basic information

Hakone used to be an important checkpoint to control traffic along the Tokaido, the highway which linked Tokyo with Kyoto during the feudal Edo Period.

A short, cedar lined passage of the old Tokaido and a reconstruction of the Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho) are located between Moto-Hakone and Hakonemachi along the shore of Lake Ashi.

In spring 2007, the reconstruction of the Hakone Checkpoint was completed after three years of construction work. The checkpoint now appears true to its original form, including gates, fence, housing for officers and foot soldiers, a prison chamber and lookout tower. A small museum (Hakone Sekisho Shiryokan) with various related exhibits stands nearby.

A longer passage of the old Tokaido (Kyu-kaido) with some original stone pavement can be walked between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-Yumoto. The best preserved section leads from Moto-Hakone to the Amazake Chaya (about 30-60 minutes), a tea house serving amazake (hot, sweet rice wine) and various Japanese style snacks.

Not much of the old pavement remains on the section between the Amazake Chaya and Hatajuku (about 30-60 minutes), but the walking trail is still attractive. Between Hatajuku and Hakone-Yumoto (60-120 minutes), however, walkers need to follow the street, which is not particularly pleasant.

Amazake Chaya

Hatajuku

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

Hakone Checkpoint

The Hakone Checkpoint is located a short walk from the Hakonemachi boat pier and bus stop. It is open daily from 9:00 to 16:30. Admission for the checkpoint and museum costs 500 Yen (400 Yen with the Hakone Free Pass).

Old Tokaido

Two Hakone Tozan buses per hour run along the Old Tokaido between Hakone-Yumoto and Moto-Hakone, stopping at Hatajuku (15 minutes, 380 Yen from Yumoto) and the Amazake Chaya (25 minutes, 680 Yen) along the way. In the early morning and in the evening, buses operate between Hakone-Yumoto and Hatajuku only. The Hakone Free Pass is valid on these buses.

How to get to and around Hakone

5th of 8 most visited sights in Hakone.
108th of 414 most visited sights nationwide.

hotels & ryokan

Lakeside Inn Charlotte A friendly pension, right in front of the beautiful Lake Ashinoko. Free breakfast and Internet. Checkout time is noon. Hakone Senkei Choose from Japanese traditional ryokan, private guest residence and budget hotel. 10 min walk from Hakone Yumoto station.

package tours

Mt.Fuji & Hakone Full Day Guided day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji and Hakone by bus. From Tokyo - 2 Days - Hotel Course Hotel and round trip by shinkansen from only 9,990 Yen! From Tokyo - 2 Days - Ryokan Course Ryokan and round trip by shinkansen from only 19,900 Yen!

japanese links