Rent Life Real Estate Agency, Japan: Hakone & Lake Ashinoko (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Renting a furnished flat from Rent Life affords you easy access to a number of wonderful sightseeing options that can be completed in just a one-day trip from Yokohama.

In today's post, we introduce Hakone and some of the various attractions.

Access Information:

https://hakone-japan.com/plan-your-trip/access/

Southern gate (Kyoto side) to the historical Hakone Checkpoint on the shores of Lake Ashino in the Hakone mountain range located halfway between Tokyo and Mt. Fuji.

The checkpoint was used by the Edo Shogunate from 1619 until 1868 to inspect travelers, and feudal lords with their entourage of family, samurai, and staff. Feudal lords were required to leave their wives and children in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and return to their castles every other year. The shogun basically held the families as hostages to ensure there were no rebellions.

The checkpoint includes historically accurate reconstructions of gates, fences, officer housing, prison, and lookout tower, using the same tools and techniques from over 400 years ago. Even the dark blue paint is made of the original mixture of persimmon juice and charcoal.

Dock on the shores of Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖 Ashi-no-ko). Located about 90 minutes from Tokyo by car, the lake formed in a volcanic crater that last erupted in 1170 creating Mt. Hakone, which has been a popular resort destination for an abundance of hot springs.

Two catamaran (double-hulled) cruise ships on Ashinko Lake. The Hakone-maru (left) and Jyukoku-maru (right) have been in operation since the 1960s. Have never taken a cruise on the lake, but looks like it would fun since I only recently learned that dogs are allowed on the upper decks.

Photo of the reconstructed Hakone Detached Palace (Kyu Hakone Rikyu), which used to be part of a larger summer retreat complex for the imperial family called the Hakone Palace (1886 to 1945). After the war, the palace grounds were converted into a public park and the detached palace was converted into a museum. On a clear day, the 2nd floor balcony offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji with Ashinoko Lake in the foreground.

Located at only about 32 km (20 miles) away, Mt. Fuji revealed herself from behind clouds as seen from Mt. Hakone with Ashinoko Lake in the foreground.

Main entrance/exit of Onshi-Hakone Park, which was built as a part of the imperial family's summer retreat in 1884.

The location was decided at the recommendation of a German physician, Dr. Erwin Balz, whose studies focused on preventative medicine. He believed natural hot springs and mountain air offered significant health benefits, making Hakone a perfect spot for a royal retreat.

Nowadays, both Japanese and foreigners from the world over enjoy the benefits of hot springs and mountain air of Mt. Hakone.

Gate No. 2 of about 6 huge torii gates that lead the way to Hakone Shrine. Unfortunately, modernization of the lake's harbor starting back in the 1960s has become a commercial eyesore and tourist trap if viewed from across the other side of the harbor.

One of several huge stone lanterns lining the Tokaido road (connecting Kyoto with Tokyo) near Hakone Shrine. Although modernized for automotive traffic these days, some parts of the Tokaido still retain the original stone paving, cedar trees, and charm dating back to the 17th century.

Japanese cedar trees planted between 600 and 800 years ago to protect visitors to Hakone Shrine from the chill of winter winds and heat of the summer sun.

Stone lantern with red glass inlays (above) and the Anzan-sugi (below). Anzan-sugi (cedar of safe birth) is an 800-year old cedar tree believed to possess a divine spirit of the Shinto tradition.

The shimenawa (sacred straw/hemp rope) on the tree is the border between realm of the spirit and humans and wards of evil spirits. This tree is regarded as a symbol for a smooth delivery when giving birth, and a symbol of prosperity of one's descendants. Pregnant women, families of all ages, and tourists will offer simple prayers or just pay respect to the tree's spirit with a simple bow.

Anzan-sugi (cedar of safe birth) is an 800-year old cedar tree believed to possess a divine spirit of the Shinto tradition. The shimenawa (sacred straw/hemp rope) on the tree is the border between realm of the spirit and humans and wards of evil spirits. This tree is regarded as a symbol for a smooth delivery when giving birth, and a symbol of prosperity of one's descendants. Pregnant women, families of all ages, and tourists will offer simple prayers or just pay respect to the tree's spirit with a simple bow.

After climbing the cedar-tree-lined 89 steps, a small clearing appears revealing the main Hakone Shrine complex. On both sides of the gate, there are huge komainu (lion-like dogs) guarding the shrine.

The 1,260-year-old shrine was visited by many warlords who prayed for success in battle and peace in their territories. Nowadays, visitors pray for safe delivery of a baby, purification of one's soul, safety while driving, and economic fortune. For some visitors, the shrine is considered to be a so-called "power spot" where you can "feel in-tune with nature or the surrounding elements."

One of nine dragon heads used at the purification fountain where you wash your hands before approaching the Nine-Headed-Dragon Shrine [Kuzuryu-jinja], which is one of many sub-shrines at the Hakone Shrine complex. Dragons are a common motif at the water fountains [chozuya or temizuya] of many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. In Japanese mythology, dragons were considered to be deities of water and rain.

Originally established in the year 757, the Nine-Headed-Dragon Shrine [Kuzuryu-jinja] reveres a nine-headed dragon. According to ancient legend, the dragon who lived at the bottom of Lake Ashi demanded a human sacrifice from the local villagers. A monk named Mangan Jyonin saved the villagers by subduing the dragon causing it to renounce its evil ways. The dragon became revered as a dragon king, and these days, a festival is held every year on July 31st to celebrate the nine-headed dragon king.

This torii gate serves two purposes. First, this torii gate indicates "entrance" from the shore of Ashinko Lake to Hakone Shrine which sits 213 meters (700 feet) up on the hill behind the gate. This particular gate is unique in that there are not so many throughout all of Japan that have been built directly over the water. Second, this torii gate is named "Heiwa-no-Torii" (Gate of Peace), which was erected in 1951 to commemorate the Treaty of San Francisco where Japan concluded peace with 48 nations to formally end WWII.

The "Heiwa-no-Torii" (Peace Gate), which leads up to Hakone Shrine tucked away in the mountainside above the lake, was erected in the water just off the shore of Ashinoko Lake. This view from across the lake affords a great view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

Rent Life Co., Ltd.
Shin-Yokohama Branch
Kaede Bldg. No. 2, 6th Floor
2-5-10 Kohoku-ku, Shin-Yokohama
Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture 222-0033
JAPAN
Tel. 045-470-3214
Email: e-yokohama@r-life.co.jp
URL: http://www.rent-yokohama.com/english/
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Rent Life Real Estate Agency, Japan

Friday, January 13, 2023

Hakone & Lake Ashinoko (Kanagawa Prefecture)

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