Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Checkpoint Ruins) is the remains and restoration of a checkpoint that was established as a key point on the Tokaido road during the Edo period. As part of the Tokugawa Shogunate's transportation and security policies, it was responsible for inspecting people and baggage, preventing the outflow of women and weapons, and monitoring sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) and traffic. Today, the checkpoint has been restored to its original form, and a museum houses documents and exhibits related to the checkpoint, making it a popular tourist spot where you can learn up close about the transportation system and travel conditions of the Edo period. Located on the shores of Lake Ashi, it is also attractive for strolling around the surrounding natural scenery and Hakone Shrine.

Highlights

• Restored checkpoint buildingThe gates of the checkpoint, guardhouse, and official residence have been restored to their original form, and visitors can see not only the exterior but also the internal structure and layout.
• Sekisho Museum (Hakone Sekisho Museum): Exhibits documents, passes, tools, photographs, etc. used at the checkpoint. Detailed explanations are given on the Edo period investigation and passage system.
• Reenactment of inspection and passage: You can experience the tension of the time through exhibits that introduce the flow of checkpoint operations, such as questioning travelers and checking travel passes.
• Historical atmosphere: With wooden buildings, stone pavements, gates, and other structures remaining, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period road through photos and strolls.
• Views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji (weather dependent)On clear days, you can see Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji in the distance, making it a popular photo spot.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest major station: If you are coming from Odawara or Hakone, Odawara Station or Hakone-Yumoto Station will be your base. If you are using the Shinkansen, Odawara Station is convenient.
• By busFrom Hakone-Yumoto Station or Odawara Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (bound for Hakone-machi or Motohakone) and get off at "Hakone Sekishoato" or "Hakone-machi Port (Motohakone)." The journey time is approximately 30 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto and 40-60 minutes from Odawara (this may vary depending on the route and traffic congestion).
• Lake Ashi sightseeing boat ride: Take a sightseeing boat on Lake Ashi to Motohakone Port (Motohakone), and then walk 5-10 minutes to the checkpoint. This is a convenient way to combine this with a stroll along the lake.
• Car/Taxi: Roads around Hakone can get congested during the tourist season, so please check in advance whether parking is available and how busy it is. By taxi, it takes about 30 to 50 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara.
• Use of the free pass: Sightseeing passes such as the Hakone Free Pass offer discounts on buses and sightseeing boats, making transportation around the checkpoints more convenient. It's best to check the coverage area in advance to get the best deal.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Checkpoint tour only: 30-45 minutes
• If you want to visit the Sekisho Museum in detail: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
• Combined with a stroll around Lake Ashi and other nearby spots: Half a day to a full day

Nearby spots

• Hakone Shrine (Hakone Town/Lake Ashi) — A historic shrine popular for worship and photography.
• Lake Ashi Pleasure Boat — Enjoy the scenery from the lake, or take a pirate ship cruise.
• Hakone Sekisho Museum - detailed exhibition of materials related to the sekisho (located on the sekisho grounds or in an adjacent facility).
• Hakone Old Highway (Cedar Avenue) - A walking path that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period.
• Narukawa Art Museum, Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Ropeway (depending on the area) - Spots where you can enjoy art and scenery (accessible by car or bus).
• Odawara Castle (Odawara) — A tourist destination perfect for a historical stroll along with Hakone.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: The park is crowded with tourists during Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, and weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on weekdays or early in the morning.
• Opening hours and closing days: Opening hours and exhibition availability may change. Please check the official website or information in advance for the latest information.
• Handling of photography and exhibitions: Photography is permitted inside the exterior buildings, but photography may be prohibited inside some exhibits in the museum. Please follow the signs and instructions of the staff inside the museum.
• Clothing and walking precautions: There are some areas with cobblestones and steps. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Be careful when it rains as it can be slippery.
• Payment and facility use: Some small shops and entrance fees only accept cash. Cashless payment options vary by facility, so it's best to have cash on hand.
• Environmental conservation and etiquetteTo preserve the historic site, please observe basic etiquette such as not touching the buildings or exhibits, taking your trash with you, and viewing the site quietly.
• Weather and scenery: The view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi is dependent on the weather. If you are planning to take photos, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast before making your plans.

(Note) Before visiting, please check the official website or tourist guide for the latest opening times, transportation schedules, admission fees, etc. As a base for sightseeing in Hakone, Sekisho is a spot where you can experience both history and nature at the same time.