The Old Hakone Highway is a part of the Old Tokaido Highway, which was developed in the 17th century to connect Tokyo and Kyoto. Because the Old Hakone Highway went through Hakone Pass whose elevation is over 800 meters, it was considered the most grueling section in the Old Tokaido.
Today, some parts of the highway are well maintained as a hiking course, and we can walk the same road as travelers did 400 years ago. It is approximately 30 kilometers from Hakone-Yumoto to Mishima via Hakone Pass. There are many bus stops along the way, so you can take a bus on the way if you get tired or just want to walk a certain part of the course.
Hakone-Yumoto to Moto-Hakone and Hakone Pass: The first half of the course
- The course is uphill.
- Distance: approx. 15km. Walking time: 6 hrs.
- The first 5km from Hakone-Yumoto is a road with car traffic. If you want to avoid it, take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto to Hatajuku (approx. 15 minutes). You will be at entrance of the trail.
One of the attractions of the Old Hakone Highway is the stone-paved road developed in the 17th century. Today, it is designated as a national historic site and some parts of the road remain as a hiking course. Walking in this historic atmosphere and rich nature will give you a taste of what travelers of that time experienced.
Another attraction along the course is Amazake Chaya. It is a tea house with a thatched roof. In the old days, it offered travelers rest, and refreshments like sweet sake, and it still welcomes visitors with sweet sake, rice cakes and other traditional Japanese refreshments. It is located in between Hatajuku and Moto-Hakone, so you can take a little break during your walk.
When you reach Moto-Hakone, magnificent views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji welcome you. It is also impressive to see Cedar Avenue, featuring over 400 trees of more than 350 years old. The trees were planted to provide shade to travelers at that time. Walking among these towering trees offers a comfortable and relaxed feeling.
Hakone Sekisho is an interesting spot on the shore of Lake Ashi. The Sekisho were facilities for inspection placed on major roads to control travelers and goods in the old days. Hakone Sekisho was built in 1619 and was one of the most important Sekisho in Japan. In 2007, Hakone Sekisho was reconstructed and appears true to the original form including gates, office, guardhouse and lookout. It gives an insight into the Japanese check point system and people’s life at the time.
At Hakone Pass, there is a bus stop “Hakone-Toge”. It is the highest point of the course and is about 3 kilometers from Hakone Sekisho. The road to the bus stop is uphill with car traffic. If you want to avoid it, a 5-minute bus ride from Hakone Sekisho will take you to “Hakone-Toge”.
Hakone-Toge to Mishima: Second half of the course
- It is approx. 15 minutes walk from “Hakone-Toge” to the entrance of the trail.
- The course is downhill.
- Distance: approx. 15km. Walking time: 4hrs.
Along with the stone-paved roads and cedar trees, the course from “Hakone-Toge” to Mishima also offers a historic atmosphere through stone monuments, shrines and temples, and more. One of the attractions is Yamanaka Castle Ruins Park which is positioned halfway to Mishima. The castle was built in 1560s at a strategic location overlooking the Old Tokaido Highway. The site is now a park with rich nature and a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.
Mishima Taisha Shrine, located at the end of the course and a 10-minute walk to Mishima Station, is a first grade shrine of Izu Province. The root god of Mt. Fuji has been enshrined here since ancient times. Several shrine buildings are registered as National Important Cultural Properties, and it attracts 3 million people every year for worship.
Here and there along the Old Hakone Highway, you can admire scenic views, historic trails and peaceful nature. Some trails are steep, so you might need to prepare some hiking equipment.
