TOC
Kuzuryu Shrine (Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kuzuryu Shrine is an ancient shrine dedicated to the nine-headed dragon (Kuzuryu) of Lake Ashi in Hakone, and has a deep connection with Hakone Shrine. Believed as the guardian deity of Lake Ashi and the water god, it has long been visited by many worshippers seeking blessings for safe fishing and water transport, bountiful harvests, prosperous business, and love. The tranquil environment surrounded by the lake and forest, the giant trees and moss-covered stone steps that stand on the lakeside, and the scenery woven together by nature and the ancient shrine are its greatest attractions.
Highlights
- Hongu (the lakeside shrine) and Shingu (the branch shrine on the Moto-Hakone side): Hongu, enshrined on the lakeside, is particularly picturesque, and the pilgrimage route and arrival by boat will inspire your travels. Shingu, located near the grounds of Hakone Shrine, is also popular and easy to visit.
- Lake Ashi View: The lake, torii gate, and surrounding forest create a photogenic landscape. On clear days, you may even be able to see Mount Fuji (depending on the weather).
- The water basin and the old trees and stone steps on the approach to the shrine: You can enjoy the beauty of the stonework, trees, and moss that blend into nature.
- Gifts related to love and career luck: Many visitors come looking for amulets and talismans, and young visitors in particular are seen praying for love.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest major stations: Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway), Odawara Station (JR, Odakyu)
- Access by bus: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station bound for Hakone-machi or Motohakone. Get off at Motohakone (Motohakone Port/Motohakone) or Hakone-machi Port and walk to the shrine site. The journey time from Hakone-Yumoto is approximately 25-40 minutes (depending on road conditions).
- Access by sightseeing boat: Take the sightseeing boat (Hakone Pirate Ship) on Lake Ashi and disembark at Motohakone Port or Hakone-machi Port. Arriving by boat offers beautiful scenery and enhances the tourist atmosphere. The sightseeing boat schedule changes depending on the season and weather, so we recommend checking in advance.
- Access by car: Parking is limited in the Hakone area, so it is convenient to use parking lots in major tourist areas and then travel by foot or boat. Be careful of traffic jams during winter and on consecutive holidays.
- Walking: It is within walking distance from Motohakone to the Hakone Shrine area, so it is common to visit both the shrine and the temple.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit: 30 to 45 minutes (including visiting the shrine and purchasing amulets and talismans at the shrine office)
- A leisurely tour: 1-2 hours (including taking photos, strolling around the area, and taking a break by the lake)
- Combine with sightseeing in Hakone: Half a day to a full day (combined with Hakone Shrine, a cruise around Lake Ashi, and other nearby tourist spots)
Nearby spots
- Hakone Shrine (same Motohakone area, famous for its large torii gate and rows of cedar trees)
- Lake Ashi sightseeing (including Hakone pirate ship)
- Hakone Checkpoint Remains (Reconstruction of the checkpoint from the Edo period)
- Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani (accessible by car or ropeway. Access to volcanic activity and fumarolic areas is restricted depending on the season and conditions)
- Hakone Open-Air Museum (popular with families for its outdoor exhibits)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The number of visitors increases on weekends, holidays, and tourist seasons (Golden Week, autumn foliage season, New Year's, etc.). The sightseeing boats and surrounding parking lots may also be crowded, causing waiting times. Please plan ahead.
- Clothing and walking comfort: There are stone steps and unpaved paths around the shrine and on the approach to the shrine, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Be careful as the path can become slippery in rainy weather.
- Boat times: If you are traveling to the main shrine by boat, please check the last sightseeing boat departure time. There may be fewer boats, especially in the evening.
- Worship Manners: When visiting a shrine, please remember to remove your hat, remain quiet, and observe the basic rules of offering money and praying (generally two bows, two claps, one bow). When taking photographs, please be careful not to interfere with the shrine building or rituals (it's a good idea to check at the shrine office whether photography is permitted).
- Opening hours of the shrine office and gift shop: If you would like to receive a goshuin or amulet at the shrine office, please check the opening and closing times of the shrine office. It is often closed in the early morning and at night.
- Consideration for the natural environment: Please take care of the sacred grounds by taking your trash with you and not damaging plants or stonework.
- Weather precautions: Lake Ashi can be windy and cold. It's a good idea to bring a jacket, especially in early spring, autumn, and winter.
Kuzuryu Shrine is a tranquil place where nature and faith blend together. Use it as a base for sightseeing in Hakone and enjoy worship while taking in the scenery of Hakone Shrine and Lake Ashi.
