Hakuryū Shrine and Kuzuryū Shrine are sacred Shinto shrines located on the shore of Lake Ashi. They might well be the hidden gem of Hakone as they are tucked away in a serene setting surrounded by beautiful greenery.
Unlike the Hakone Shrine, they provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience peace and tranquility, creating a truly spiritual atmosphere.
The shrines are dedicated to the nine-headed dragon god who is believed to bring good fortune, prosperous affairs, and marriage prospects.
The pathway leading to the main shrine leads through a tranquil forest, creating a serene and mystical ambiance. The sound of rustling leaves and the gentle flow of a nearby stream add to the peacefulness of the surroundings.
As you approach the main shrine building, you are greeted by a traditional torii gate, marking the entrance to the sacred grounds.
The building is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture, with its elegant and minimalist design. The structure is adorned with intricate woodwork and features a thatched roof.
The legend about the origins of this sanctuary goes as follows. In Lake Ashi, there lives a dragon with 9 heads that terrorized the residents of Hakone. In 757, a courageous priest succeeded in vanquishing the fearsome dragon. Through unwavering dedication, he fervently prayed day and night for three consecutive days. The dragon surrendered and promised the priest that from now on he would guard the region as long as he was celebrated once a year.
The torii gate that you can see in the water near the shrine shows where the priest performed this heroic deed. And, as promised, every year on the 13th of June the Kuzuryu Shrine Festival is being held to honor the dragon.
In addition to the annual festival, a smaller festival is also held every month on the 13th. Special festival boats then sail from Moto-Hakone to the shrine. These festivals are mainly attended by women who come to pray for a good partner or a good marriage.
Tickets
Tickets can be bought on-site. Unfortunately, the entrance fee is not covered by the Hakone Freepass.
The regular entrance fee is 500 JPY.
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Getting There
There is no public transportation. You will have to walk for at least 20 minutes.
But that’s not a bad thing at all, it makes this place less touristy and the walk leads through a pleasant forest which adds to the charm.
Coming from Togendai, the walk takes about 40 minutes and follows a walking path that runs along the shore of the lake. The same path continues to Hakone-en and then all the way to the Hakone Shrine and Moto-Hakone.
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