Hakone Shrine (箱根神社, Hakone Jinja) – A Haven of History, Peace, and Blessings

Nestled in the lush surroundings of Hakone, Hakone Shrine (箱根神社, Hakone Jinja) has been a site of worship and pilgrimage for over 1,200 years. This ancient Shinto shrine was founded during a time when mountain worship was common in Japan, even before Buddhism arrived. The local people considered Mount Hakone a divine presence, serving as a link between the earthly and spiritual worlds. Throughout the centuries, Hakone Shrine has drawn shogun, samurai, and countless travelers, all seeking blessings for safe travel and prosperity.

Main Hall of Hakone Shrine

Visitors to Hakone Shrine are greeted by a captivating landscape, where towering cedar trees—some over 800 years old—envelope the shrine grounds. The torii gates (鳥居, torii) of Hakone Shrine are both spiritually meaningful and visually striking. The first torii gate, located at Motohakone Port (元箱根港, Motohakone Kō), welcomes visitors arriving by boat. The famous Peace Torii (平和の鳥居, Heiwa no Torii) sits half-submerged in Lake Ashi, symbolizing a harmonious connection between the natural world and spiritual peace. This gate, often viewed against the calm lake, is a classic image of Japan and draws photographers from around the globe.

One of the towering cedar trees.

Hakone Shrine is renowned for its numerous blessings, which include bestowing good luck, ensuring road safety, warding off evil, and fulfilling wishes. Many visit to seek romantic blessings, making Hakone Shrine a place of deep spiritual meaning. Along with Hakone Shrine, Kuzuryu Shrine (九頭龍神社, Kuzuryū Jinja) is famous for its matchmaking powers. Visitors often participate in Ryosha Mairi (両社参り, Ryōsha Mairi), visiting both Hakone and Kuzuryu Shrines, while adding a stop at Hakone Motomiya Shrine (箱根元宮, Hakone Motomiya Jinja) completes the Sansha Mairi (三社参り, Sansha Mairi) for even greater spiritual benefits and blessings.

Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu

The shrine’s main hall is home to Ninigi-no-Mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊, Ninigi-no-Mikoto), the grandson of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. Ninigi is regarded as the god of prosperity, ensuring success in endeavors and bountiful harvests. Konohanasakuya-hime (木花之開耶姫, Konohanasakuya-hime), goddess of Mount Fuji and earthly life, is enshrined in a secondary hall and is venerated for protection, safe childbirth, and family harmony. These deities, along with others, contribute to Hakone Shrine’s reputation as a source of deep spiritual power and peace, drawing visitors from around the world.

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