🗺️ Hakone Checkpoint

After Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Kanto and established the Edo Shogunate, the importance of the Tōkaidō, which connects Edo and Kyoto, was significantly enhanced. To maintain public order in Edo, strict entry and exit controls were necessary. Known as "Hakone Hachiri," the steep mountain roads of Hakone, due to their geographical characteristics that made it difficult to take shortcuts, led to the establishment of the Hakone Barrier along the shores of Lake Ashi in the 5th year of Genna (1619). In the 2nd year of Meiji (1869), all barriers were abolished, and thus the Hakone Barrier was also dismantled. Later, based on excavations and historical materials, the restoration and preparation of the main barrier and upper resting place were completed and opened to the public in the 19th year of Heisei (2007). As the saying goes, "Weapons in, women out," the barrier at that time implemented particularly strict monitoring of weapons entering Edo and women leaving Edo. However, the inspection of weapons was the responsibility of the current Kiri Barrier (located by Lake Hamana). Although the Hakone Barrier did not specifically check weapons, it was very strict regarding the inspection of women. Based on detailed records of physical characteristics, personnel known as "Hitomi Onna" conducted thorough confirmations. Inside the facility, dolls were used to recreate the scene known as "Deonna Kaeshi." Photo provided by: Hakone Town Planning and Tourism Department.

Historical facilities that allow you to understand the features of the Edo period. The checkpoint has been completely restored using the techniques and tools of that time. The attached museum displays handprints from the checkpoint, ancient documents, and travel tools from that era. After climbing the stone steps, you can see a panoramic view of the checkpoint from the "Enkikan" and the breathtaking view of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi.