The history of Hakone is rooted in deep antiquity and is inextricably linked to Japan's religious beliefs. The actual beginning of the settlement's history is considered to be 757 AD, when the Buddhist monk Mangan founded the Hakone-jinja Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi. For many centuries, this area remained sacred territory for mountain hermits (yamabushi) and pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment among the misty peaks and dense forests.
Factors of Development: The Tokaido Road and Strategic Importance
The transformation of Hakone from a secluded place of worship into a vital strategic hub occurred during the Edo period (1603–1868). This development was driven by several key factors:
Geography and Terrain: Situated within a vast volcanic caldera, Hakone served as a natural fortress. Steep slopes and difficult passes made it an ideal location for controlling movement.
The Tokaido Road: Japan's main highway passed through the town, connecting the shogunate capital of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with the imperial city of Kyoto.
Checkpoint (Sekisho): In 1619, one of the country's most important barrier stations was established here. It was famous for its strict inspections, operating on the principle of preventing weapons from entering Edo and controlling the movement of feudal lords' wives, which ensured the security of the shogun's power.
Early Culture and Economy
The economic life of old Hakone formed around serving travelers braving the difficult mountain pass. This led to the flourishing of a system of inns (honjin) and tea houses where weary travelers could find lodging and food.
The regional cultural landscape was defined by two unique aspects:
Onsen Culture: The healing properties of the local thermal waters were discovered in early periods. The area known as the "Seven Springs of Hakone" became a popular wellness destination for samurai and nobility.
Yosegi-zaiku Craft: In the late Edo period, the unique art of wooden marquetry was born in the region. Craftsmen utilized the richness of local forests to create complex geometric patterns, which became Hakone's signature handicraft.
Timeline
Chronology of Hakone's Development
757 — The Buddhist monk Mangan founds the Hakone-jinja Shrine, which becomes the spiritual center of the region.
1180 — Minamoto no Yoritomo visits the shrine after a battle, beginning the tradition of the samurai class patronizing the temple.
1619 — The Tokugawa shogunate establishes the Hakone Checkpoint (Sekisho) on the Tokaido Road, making the town a key control point between Edo and Kyoto.
Edo Period (17th–19th centuries) — Active development of the "Seven Springs of Hakone" system and the birth of the unique yosegi-zaiku wooden marquetry craft.
1869 — Following the Meiji Restoration, the Hakone Checkpoint is officially abolished, opening the way for the free movement of citizens.
1878 — The famous Fujiya Hotel opens, becoming the first resort hotel in Japan oriented toward foreign guests.
1919 — The Hakone Tozan mountain railway is launched, significantly simplifying tourist access to the hot springs.
1936 — Hakone becomes part of the newly formed Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, solidifying its status as a protected natural area.
1960 — Construction of the Hakone Ropeway is completed, connecting Sounzan and Togendai stations via the Owakudani Valley.
1964 — Stylized "pirate ship" sightseeing cruises begin operating on Lake Ashi, becoming one of the symbols of the resort.
1969 — The Hakone Open-Air Museum opens, the first art museum of its kind in Japan.
2007 — A large-scale reconstruction of the historical Hakone Checkpoint is completed, restoring its appearance from the Edo period.
Milestones
Key Development Milestones
The history of Hakone is an example of the transformation of a military outpost into a world-class cultural and resort center. Several turning points have defined the region's economic and urban landscape:
Strategic Fortification on the Tokaido Road (17th Century)
The establishment of one of the Tokugawa shogunate's main checkpoints turned Hakone into a vital transport hub. This event catalyzed the service sector: an extensive network of inns and tea houses was created to serve the flow of travelers, forming the city's economic foundation.
Birth of an International Resort (1878)
The opening of the Fujiya Hotel, which catered to foreigners, became a symbol of Westernization during the Meiji era. This event reoriented the regional economy toward luxury tourism and introduced a unique blend of Western and Japanese styles to the city's architectural identity.
Engineering Breakthrough and Accessibility (1919)
The launch of the Hakone Tozan mountain railway broke the isolation of the highland areas. This technically challenging project not only connected remote villages but also provided mass access to hot springs, transforming wellness retreats from a privilege of the nobility into accessible leisure.
Conservation Status (1936)
The inclusion of Hakone into the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park determined urban planning policy for decades to come. The ban on industrial construction and strict building regulations allowed for the preservation of unique landscapes, making ecology the region's primary asset.
Creation of a Unified Transport Network (1960s)
The construction of the ropeway and the launch of navigation on Lake Ashi completed the formation of the famous "circular route." This infrastructure solution optimized tourist logistics and significantly increased the resort's capacity during the Japanese economic miracle.
Museumification of the Region (Since 1969)
The opening of the Hakone Open-Air Museum marked the beginning of a new era—the transformation of the resort into an art cluster. The concentration of museums and galleries allowed for the diversification of the tourism offering, attracting new audiences and reducing dependence on the seasonality of natural beauty.
Revitalization of Historical Heritage (2007)
The full reconstruction of the Hakone Checkpoint (Sekisho) according to original blueprints was an important step in restoring historical identity. This strengthened the cultural component of the city's brand, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Edo period.
Architecture
Architectural Landscape and Urban Planning
Hakone is a unique example of urban planning dictated by complex mountain terrain. It is not a monolithic city with a single center, but a chain of distinct settlements (Yumoto, Gora, Miyanoshita, Moto-Hakone) strung together by transport arteries—first the Tokaido Road, and later the mountain railway and ropeway lines. Development progressed from the linear layout of post stations to the creation of resort clusters centered around hot springs.
Architectural Styles and Historical Eras
The appearance of Hakone is a blend of the rugged functionality of the samurai era, the elegance of Westernization, and modern ecological minimalism.
Traditional Wooden Architecture (Edo Period, 17th–19th centuries)
The historical layer represented by the architecture of post stations and checkpoints. It is characterized by austere forms, the use of unpainted wood, massive beams, mud-plastered walls, and roofs covered with shingles or thatch (historically).
Key sites: The reconstructed Hakone Sekisho checkpoint complex and the historical Amazake-chaya tea house.
Eclecticism and Giyofu Style (Meiji and Taisho Periods, late 19th – early 20th centuries)
The era of Japan opening to the world brought a fashion for Western architecture to Hakone. Local craftsmen built structures mimicking European Classicism and Victorian styles but added Japanese elements (curved "karahafu" roofs, temple-style decor). This created a unique resort aesthetic.
Key site: The Fujiya Hotel in the Miyanoshita area—a brilliant example of the fusion of West and East.
European Stylization (Showa Period, mid-20th century)
The desire to create a fairytale atmosphere and attract tourists led to the appearance of themed buildings copying European styles—from Italian Baroque to French landscape design.
Key sites: The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum and Gora Park.
Organic Architecture and Modernism (Heisei Period, late 20th – 21st centuries)
Modern construction in Hakone is subject to strict National Park regulations. Architects use concrete, glass, and steel, aiming to seamlessly blend buildings into the surrounding forest, often integrating them underground.
Key site: The Pola Museum of Art, harmoniously integrated into a beech forest.
Iconic Districts and Buildings
Several key landmarks define the city's character:
Hakone-jinja Shrine: An example of traditional Shinto architecture (gongen-zukuri style), whose red torii gate standing in the waters of Lake Ashi is the primary visual symbol of the region.
Gora Villas: This area developed as an elite summer retreat for the aristocracy and industrialists; historical residences surrounded by Japanese gardens have been preserved here.
Ropeway Stations: Futuristic transport hubs, particularly in the Owakudani Valley area, create a contrast with the wild volcanic landscape.
Notable People
Notable Figures Associated with Hakone
The history of Hakone was shaped by the influence of monks, military commanders, artists, and entrepreneurs. Their legacy transformed a difficult mountain pass into one of Japan's premier resorts.
Mangan Shonin — Buddhist Monk
A key figure in the region's spiritual history. In 757, he founded the Hakone-jinja Shrine, supposedly subduing a dragon in Lake Ashi. His work made Hakone a sacred place for mountain ascetics and pilgrims.
Minamoto no Yoritomo — First Kamakura Shogun
After his defeat at the Battle of Ishibashiyama (1180), the future ruler of Japan found refuge in the Hakone mountains. Upon becoming shogun, he generously patronized the local shrine, establishing a tradition of Hakone visits by the samurai elite.
Utagawa Hiroshige — Ukiyo-e Master
A great 19th-century artist who immortalized the region's landscapes in his famous series "The 53 Stations of the Tokaido." His print depicting the steep slopes of Hakone is considered one of the masterpieces of Japanese art, bringing worldwide fame to the beauty of these parts.
Sennosuke Yamaguchi — Visionary Hotelier
Founder of the legendary Fujiya Hotel (1878). He was the first to reorient local service toward Western tourists, introducing European comfort standards and turning Hakone into an international resort.
Yasujiro Tsutsumi — Tycoon, Founder of Seibu Group
A central figure in the "Hakone Mountain War" (transport competition) of the mid-20th century. His competition with other transport companies led to the rapid development of infrastructure: road construction, the launch of bus networks, and tourist sightseeing boats on Lake Ashi.
John Lennon — Musician
Together with Yoko Ono and their son Sean, he frequently vacationed in Hakone during the 1970s. Their regular visits to the Miyanoshita area contributed to the resort's growing popularity among Western audiences and the bohemian community.