Visit Japan Web Hakone-jinja Shrine
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Hakone-jinja Shrine. A tour of Hakone undoubtedly begins from Hakone-jinja, a must-see attraction. It is an integral part of the breathtaking landscape visible from the opposite side of Lake Ashinoko. The iconic torii gate floats on the lake with Mount Fuji in the background.
Apart from this picturesque scenery, the shrine extends into a vast forest on the shores of Lake Ashi. It presents even more stunning landscapes. The shrine is frozen in time and exudes a strong spiritual presence. Its presence is derived from the legend of the nine-headed dragon, Kuzuryu, and the three spirits enshrined there. The modern road leading to the shrine seamlessly transitions into a more traditional setting. Vermilion-colored lanterns and torii gates of various sizes are hidden among the towering trees. They unveil the entrance to the ancient Shinto grounds, established in the mid-8th century.
A series of long flights of stairs and a little bit of effort lead to the platform. The main buildings of Hakone-jinja stand here. Amaterasu, the sun goddess of Japanese mythology, is worshipped here. It is also the first step to climbing Mount Komagatake, home to another shrine, Mototsumiya.
Down the hill, the landscape offers more variety. The famous floating torii is indeed sheltered under the shadow of centuries-old conifers, as a proud counterpart of Miyajima’s. However, it is more recent, as it was named Heiwa torii. Relax for a couple of minutes near the torii and admire Lake Ashi’s vastness. Then, visitors can continue the walk to other places in Hakone.
