Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine: A Must-Visit Tourist Destination in Hakone

Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine, situated atop Mount Komagatake, is a revered spiritual site and a must-visit destination for those exploring the scenic beauty of Hakone. This shrine offers a unique blend of historical significance, stunning natural views, and spiritual enrichment.

Location and Access

Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine is located at the summit of Mount Komagatake, which stands at 1,356 meters. The most convenient way to reach the shrine is via the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, which departs from Hakone-en at the shores of Lake Ashinoko. The ropeway journey takes approximately 7 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Ashinoko and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.

For the more adventurous, a hiking trail connects Mototsumiya with the lakeside Hakone Shrine, providing an immersive experience through the lush, volcanic landscape.

Historical and Spiritual Significance

Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine is the original site of Hakone Shrine and has been a sacred place for centuries. It is revered for its historical and spiritual significance, particularly as a site where visitors seek blessings for love and wish fulfillment. The shrine is part of the Hakone Three-Shrine Visit, a unique pilgrimage route that includes Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine.

The current structures of the shrine were rebuilt in the early 1960s, but its origins date back approximately 2,400 years, making it one of the oldest shrines in the area.

Scenic Views and Seasonal Attractions

The shrine's location at the summit of Mount Komagatake offers one of the best vantage points to appreciate the natural beauty of Hakone. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Lake Ashinoko, Mount Fuji, and on clear days, as far as Suruga Bay and Shonan Beach.

The area around the shrine is also known for its seasonal attractions. In spring, the forested areas come to life with blooms of miniature cherry trees. Summer brings swathes of meadowsweet and bellflowers, while autumn is marked by vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow as the leaves turn. In winter, the landscape is adorned with rolling seas of cloud and trees covered with silver frost.

Annual Mototsumiya Festival

One of the highlights of visiting Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine is the annual Mototsumiya Festival, held on October 24. This festival is a prayer for world peace and a tribute to the mountain deities. During the festival, the shrine's priests light a sacred fire, which is then brought down from the peak by ropeway and ferried along the shore of Lake Ashi to Hakone Shrine. The flame is kept alive through the night and used to light smaller torches the next morning, which are then transported to other shrines in the region, spreading the light of peace throughout Hakone.

Practical Information

• Hours: The shrine is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no closing days.
• Admission: Visiting the shrine is free, making it accessible to all.
• Access: The Hakone Komagatake Ropeway operates from 9:10 AM to 4:50 PM, and the journey to the summit takes about 7 minutes.

Visitors can enjoy the serene and majestic atmosphere of Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beauty and spirituality of Hakone.