Shrines in Lake Ashi

Sacred Shinto Shrines

This collection highlights the spiritual landmarks surrounding Lake Ashi, centered on the historic Hakone Shrine complex. Significant sites include the Mototsumiya (Okumiya) situated atop Mount Komagatake and the Kuzuryu Shrine, dedicated to a legendary nine-headed dragon. These locations showcase traditional Shinto architecture, including iconic lakeside torii gates and mountain-top sanctuaries, many of which date back to the 8th century and have deep ties to the region's samurai and maritime history.

Sacred Shinto Shrines — Map

Koichi Oda / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Hakone Shrine

After being built at the summit of a nearby mountain in 757, the shrine was moved to its current location in 1667.

Aimaimyi / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Hakone Jinja shrine

The Hakone Shrine is a Japanese Shinto shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi in the town of Hakone in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa…

C

箱根神社奥宮

Located at the 1,356-meter summit of Mount Komagatake, this 'inner shrine' marks the original site of worship for the Hakone mountain range. It is accessible via the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.

D

白和龍王大神

A small shrine dedicated to the White Dragon (Hakuryu), located along the walking path between the Hakone Prince Hotel and the Kuzuryu Shrine forest.

E

駒形諏訪神社

A combined shrine located near the Hakone-machi port, serving as a local place of worship for the historic Hakone-shuku post town area.

F

毘沙門天

A small shrine dedicated to Bishamonten, the deity of warriors and one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods, located within the greater Hakone Shrine precincts.

G

蓑笠明神

An auxiliary shrine situated within the forested grounds of the Hakone Shrine complex.

H

駒形神社

A local Shinto shrine situated near the southern shores of Lake Ashi, historically associated with the protection of travelers passing through the Hakone mountain pass.

I

Kuzuryu Shrine

Located within the main Hakone Shrine grounds, this new shrine (Shingu) was established to allow easier worship of the dragon deity for those unable to visit the remote original forest site.

J

日吉神社

A small sub-shrine located within the immediate vicinity of the main Hakone Shrine buildings.

K

曽我神社

Dedicated to the Soga brothers, protagonists of the famous 12th-century revenge tale 'Soga Monogatari,' who are enshrined here as symbols of filial piety.

L

来宮神社

A small Shinto sanctuary located within the forested precincts of the main Hakone Shrine complex.

M

九頭龍神社本宮

The original head shrine dedicated to the nine-headed dragon of Lake Ashi, situated in a secluded forest. It is traditionally visited by those seeking success in business and matchmaking.

Other Lists

Lake Ashi: The Absolute Essentials Viewpoints and Peaks Hakone Ropeways & Stations Hakone Museums & Galleries