traditional Japanese shrine architecture. The main hall in particular gives off a divine air, leaving a deep impression on visitors.

The Imposing Great Torii Gate

Pass through the great torii gate at the entrance and you step into sacred ground. Hakone Shrine has four torii gates, from the first to the fourth, and as you walk through each one you feel further removed from the everyday world and drawn into sacred space. The shrine's torii are mostly in the myōjin style, with one exception — the "Peace Torii" out on the lake, which is in the ryōbu style (covered later).

The Approach and Worship Route

The path leading up to Hakone Shrine — with its moss-covered stone steps lined on both sides by giant cedars — is striking and full of atmosphere. Walking through the quiet forest has a way of clearing the mind. The standard worship route is to enter through the first torii, purify your hands and mouth at the chōzuya (water pavilion), and continue up to the main hall. There's plenty to see along the way, so take your time.

Treasures at the Hōmotsuden (Treasure Hall)

The Treasure Hall at Hakone Shrine opened in 1907 (Meiji 40) and has a long history as a museum. It displays valuable materials related to Hakone from the Heian through Edo periods, offering a deeper look at the shrine's history. The materials related to the "Revenge of the Soga Brothers" are particularly well known — a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese history. Admission is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for children, and the hall is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Subordinate Shrines on the Grounds

In addition to the main hall, the grounds include several subsidiary shrines (sessha and massha). Among them, Komagata Shrine, Soga Shrine, and Kuzuryu Shrine each have their own distinct blessings and a following of worshippers. Soga Shrine in particular ties into the famous "Revenge of the Soga Brothers" of the Kamakura period, giving you another window into Japanese history.

The Legend of the Yatatesugi Cedar

On the grounds of Hakone Shrine stands a historically significant giant cedar called the "Yatatesugi." Legend says Minamoto no Yoritomo used it as a target for an arrow, and you can still see the mark today. Known as the spot where Yoritomo prayed for victory to the Hakone deity, it draws many visitors praying for success in martial arts or competition.

Connection to Kuzuryu Shrine

The Origins and Legend of Kuzuryu Shrine

Kuzuryu Shrine has deep ties to Hakone Shrine. Its origins trace back to a legend in which Mangan Shōnin — the founder of Hakone Shrine — subdued a venomous nine-headed dragon (kuzuryu) living in Lake Ashi. According to legend, the dragon had been summoning storms and tormenting the villagers, but through Mangan Shōnin's prayers it had a change of heart and came to be enshrined as Kuzuryu-Ōkami, the guardian deity of Lake Ashi.

Kuzuryu Shrine was originally founded as an off-grounds shrine of Hakone Shrine. Today there are two — "Hongū" (Main Shrine) and "Shingū" (New Shrine). The Hongū sits in the forest on the shore of Lake Ashi, while the Shingū was built on the Hakone Shrine grounds on New Year's Day 2000 (Heisei 12), the Year of the Dragon.

Blessings at Kuzuryu Shrine

Kuzuryu Shrine is especially popular as a god of en-musubi — forging meaningful connections, including romance. It's also said to bring blessings of wealth, good fortune, and business prosperity, drawing many visitors. The "Tsukinami-sai" monthly festival on the 13th of each month is considered a particularly auspicious day, and worshippers say visiting on that day brings extra good luck in love.

The Chōzuya (Water Pavilion) at Kuzuryu Shrine

The chōzuya at Kuzuryu Shrine is unique in that water flows from the mouth of a dragon. This water, called "Ryūjinsui" (dragon-god water), is said to bring special blessings when used to purify your hands and mouth. Drinking it is also said to improve your fortune, making it an important stop for visitors.

Visiting Both Shrines (Recommended)

Because Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine are so closely linked, visiting both — "ryōsha-mairi" — is the recommended approach. By visiting both, you're said to receive the combined blessings of each shrine, from warding off misfortune to good matchmaking. The usual route is to start at Hakone Shrine, then move on to Kuzuryu Shrine (either the Shingū or the Hongū).

The Photogenic "Torii in the Lake"

About the Heiwa-no-Torii (Peace Torii)

One of the most popular photo spots at Hakone Shrine is the "Peace Torii" (Heiwa-no-Torii) standing on Lake Ashi. Because it's built in the water, it's also known as the "torii in the lake" — an Instagram-worthy spot that's all over social media.

The torii was built in 1952 (Shōwa 27) to commemorate the investiture of the then-Crown Prince (later the Emperor Emeritus) and the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco. Then-Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida inscribed the character for "Peace" on the plaque, which is how it got its name.

The Best Time for Photos

The torii looks different at different times of day and in different weather. Reflected in the still surface of the lake at dawn or silhouetted at dusk, it's especially beautiful, and visitors come throughout the day. The scenery also shifts dramatically by season — cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer, foliage in autumn, and snow in winter.

Among photography fans, these times are particularly recommended:

• Early morning (just after sunrise): the lake is calm and gives a crisp mirror reflection
• Evening (just before sunset): the torii catches the setting sun for a dreamlike scene
• After rain: mist rolls in for a mystical atmosphere

How to Get to the Peace Torii and Things to Watch For

The Peace Torii is on the lakeshore near the entrance to Hakone Shrine's main approach — just a few minutes' walk from the shrine's parking lot.

It's a popular photo spot, so it can get crowded on weekends, public holidays, and during tourist season. For better photos, try going in the early morning or other less crowded times.

You can walk up close to the torii, but parts may be off-limits at times, so follow the on-site signage. Access may also be temporarily restricted for infection control or other reasons — check the official website for the latest information before you go.

Blessings and Power-Spot Effects

Main Blessings of Hakone Shrine

Hakone Shrine has been venerated since ancient times as the "Kanto Sōchinju Hakone Daigongen" (guardian of all Kanto), and a wide range of blessings are associated with it. The main ones are:

• Warding off misfortune: said to keep away calamity and invite good fortune
• Fulfillment of wishes: said to help personal prayers come true
• Traffic safety: long worshipped as a deity protecting travelers on the road
• Matchmaking: said to bring good relationships and partners

Because Minamoto no Yoritomo was such a devoted follower, many people also visit to pray for skill in martial arts or victory in competition.

Popularity as a Power Spot

In recent years, Hakone Shrine has been drawing attention as a powerful spiritual spot, both at home and abroad. These places in particular are said to hold especially strong energy:

• Around the main hall: where divine energy is felt most strongly
• The Yatatesugi cedar: the cedar tied to Minamoto no Yoritomo, said to bring victory
• Kuzuryu Shrine Shingū: a powerful matchmaking spot, especially popular with women
• The torii in the lake: where the energy of the water meets sacred energy

Many visitors say making the rounds of these spots gives them a tangible boost in luck. Among foreign visitors in particular, the shrine is gaining popularity as a mystical Japanese energy spot.

How to Worship for Stronger Blessings

To get more out of your visit, try these worship practices:

1. Purify yourself: properly cleanse your hands and mouth at the chōzuya
2. Use the correct worship form: bow twice, clap twice, bow once — done carefully
3. Visit all three: cover Hakone Shrine, Kuzuryu Shrine, and Hakone Mototsumiya — the "san-sha mairi" (three-shrine pilgrimage) — to receive combined blessings
4. Attend the monthly festival: at Kuzuryu Shrine, attending the "Tsukinami-sai" on the 13th of each month is said to enhance matchmaking blessings

Visitors who follow these practices say the effects show up in everyday life in various ways.

Popular Omamori and Goshuin

Distinctive Omamori at Hakone Shrine

Hakone Shrine offers a variety of omamori (amulets). The most popular include:

Wagō (Nakayoshi) Omamori: A couples' amulet made from Hakone's traditional craft, yosegi-zaiku (marquetry woodwork). It comes as a pair — white and red — with the woman carrying the white one and the man carrying the red. If you don't have a partner yet, you can keep both and give the red one to your partner once you find someone. ¥1,500 per pair.

Inrō Omamori: An amulet inspired by the divine protection of Minamoto no Yoritomo, said to ward off misfortune and invite good luck. It's best tied to something important and carried with you.

Kachi-mamori: Modeled on the "Yatatesugi" cedar, this victory amulet is for anyone facing a challenge — exams, competitions, or any high-stakes contest.

Omamori at Kuzuryu Shrine

Kuzuryu Shrine has its own line of omamori, with matchmaking- and wealth-focused options being especially popular. At the Kuzuryu Shingū you can receive:

• Kuzuryu-mamori: said to bring good fortune, wealth, and the fulfillment of wishes
• En-musubi mamori: especially popular with those hoping to find a good match

How to Receive a Goshuin

You can receive a goshuin (shrine seal) at the office in front of the main hall. For foreign visitors getting their first goshuin, here's how it works:

1. Get in line at the window marked "Goshuin"
2. Hand over your goshuincho (seal book) if you have one — if not, you can buy one on the spot
3. Say "Goshuin o onegaishimasu" ("I'd like a goshuin, please")
4. Pay the fee (typically ¥300) and wait briefly
5. Receive your finished goshuin

You can collect goshuin at Hakone Shrine, Kuzuryu Shingū, and Hakone Mototsumiya, but note that Kuzuryu Hongū does not offer goshuin. A goshuin serves as proof of your visit to a Japanese shrine or temple, and is treasured as a memento.

Worship Etiquette for Foreign Visitors

Basic Worship Etiquette

Here are the basics of worship etiquette for foreign visitors to a Japanese shrine.

Before passing through the torii

The torii marks the boundary between the sacred and the everyday. Bow lightly before passing through.

Purification at the chōzuya

• Hold the ladle in your right hand and rinse your left hand
• Switch to your left hand and rinse your right hand
• Switch back to your right hand, pour water into your left hand, and rinse your mouth (don't actually swallow — spit the water out to the side of your hands)
• Finally, hold the ladle upright to let water run down the handle to clean it, then return it to its place

Worship at the main hall

• Drop a coin in the offering box (5-yen coins are considered lucky — the word for "five yen," go-en, sounds like the word for fortune or a good connection)
• Ring the bell if there is one
• Bow twice (two deep bows)
• Clap twice (two claps)
• Pray (silently state your name, address, and wish)
• Bow once (one final deep bow)

Why It's Popular Among Foreign Tourists

A few reasons Hakone Shrine is so popular with foreign visitors:

Photogenic scenery: The beauty of the torii in the lake in particular gets shared constantly on social media, spreading the shrine's name around the world.

Easy access: It's within day-trip distance of Tokyo and sits in Hakone, a major international tourist destination.

A taste of Japanese culture: Shrine worship is a uniquely Japanese cultural experience, and the shrine is valued as a place to take part in it.

A mystical power-spot experience: Many visitors are drawn to the spiritual experience of Shintoism, something they can't get in the West.

Looking at the breakdown of foreign visitors to Hakone by country, Asia leads — China (23.7%), Taiwan (11.9%), Hong Kong (4.6%), and South Korea (2.5%), among others.

Things Foreign Visitors Should Know

Here are some things to know before visiting Hakone Shrine as a foreign tourist.

Language: Signage at the shrine is mainly in Japanese, with limited English in some areas. Look up the basics ahead of time to feel more comfortable.

Photography manners: Photos are generally allowed from outside, but there are places and times — inside the main hall, during rituals — where photography isn't allowed. Pay attention to the signs.

Busy seasons: It gets very crowded during cherry blossom season in spring, autumn foliage season, and the New Year holidays. Give yourself plenty of time.

Clothing and shoes: You'll be walking on stone steps and through natural terrain, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in.

Reality vs. photos: The torii in the lake especially is often shown in social media photos under ideal conditions. In reality, weather, time of day, and access restrictions may mean what you see doesn't match the image — good to keep in mind.

How to Get There

From Tokyo

There are several routes from Tokyo to Hakone Shrine.

By Train and Bus

• Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto
• From Hakone-Yumoto, take the bus bound for Hakone / Moto-Hakone for about 60 minutes and get off at "Hakone Jinja Mae"
• Or take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station, then transfer to the Hakone Ropeway and the Lake Ashi sightseeing boat to Moto-Hakone Port, and walk about 10 minutes

By Car

• Take the Tomei Expressway to Gotemba IC, or the Odawara-Atsugi Road to Odawara-Nishi IC, then head toward Hakone on National Route 1
• Cross the Hakone Pass, head toward Moto-Hakone, and follow the signs to Hakone Shrine

Within Hakone

Here are the access options from within the Hakone area.

From Hakone-Yumoto

• Take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Hakone / Moto-Hakone and get off at "Hakone Jinja Mae" (about 60 min)

From Hakone-machi (Lakeside)

• Take the bus toward Moto-Hakone and get off at "Hakone Jinja Mae" (about 10 min)
• Or take the sightseeing boat to Moto-Hakone Port and walk about 10 minutes

From Gora / Togendai

• From Gora, take the ropeway to Togendai
• From Togendai, take the Lake Ashi sightseeing boat to Moto-Hakone Port
• Walk about 10 minutes from Moto-Hakone Port

Parking Information

The shrine's official parking lot holds about 180 cars in total, is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is free. Paid parking is also available nearby.

The lot often fills up during tourist season and on weekends, so use public transport if you can. Traffic restrictions may also be in place during the New Year shrine-visit season — check ahead.

Helpful English Phrases for Asking Directions

A few English phrases that come in handy when asking taxi drivers or locals for directions:

• "Could you tell me how to get to Hakone Shrine?"
• "Where is the nearest bus stop to Hakone Shrine?"
• "How long does it take to walk from Lake Ashi to Hakone Shrine?"
• "Is there a direct bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Hakone Shrine?"

Combining With Nearby Sightseeing Spots

Main Sightseeing Spots in the Hakone Area

It's efficient to pair a visit to Hakone Shrine with nearby sights.

Lake Ashi: A scenic lake right near Hakone Shrine, popular for cruises on the "Pirate Ship" sightseeing boat. The torii in the lake faces this lake.

Owakudani: A volcanic site where you can see active geothermal activity up close. The famous kuro-tamago (black eggs — chicken eggs whose shells turn black when boiled in the area's sulfur hot springs) are said to add seven years to your life if you eat one.

Hakone Ropeway: A cable car connecting Owakudani and Togendai. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum: A museum exhibiting modern sculpture both outdoors and indoors, with works by Picasso and others.

Hakone Sekisho: A reconstructed Edo-period checkpoint where you can learn how strictly entry into and out of Edo was managed.

Sample Itineraries

Here are sample itineraries for efficiently combining Hakone Shrine with nearby sights.

One-Day Course: Hakone Shrine and Around Lake Ashi

• Morning: From Hakone-Yumoto, take the bus bound for Hakone / Moto-Hakone to Hakone Shrine
• Visit Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shingū
• Take photos at the torii in the lake
• Lunch: At a Japanese restaurant in the Moto-Hakone area
• Afternoon: Take the Lake Ashi sightseeing boat
• Visit Kuzuryu Hongū
• Tour the Hakone Sekisho
• Return: Bus from Moto-Hakone back to Hakone-Yumoto

Two-Day Course: Make the Most of Hakone

Day 1:

• Morning: Start from Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto
• Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora
• Take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani
• Lunch: Try the kuro-tamago at Owakudani
• Afternoon: Take the ropeway to Togendai
• Take the Lake Ashi sightseeing boat to Moto-Hakone Port
• Visit Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine
• Stay: At a hot-spring inn in Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum
• Lunch: At a Western-style restaurant in Hakone-machi
• Afternoon: Visit the Hakone Glass Forest Museum or the Hakone Museum of Photography
• Return: Bus back to Hakone-Yumoto

Restaurants and Souvenir Shops

Restaurants and souvenir shops worth stopping at near Hakone Shrine.

Restaurants

• Amazake-jaya: A historic teahouse on the approach to Hakone Shrine serving amazake (a sweet, low/non-alcoholic rice drink) and traditional sweets. Popular with foreign visitors too.
• Hakoneen Suisan: Near Moto-Hakone Port, with fresh lake-fish dishes.
• Soba-dokoro Hakone Yamaboushi: Authentic soba near Hakone Shrine.

Souvenir Shops

• Hakone Shrine Office: Inside the shrine, where you can pick up omamori, goshuincho, and other spiritual keepsakes.
• Hakone Yosegi-zaiku Gallery Hakone Marutama: Sells yosegi-zaiku marquetry, a traditional Hakone craft.
• Hakone-machi Port Hakone Bussankan: A souvenir shop with a wide range of Hakone specialties.

Summary

As the guardian deity of the Kanto region, Hakone Shrine is said to bring blessings for warding off misfortune and fulfilling wishes, drawing worshippers from across Japan and overseas.

In recent years, the beauty of the torii in the lake at Lake Ashi and the popularity of Kuzuryu Shrine as a matchmaking power spot have boosted the shrine's profile among foreign visitors too. Because it sits in Hakone — one of Japan's most popular tourist areas — many people pair the visit with hot springs and museums nearby.

Make Hakone Shrine part of your trip — it's a rare chance to step into Japan's living traditions. Follow the proper worship etiquette and you'll surely receive the deity's blessings in return. The solemn shrine buildings set in nature through the seasons and the view of the torii in the lake reflected in calm Lake Ashi will become an unforgettable part of your trip to Japan.

In Hakone, where Mt. Fuji rises in the distance, try experiencing the mystery and traditional culture of Japan. Hakone Shrine will be there to welcome you warmly whenever you come.

About the Information in This Article (Please Note)

Prices may vary depending on the season and the plan.

In particular, given recent economic conditions and the recovery of inbound tourism, pricing may be subject to review.

The prices in this article are for reference only. Before making a reservation, please always check the latest information on each facility's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the visiting hours and admission fees for Hakone Shrine?

A1: Hakone Shrine is open for worship 24 hours a day, and admission is free. The Treasure Hall is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with admission of ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for children. The parking lot is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Q2: What's the difference between Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine?

A2: Hakone Shrine has long been venerated as the guardian of the Kanto region and is known for blessings such as warding off misfortune and fulfilling wishes. Kuzuryu Shrine originates from the legend in which the deity of Hakone Shrine subdued the dragon of Lake Ashi, and is known especially for matchmaking blessings. Kuzuryu Shrine has a Hongū (on the shore of Lake Ashi) and a Shingū (on the Hakone Shrine grounds).

Q3: What's the most convenient way to get to Hakone Shrine?

A3: From the Tokyo area, the most common route is to take the Odakyu Line to Hakone-Yumoto Station, then take the bus bound for Hakone / Moto-Hakone for about 60 minutes and get off at the "Hakone Jinja Mae" stop. By car, take the Tomei Expressway to Gotemba IC, or the Odawara-Atsugi Road to Odawara-Nishi IC, then head toward Hakone on National Route 1. Once you reach Moto-Hakone, follow the signs to Hakone Shrine.

Q4: When is the best time to see the Torii in the Lake at Hakone Shrine?

A4: The torii looks especially beautiful when it's reflected in the calm lake surface at dawn. Its silhouette at dusk is also dreamlike. Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (foliage) make particularly good backgrounds. Going on a day with good weather will get you the best photos.

Q5: Can foreign visitors receive a goshuin?

A5: Yes — foreign visitors can receive a goshuin just like Japanese visitors. At the office in front of the main hall, say "Goshuin o onegaishimasu" or in English, "Could I have a goshuin, please?" The fee is typically around ¥300. If you don't have a goshuincho, you can buy one at the shrine.

Q6: What is the Tsukinami-sai festival at Kuzuryu Shrine?

A6: The Tsukinami-sai is a special monthly ritual held at Kuzuryu Shrine on the 13th of each month, starting at 10:00 a.m. Visiting on this day is said to bring stronger matchmaking blessings, and the shrine gets busy. Special omamori such as the "en-musubi mamori" are sometimes available on the day of the festival.

Q7: Any tips for visiting Hakone Shrine and the surrounding area in one day?

A7: To make good time, visit Hakone Shrine first thing in the morning, then take the Lake Ashi sightseeing boat to Kuzuryu Hongū. In the afternoon, tour the Hakone Sekisho and other sights around Lake Ashi. If you're using public transport, the "Hakone Free Pass" is a good deal — it covers the Odakyu Line as well as unlimited rides on the buses, ropeway, and sightseeing boats within the Hakone area.

Q8: Is Hakone Shrine worth visiting on a rainy day?

A8: Yes — Hakone Shrine has its own particular charm in the rain and is well worth the visit. The rain-soaked shrine buildings, the stone approach, and the giant cedars all take on a mystical air. There also tend to be fewer worshippers than usual, so you can take your time. Just be ready for slippery spots — bring comfortable shoes and proper rain gear.

Q9: Is there English signage at Hakone Shrine?

A9: There are English signs in major spots at Hakone Shrine, but the detailed explanations are often in Japanese only. With foreign visitor numbers growing, English-speaking staff are sometimes on hand. A translation app on your smartphone and a little research ahead of time will help you get the most out of the visit.

Q10: What manners should I be especially careful about at Hakone Shrine?

A10: When visiting a Japanese shrine, keep these in mind:

• Avoid the center of the torii when passing through — walk along the side
• The center of the approach is considered the path of the deity, so walk to one side
• Use the proper form when purifying at the chōzuya
• Don't talk loudly or make noise in front of the main hall
• Don't take photos where it's prohibited
• Avoid eating and drinking on the grounds (except in designated areas)
• Always be mindful that this is a sacred place, and worship with respect