Hakone Motomiya

Mount Komagatake has been a site of mountain worship for about 2,400 years, venerating the sacred Mount Kamiyama to the north as the object of worship. Hakone Motomiya, situated at the summit of Mount Komagatake at an elevation of 1,356 meters, serves as the inner shrine of Hakone Shrine, which has been revered as "Hakone Gongen." Access to the summit of Mount Komagatake is available via the Komagatake Ropeway from the station inside "Hakone-en" on the shores of Lake Ashi.

Beyond the stairs from the ropeway's mountain station, stands a simple shrine with a red-painted hall and torii gate, offering a beautiful contrast between the blue sky and the red structure on clear days. Along the approach, you'll also find the "Bakoseki Stone," said to be the place where the deity once descended on a horse, which has recently become popular as a "heavenly power spot." From the summit where the shrine is located, you can enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of Mount Kamiyama, Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji, and Sagami Bay. On specific days such as the 1st, 13th, 15th, 24th, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, which are designated as worship opening days, you can receive prayers and Goshuin (shrine stamps) from the shrine priests.

Located within the forest of Hakone-en and serving as the guardian deity of Lake Ashi, the Kuzuryu Jinja Honmiya (Main Shrine), an extraterritorial branch shrine of Hakone Shrine, enshrines the "Kuzuryu Daijin." When visiting Hakone, it is recommended to visit all three shrines: Hakone Shrine, Hakone Motomiya, and Kuzuryu Jinja for significant blessings.