Hakone Shrine is a popular and highly revered shrine located in the town of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The shrine, which is dedicated to the goddess of the winds and the seas, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The shrine’s location at the base of Mount Hakone, one of the largest active volcanoes in Japan, adds to its natural beauty and mystical aura. The history of Hakone Shrine dates back to 757 AD, when it was first established as a shrine dedicated to the deity of the winds and seas, known as the Hakone Gongen. The shrine was initially located at the summit of Mount Hakone and was used as a place of worship and offerings to the gods. Over the centuries, the shrine has been rebuilt several times and has been moved to its current location at the base of the mountain in the 17th century. One of the main features of Hakone Shrine is its stunning natural surroundings. The shrine is situated in the heart of the Hakone National Park, which is known for its hot springs, lakes, and stunning views of Mount Fuji. The lush forests and serene lakes of the national park provide a peaceful and calming environment for visitors to the shrine. The shrine itself is a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture, with its traditional torii gates, lanterns, and ornate buildings. The main hall, or honden, is surrounded by a large wooden veranda, which provides a perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the shrine and its surroundings. One of the most popular attractions of Hakone Shrine is the komainu, or stone lion, which is placed at the entrance of the shrine. The komainu is a symbol of the shrine and is believed to provide protection and good luck to visitors. The komainu, which is made of stone, is highly detailed and is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of komainu in Japan. Another popular attraction at Hakone Shrine is the hydrangea garden, which is located just behind the main hall. The hydrangea garden is one of the largest in Japan and is home to over 2,000 hydrangea plants. The hydrangea garden is at its most stunning in June and July, when the plants are in full bloom, and is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in the beauty of Japanese gardens. In addition to its natural beauty and traditional architecture, Hakone Shrine is also renowned for its hot springs. The hot springs, known as onsen, are a major attraction in the area and are considered to have therapeutic and healing properties. Visitors to the shrine can take a dip in the hot springs and enjoy their soothing and relaxing effects. The hot springs are not only popular with visitors to the shrine but are also considered to be one of the reasons why the shrine was established in the first place. The hot springs are believed to be a gift from the gods and are said to have been created by the goddess of the winds and seas. Finally, the shrine is a popular destination for those who are interested in Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan. Shintoism is a polytheistic religion that is based on the belief in the presence of gods and spirits in the natural world. The shrine is an important place of worship for followers of Shintoism and is a place where they can come to offer prayers and pay their respects to the gods. In conclusion, Hakone Shrine is a must-visit destination for anyone who is interested in the history and culture of Japan.