Discover the Mystique of Hakone Motomiya Shrine: A Guide for Tourists - Japan Travel Sights

Discover the Mystique of Hakone Motomiya Shrine: A Guide for Tourists

Hakone Motomiya Shrine, located at the summit of Mt. Komagatake in Hakone, Japan, is a captivating destination with rich historical and spiritual significance. This article will introduce you to the history, deities, blessings, and how to access this sacred site, including tips on the best times to visit.

We’ll also provide images to guide you, ensuring your journey to this serene location is well-prepared.

Hakone Motomiya Shrine Overview

  • Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, 250-0522, Japan
  • Phone: +81-460-83-7123

Access to Hakone Motomiya Shrine

To reach Hakone Motomiya Shrine, take a scenic 8-minute ride on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone-en. Once you reach the summit station, it’s only an 8-minute walk to the shrine.

  • By Car: Parking is available at Hakone-en, but no vehicle access to the summit.
  • By Bus: The nearest bus stops are “Hakone-en” or “Ryuguden” via the Izu Hakone Bus.

Komagatake Ropeway Information

  • Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last descent at 4:50 PM), every 20 minutes.
  • Note: Operations may be suspended in case of adverse weather conditions. Please check the official website for the latest updates.


Shrine Visiting Hours

You can visit Hakone Motomiya Shrine during the ropeway’s operating hours. However, priests are not always on-site, and in such cases, the shrine may be closed to visitors.

Deities Enshrined

The main deities worshipped here are:

  • Ninigi no Mikoto: Also known as Hakone Okami, the god of agriculture and industry.
  • Konohanasakuya Hime no Mikoto: Known for her beauty, she is the goddess of prosperity and fertility.
  • Hikohohodemi no Mikoto: The son of Ninigi and Konohanasakuya, he is worshipped for blessings in relationships and abundant harvests.


History of Hakone Motomiya Shrine

Dating back over 2,400 years, the shrine was originally founded by Saint Shozen atop the highest peak of Hakone, Mt. Komagatake. It was later rebuilt in 1964 thanks to the contributions of Koshiro Tsutsumi, a prominent businessman of the time. The shrine has since been revered as a spiritual place for both emperors and the general public.


Blessings and Charms

Visitors can receive various blessings at the shrine, with a strong focus on improving luck in love and work.

  • Goshuin (Shrine Stamp): Available on the 1st, 13th, 15th, and 24th of every month, as well as on weekends and holidays. If priests are not present, you can obtain the stamp at the main Hakone Shrine, located by Lake Ashi.

Souvenirs and Amulets

Even if you cannot visit Hakone Motomiya Shrine directly, you can still purchase amulets, charms, and fortune-telling slips from the main Hakone Shrine.


Conclusion

Hakone Motomiya Shrine is a unique and spiritually significant destination in Japan, well worth the effort to visit. Its mountaintop location offers stunning views, and the blessings it provides are believed to be particularly potent due to the shrine’s sacred history. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this hidden gem during your travels to Japan.


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