Hakone Motomiya Shrine: Ascend Mount Komagatake to Discover Hakone's Original Sacred Site
Hakone ranks fifth nationwide in hot spring water output, making it one of Japan's most renowned hot spring areas. Particularly famous are "The 17 Hot Springs of Hakone," attracting numerous visitors seeking thermal relaxation. The charm of Hakone lies in being surrounded by mountains, allowing guests to soak in hot springs while experiencing rich natural beauty up close.
Beyond hot springs, Hakone features traditional shrines, museums, and a ropeway among its many tourist attractions. Its easy access from urban centers explains why it's consistently bustling with visitors any day of the week. In this article, we'll introduce the must-visit attraction when visiting Hakone - the magnificent Hakone Motomiya Shrine and its special appeal.
Hakone Motomiya Shrine: An Energy-Filled Sacred Site Among Hakone's Three Shrines
The Hakone Motomiya Shrine is an energy-filled shrine counted among the Hakone Three Shrines.
The Hakone Three Shrines refer to Hakone Motomiya Shrine, Hakone Shrine, and Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu. These three shrines are known as Hakone's three major power spots. Each offers different blessings, so it's worth visiting all three. I once visited all three shrines in a single day, and after worshipping, I felt the power from the shrines wash away my travel fatigue.
When visiting Hakone, why not worship at the Hakone Three Shrines and recharge your energy?
Why Are Shrines Special to Japanese People?
Shrines are places where deities of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, are enshrined, and they exist throughout Japan. Shrines are special to Japanese people as they're used for various events such as Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year), weddings, and Shichigosan (a celebration of children's growth at ages 3, 5, and 7), and have long been cherished as centers of local communities.
Did you know that depending on the deity enshrined, each shrine offers different Goriyaku (blessings from gods), such as success in love, financial fortune, or business prosperity? When Japanese people face life challenges, they visit shrines that address their specific concerns to improve their luck.
5 Attractions of Hakone Motomiya Shrine
Here are the five major attractions of Hakone Motomiya Shrine:
Located at Mt. Komagatake's Summit with Spectacular Views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji
Source:PR TIMES
The first attraction is its location at the 1,356-meter summit of Mt. Komagatake, offering spectacular views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji.
With nothing obstructing the view, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panorama, making it one of Hakone's most popular scenic spots. Gazing at the grand landscape in the clear air provides a purifying sensation.
When I visited Hakone Motomiya Shrine on a clear day, I could see distant Mt. Fuji distinctly. Captivated by the magnificent scenery unlike anywhere else, I lost track of time as I took in the views.
Beautiful Scenery Where Hakone Motomiya Shrine Harmonizes with the Surrounding Rich Nature
Source:Official website
The second attraction is the beautiful scenery where Hakone Motomiya Shrine harmonizes with the surrounding rich nature.
Also known as the "Shrine in the Sky," the red shrine building stands against the blue sky with an overwhelming presence at the mountain summit. Its appearance is breathtaking and unforgettable.
At the summit, visitors can also appreciate the rich nature adorned with various flowers and plants, discovering seasonal charms. After visiting Hakone Motomiya Shrine, why not hike around the summit plaza, central plaza, and Sagami Bay observation plaza to experience nature's breath?
Prayers for Success in Love and Wish Fulfillment
The third attraction is the expectation of success in love and wish fulfillment through prayer.
Hakone Motomiya Shrine enshrines "Konohana no Sakuyabime," a goddess with beauty like a blooming flower, so visiting is said to bring success in love. The shrine is also popular among women for its benefits in childbirth and child-rearing.
Women wishing to meet someone special or get married should definitely visit Hakone Motomiya Shrine. Boost your love power and seize happiness!
Less Crowded Than Other Spots, Allowing You to Enjoy Sightseeing at a Relaxed Pace
Source: Official website
The fourth advantage is that it's relatively less crowded than other spots, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace.
Hakone Motomiya Shrine is located behind the Hakone Shrine, and since there is usually no permanent staff, it's known as a hidden gem tourist spot.
Hakone is a famous tourist destination that's always bustling with people, but when I visited Hakone Motomiya Shrine, there were only a few tourists and no crowds, allowing time to flow peacefully. Since you don't have to worry about other people watching, you can fully appreciate the charm of Hakone Motomiya Shrine.
It's recommended for those who want to experience a tranquil shrine atmosphere while feeling close to nature.
Easily Accessible via the Hakone Ropeway
The fifth advantage is that it's easily accessible via the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.
The Hakone Komagatake Ropeway offers an aerial journey of about 7 minutes covering a total distance of 1800 meters from Hakone-en on the shore of Lake Ashi to the summit of Mt. Komagatake. The changing scenery visible from the windows—alpine plants, Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji, and the Southern Alps—is spectacular and worth seeing.
When I first rode the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, I was moved by the beauty of the scenery. Since then, I've never failed to ride the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway whenever I visit Hakone to see the spectacular views. Since the views may be difficult to see when cloudy, I recommend riding on a clear day.
Participate in the "Motomiya Festival" Held Annually on October 24th to Fully Experience the Local Culture
Source:Official website
You can fully experience the local culture by participating in the "Motomiya Festival" held annually on October 24th. The "Motomiya Festival" began in the year of the first Tokyo Olympics with the aim of praying for world peace and is held together with the "Sacred Fire Festival."
I have also participated in the festival, and the solemn atmosphere where Shinto priests perform ceremonies against the backdrop of magnificent natural scenery created a sense of tension and made me feel a tightening of the heart.
It's an excellent opportunity to experience Hakone's traditional culture up close, so please do participate.
When Visiting Hakone Motomiya Shrine, It's Recommended to Also Tour the Surrounding Facilities
When visiting Hakone Motomiya Shrine, it's recommended to also tour the surrounding facilities. The surrounding facilities include the Hakone Ropeway, Mt. Komagatake, and Hakone-en—all must-visit tourist spots when in Hakone. Each has different features, so visit them all to fully enjoy the charm of Hakone without missing anything!
From here, I will explain the surrounding facilities in detail.
Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway stretches 4km in length, making it Japan's longest aerial tramway connecting Sounzan Station and Togendai Station. In 2008, it was recognized by Guinness World Records in the gondola and lift category when it carried over 2.01 million passengers.
My recommendation is to ride the ropeway upward. As the ropeway climbs steeply along the slope to Owakudani Station at an elevation of 1,044m, you can enjoy an exhilarating ride that feels almost like an amusement attraction.
Outside the windows, a magnificent natural panorama unfolds. From Sounzan Station to Owakudani Station, you'll see the rugged valley below, while the journey from Owakudani to Togendai Station offers views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi. Why not enjoy this aerial stroll while taking in the breathtaking scenery around Hakone on the Hakone Ropeway?
Mt. Komagatake
Mt. Komagatake is a symbolic mountain of Hakone, featuring the Hakone Motomiya Shrine at its summit and an observation plaza where visitors can enjoy the scenery from an elevation of 1,356m. The Hakone Komagatake Ropeway operates between Hakone-en and the summit, making it convenient for those short on time or concerned about their physical condition.
However, I recommend a leisurely walk down the hiking trail, which offers impressive views of Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Izu Peninsula. Walking through the magnificent natural environment will undoubtedly refresh you and provide an escape from everyday hustle and bustle. The Hakone Motomiya Shrine, nestled at the summit, offers visitors a spiritual experience while surrounded by stunning panoramic views that have drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Hakone-en
Source:Kanagawa Travel Info
Hakone-en is a comprehensive leisure spot located on the shores of Lake Ashi, featuring various facilities including an aquarium, tennis courts, campground, and hotels. My recommendation is the Hakone-en Aquarium, which is divided into three main areas:
- Baikal Seal Plaza
- Saltwater Hall
- Freshwater Hall
At the Baikal Seal Plaza, you can watch seal shows; in the Saltwater Hall, you can observe fish swimming gracefully in large tanks; and in the Freshwater Hall, you can appreciate aquatic life from rivers and lakes around the world. The show featuring the Baikal seals with their large bodies and cute round eyes is adorable and soothing.
Hakone-en is recommended for families as it offers activities that people of all ages can enjoy throughout the day while experiencing nature.
Access to Hakone Motomiya Shrine
<Information>
Address: 80-1 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-83-7123
Official website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/hakone/
Visiting Two More Shrines Along with Hakone Motomiya Shrine
When you visit Hakone Motomiya Shrine, why not also pay your respects at Hakone Shrine and Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu to experience the tradition of "Visiting Three Shrines"?
The practice of "Visiting Three Shrines" dates back to the Heian period and is said to "ward off evil spirits, improve your fortune, and grant your wishes" when you visit all three shrines. There's no specific order for "Visiting Three Shrines," so you can visit them in any sequence you prefer.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is an ancient shrine established during the Nara period and is known for its divine benefits (Goriyaku) of matchmaking, traffic safety, and good fortune. There are two main highlights here.
The first highlight is "The Peace Torii of Hakone Shrine," built on the shore of Lake Ashi to commemorate the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. The bright vermilion torii gate that appears to float on the water creates a magnificent reflection on the lake's surface—it's no wonder this is one of the top one or two photo spots in Hakone.
The second highlight is the "Ryujin Water" that flows from nine dragon mouths. This "Ryujin Water" is sacred water that springs from within the shrine grounds, and it's believed that drinking it purifies impurities and brings good fortune. You can take this sacred water home, so please prepare an empty container if you'd like to bring some back with you.
Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Singu
Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Singu is dedicated to the nine-headed dragon deity who protects Lake Ashi and is famous for its divine benefits of matchmaking, financial luck, and business prosperity. Its matchmaking effects are particularly renowned, and the monthly festival held on the 13th of each month at 10:00 AM attracts many visitors from all over Japan.
There are three main ways to access Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Singu:
- 15-minute walk from The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
- Motorboat from Hakone-en
- Ferry service from Motohakone (only on the 13th of each month)
If you're visiting on the 13th when the monthly festival is held, definitely use the ferry service. I visited on a different day, so I walked from The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko. The path to the shrine is a paved walking trail surrounded by Hakone's natural beauty, making it a pleasant hiking experience.
When you pay your respects at this serene shrine nestled in the forest away from the central area, you'll likely feel a mystical power that can't be experienced in everyday life.
Hakone Motomiya Shrine serves as the perfect starting point for this spiritual journey through the sacred sites of Hakone. The traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere of Hakone Motomiya Shrine create an ideal introduction to the rich religious heritage of the region before continuing to the other two shrines.