This temple is one of the sacred sites in the Kanto region and a seat of power in Hakone. It is believed that this is where divine powers are concentrated. And there is also a legend about this temple, the main character of which is a monster that lives at the bottom of Lake Ashi-noko.
This Shinto shrine has two other names: Hakone Gongen and Kuzuryu-jinja, or Nine-Headed Dragon Temple. Such names are associated with the legend of a nine-headed dragon, which was chained and planted at the bottom of a local lake. According to legend, a huge dragon lived in this area, which periodically attacked settlements, captured and ate the most beautiful girls. But there was a daredevil, a Buddhist monk named Mangan, who not only managed to catch the predator with the help of ancient spells, but also chained him to the trunk of a giant cedar lying at the bottom of the lake.
Since then, no one was afraid of the dragon, and even vice versa - they began to revered him as a patron. It was also believed that the tears that the dragon shed as a sign of repentance for his sins made the lake water sacred. Moreover, now unmarried girls pray to the dragon god and ask him to send them love, a happy marriage and children. Before turning to this peculiar patron of matchmaking, it is necessary to perform the rite of ablution. The source, which is located in Hakone, consists of nine dragon heads.
Hakone Shrine was founded in 757. It was originally built on the top of Mount Komagatake during the reign of Emperor Kose. Then the temple was moved to the shore of Lake Asi-noko. In the 16th century, due to another battle, the sanctuary was burned. After that, it was reconstructed, and the current appearance of Hakone dates back to 1667. The temple was very popular among the samurai. With him there is a treasury, where historical relics are still kept: the weapons of the medieval heroes-samurai of the Soga brothers, private letters from Toyotomi Hideyoshi and many other artifacts.
Here you can also walk along the avenue of Japanese cedars, which are called cryptomeria. The length of the alley is just over 1 kilometer. Since this tree has many beneficial properties, the air of the alley is also considered healing. One Japanese expression speaks eloquently about the benefits of cedar, which sounds like this: "Why do Russians need medicines if they have pine nuts?" The Japanese are sure that if you eat pine nuts, it is impossible to get sick with anything. They also say that if you make a wish while standing near the cedar, it will certainly come true.
The approximate age of the largest local cryptomeria is 1500-1200 years, and its diameter is just over four meters. These trees were planted at a time when the birth rate was declining due to frequent wars and famine in Japan. The trees were planted in order to pray to the gods and send more children to Japanese families. At the moment, 1,020 cedars are growing in the alley. However, in the near future, local authorities are planning to plant new plantings.
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The Gate of Peace is also an important landmark of Hakone Shrine. These are bright red torii that are set right in the water. The gate is called Heiwa-no Torii, Heiwa in Japanese means "peace." The gate was established in honor of two important events: the coming into force of the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the elevation of the current Emperor Akihito to the title of crown prince. The torii of Hakone Shrine compete with the famous Itsukushima Gate, although they are significantly smaller in size. And getting to Hakone is easier.
To the temple you can climb a long staircase, or you can use the cable car. Visiting the temple is free. The festival is held here annually on 1 August. Traditional Japanese weddings can often be seen here.
