About
On the shores of Lake Ashi, at a place where tranquility and history intersect, stands the former Hakone Checkpoint. During the Edo period, travelers passed through this site and underwent strict inspections at the checkpoint, which still retains its appearance from those days. Passing through the jet-black, soot-lacquered gate, it feels as if you are being transported across time and space into the world of Edo.
Inside the checkpoint, various facilities such as the main guardhouse, the upper guard resting place, the foot soldier guardhouse, the prison, and the lookout post have been reconstructed, allowing visitors to glimpse the lives and duties of officials at the time. In particular, the view from the lookout post is magnificent, offering a sight of Mt. Fuji across Lake Ashi. This scenery is likely what the officials on watch would have seen in the past.
The restoration of the checkpoint was carried out using detailed historical materials from the late Edo period, employing the craftsmanship and tools of the era. As a result, everything from the structure and layout of the buildings to the materials used has been faithfully reproduced. This allows visitors to truly feel the atmosphere of the Edo period.
Additionally, inside the checkpoint, items such as travel permits, weapons, and materials related to checkpoint breaches are on display, providing an opportunity to learn about the transportation and security systems of the Edo period. In particular, breaching the checkpoint was considered a serious crime, and those caught could be sentenced to death. However, it is said that throughout the Edo period, only six people were ever caught breaching the checkpoint.
After visiting the checkpoint, it is also recommended to stroll along the nearby old Tokaido cedar avenue. This avenue, lined with about 400 cedars, was a road traveled by people during the Edo period and strongly retains the atmosphere of those times. There are also spots where history and nature blend, such as the Motohakone stone Buddha group and Hakone Shrine, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of Hakone.
The Hakone Checkpoint is not just a tourist destination, but a valuable place where you can truly feel the history and culture of the Edo period. The image of the checkpoint reflected on the quiet surface of Lake Ashi continues to tell us many stories across the ages.