🗺️ Hakone Old Road箱根旧街道

In the early Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate reconstructed the Tōkaidō, which connects Tokyo and Kyoto. Between the post towns of Mishima-juku and Odawara-juku along the Tōkaidō lies the Hakone Old Road. It stretches approximately 32 kilometers with an elevation difference of over 800 meters, known for being the steepest and most difficult section of the Tōkaidō. Its severity was so notable that during the Meiji period, it was even sung about in the song "Hakone Yatsuri" with the lyrics "Hakone's mountains are the most perilous in the world." The long stone-paved road is a symbol of the Hakone Old Road. In the past, the road was muddy, and during rainy days, the mud would almost reach the calves. To facilitate travelers walking up the slope, the Tokugawa shogunate ordered its reconstruction. Additionally, every ri (approximately 3.9 kilometers) along the road, a mile marker was built to standardize distance measurement, with three still existing today; these are designated as cultural properties of significant historical value, alongside the stone-paved road, as national historic sites. The Hakone Old Road is a popular hiking route rich in historical atmosphere, but the long and steep slopes can be challenging. Between Hakone Pass and Mishima-juku, a section known as "Nishizaka" is also on the Hakone side, mostly downhill, which places a considerable burden on the waist and legs, requiring special attention.

This is a section of the old highway that was reconstructed during the Edo period. Some of the stone slabs along the route have been restored, and along with the mile marker, they have been designated as a national historic site. In 2018, it was recognized as a "Japan Heritage." Since September 2022, approximately 600 meters from the entrance of the Hakone Pass old street has been closed to traffic.