For my birthday trip this year, I went to Hakone with my beloved dog, Chocolat, to see the autumn leaves. The next morning, after checking out of the hotel, I headed straight to a place known as one of the top power spots in the Kanto region.Hakone Shrine"is.
There are three water basins for purification within the temple grounds, and this one is located in front of the stone steps leading to the main approach, next to the fourth torii gate.
The clear water that continuously flows from the dragon's mouth is the very essence of nature nurtured by the Hakone mountains.
Before praying, please purify your mind and body. First, wash your left hand, then your right hand, then take some water in your left hand and rinse your mouth, and finally purify your left hand (if there is a ladle, wash the handle and place it face down in its original position).
Hakone Shrine, situated on the shores of Lake Ashi, is an ancient shrine founded approximately 1,200 years ago, with a history of being visited by figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Let's climb the approximately 90 stone steps of the main approach, which offers a refreshing view embraced by ancient cedar trees, and proceed to the main hall.
Surrounded by large cedar trees, the temple grounds are enveloped in cool, crisp air, creating a sacred space that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
As one of Hakone's most renowned power spots, the temple grounds are bustling with visitors even on weekdays, with a constant stream of people from both Japan and abroad, creating a gentle murmur and flow along the approach to the temple. Yet, the tranquil space created by the large cedar trees envelops the crowds, imbued with a dignified serenity.
The shrine office is softly adorned with the red and golden hues of autumn leaves.
A queue naturally formed at the shrine office reception, with people seeking the sacred seal in their stamp books. It was striking to see so many worshippers quietly waiting their turn, hoping to receive the blessings of this land.
The main hall of Hakone Shrine is a vermilion-lacquered shrine building nestled in the tranquil depths of the grounds, and is known for granting many blessings, including the fulfillment of wishes, protection from misfortune, and traffic safety.
The deities enshrined in the main hall of Hakone Shrine are Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Konohanasakuya-hime-no-Mikoto, and Hikohodemi-no-Mikoto, collectively known as Hakone-no-Okami.
The votive tablets, each bearing a different wish, hang in rows. These wishes include prayers for a good marriage, safe childbirth, traffic safety, and success in work. The sentiments expressed in each tablet convey that this place continues to be a part of many people's important life milestones.
The guardian lion-dogs standing before the main shrine are covered in moss over the long years, appearing as if they have become a part of the natural environment of this place. Enduring wind and snow, they continue to quietly watch over worshippers with their unchanging gaze.
To the right of Hakone ShrineKuzuryu Shrine (Shingu)The shrine enshrines Kuzuryu Okami, the guardian deity of Lake Ashi. Kuzuryu Prayer is a place that people still constantly visit, hoping to receive the miraculous blessings of the dragon god when they reach turning points in their lives or take a new step forward. Kuzuryu Okami is enshrined in two locations: "Kuzuryu Shrine (Main Shrine)" and "Kuzuryu Shrine (New Shrine)".
Before offering your prayers, purify yourself at the second water basin, called Ryujin-sui.
The pure water flowing cleanly from the dragon's mouth is so clear it seems to wash away the impurities of mind and body, and each time you quietly cleanse your hands, your mind naturally becomes more focused.
Next to it is the "Fulfillment Water Basin" from which the Dragon God Water flows. It is believed that if you pour a water-soluble "Vow Talisman (offering fee 500 yen)" into it, it will dissolve and flow away, and your wish will reach the Nine-Headed Dragon God of Lake Ashi.
The ceiling of the new shrine is adorned with a powerful and dynamic painting of a dragon, and its expansive presence, filling the entire ceiling, gives the palpable sense of the dragon god's awe-inspiring power, as if the dragon is soaring through the sky and watching over the worshippers.
The enshrined deity, Kuzuryu Okami, has been revered by people as "Kuzuryu-sama" since ancient times and is worshipped as a dragon god with particularly high divine virtues for business prosperity, financial protection, fulfillment of wishes, and successful relationships.
The area around the rest area next to the parking lot is a peaceful and relaxing place where many worshippers gather.
The "Happy Kashiwa Mochi" sold at the rest area is made with the origin of the "Big Happy Kashiwa Tree," a power spot, and is a popular souvenir that brings good fortune.
At Benzaiten Pond, you can see large carp swimming leisurely, and as the autumn leaves and the colors of the sky are reflected on the water's surface, a peaceful time flows by, providing a moment to calm your mind amidst your prayers.
Hakone Shrine is one of the seven shrines on the "Hakone Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage" and enshrines Ebisu, the god of fortune. The "Hakone Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage" is a pilgrimage to seven temples and shrines, including Hakone Shrine, which enshrines Ebisu, to receive good fortune. The seven deities are Shugenji Temple (Daikokuten), Kofukuin Temple (Hotei), Honkanji Temple (Jurojin), Komagata Shrine (Bishamonten), Ajigaike Benzaiten (Benzaiten), and Sanno Shrine (Fukurokuju). It is said that you can receive various blessings such as health, longevity, matchmaking, and business prosperity at these pilgrimage spots dedicated to the gods of fortune, and it is also recommended to enjoy the scenery of Lake Ashi while making your way through the area.
The area around the rest stop, adorned with autumn foliage, is bathed in the soft light of autumn and colorful leaves, making it the perfect place for visitors to take a break.
The sunlight filtering through the trees is warm and soothing, creating a peaceful time where you can feel the richness of nature.
The best time to see the autumn foliage in Hakone is until the end of November. If you're going out to see the autumn leaves, we also recommend visiting the autumn foliage at Hakone Shrine.
As you descend the path leading to the shrine, what you see across the road is...
The "Torii Gate of Peace" stands tall in Lake Ashi. This underwater torii gate, situated on the lakeshore, was erected in 1952 to commemorate the enthronement ceremony of the then Crown Prince and the restoration of Japan's independence through the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. Furthermore, in 1964, to commemorate the 1200th anniversary of the founding of Hakone Shrine and the holding of the Tokyo Olympics, a plaque bearing the word "Peace," inscribed by former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida, who signed the peace treaty, was placed on the gate. Since then, this torii gate has been called the "Torii Gate of Peace," and continues to convey a quiet and solemn presence to visitors.
The vermilion torii gate reflected on the lake's surface, combined with the surrounding autumn foliage and mountains, creates a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Visitors form long lines to capture this sight in photographs. If possible, it might be best to visit early in the morning when there are fewer people.
A place where even the air by the lake feels clear and pure, and where time seems to flow in a special way.
This iconic Hakone Shrine landscape harmonizes with the autumn foliage and the lake's surface, evoking a sense of tranquility and peace in visitors.
Next episode preview: "Salon de Thé Rosage" - A café with a spectacular view overlooking Lake Ashi.
Hakone Shrine
Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0522
TEL: 0460-83-7123
24-hour operation
Visiting the shrine: Dogs are allowed.
https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
