While Hakone is famous for its hot springs, art museums, and breathtaking views of Lake Ashi, few travelers know of a quiet spiritual retreat nestled along the lake’s shore: Kuzuryu Shrine. Revered for centuries as a place of powerful blessings—especially in love, relationships, and success—this lakeside shrine offers a rare sense of serenity and connection with nature.
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How to Get There from Tokyo
Reaching Kuzuryu Shrine is a journey in itself—but that’s part of the charm. The trip from Tokyo takes about 2 to 2.5 hours one way and includes scenic transitions from train to boat to foot:
- From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station (about 85 minutes).
- Then transfer to a bus or local mountain train toward Togendai (approx. 40 minutes).
- From Togendai, hop on a sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi to Hakone-en Port (about 30 minutes).
- From Hakone-en, it’s a 30-minute lakeside walk or a short shuttle ride to the shrine.
While there are a few transfers, the entire route is filled with beautiful scenery—turning the journey into part of the experience.
How Much Time You’ll Need
- Travel time (one way): Around 2–2.5 hours
- Time at the shrine: 1–2 hours is ideal for walking, photography, and quiet reflection
- Total for a day trip: A full day is recommended if traveling from Tokyo
Why It’s Worth Visiting
- Mystical Setting: The shrine’s lakeside location, often cloaked in mist during early mornings or at sunset, creates an ethereal atmosphere you won’t forget.
- Spiritual Significance: Dedicated to a nine-headed dragon deity, the shrine is believed to bring blessings in love, prosperity, and personal growth.
- Peaceful Nature Walks: The approach to the shrine along the lake offers a quiet escape from urban life.
Best Photography Spots
- The red torii gate facing the lake, especially during misty mornings or golden hour—it’s both dramatic and peaceful.
- From the sightseeing boat, you can capture a stunning view of the torii seemingly floating on the water.
- Portraits near the torii, with the contrast between the vivid red gate and calm blue water—perfect for social media or travel journals.
Local Delicacies to Try Nearby
- Fresh wasabi-based dishes, including soba or grated yam over rice
- Onsen-cooked eggs or the famous black eggs from volcanic springs
- Matcha-based desserts or traditional Japanese sweets—perfect with tea
- Seasonal vegetable dishes that reflect the purity of the surrounding mountains
Each dish is simple, nourishing, and connected to the local land.
Where to Go After Kuzuryu Shrine
- Hakone Shrine – A larger, more ornate shrine nearby with deep spiritual roots and impressive architecture
- Ōwakudani – A volcanic valley where you can witness active sulfur vents and taste the local black eggs
- The Hakone Open-Air Museum – An outdoor sculpture park where nature and contemporary art blend beautifully
Seasonal Clothing Tips
- Spring (Mar–May): A light jacket or windbreaker is recommended. Mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Comfortable layers with sun protection. Rain gear is a good idea due to sudden showers.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Bring a light coat or sweater—autumn leaves are stunning, but evenings are chilly.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Dress warmly with a proper coat. Snow is rare but the wind can be sharp.
What Makes This Shrine Different
Unlike the busier parts of Hakone, Kuzuryu Shrine offers a quiet, reflective experience. You’re not just sightseeing—you’re stepping into a sacred space where nature, myth, and human intention intertwine.
Its torii gate facing the lake, combined with the peaceful walk to reach it, makes the shrine feel more like a spiritual discovery than a tourist stop. If you’re looking for a deeper, more personal side of Japanese culture, this is the place to find it.