Hakone Checkpoint

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About Hakone Checkpoint

The Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho) was established in 1619 by the Tokugawa shogunate on the Tokaido road, which connected Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto. It stood at a narrow spot between Lake Ashi and the mountain where it was difficult to pass without being seen. Guards inspected papers and luggage and controlled, above all, the entry of weapons into Edo and the exit of women from the families of feudal lords, who remained in the capital as guarantees of loyalty.

The checkpoint operated until the end of the Edo period and was dismantled in the 19th century. the current reconstruction, completed in the early 21st century, followed detailed documents found in the region and used traditional techniques and tools. The gates, fences, guardhouse, jail, and watchtower can be visited, with life‑size figures showing the routine of the place.

Next door, the Checkpoint Museum displays travel documents, weapons, guards’ items, and the history of inspections. From the top of the watchtower you can see Lake Ashi and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.

Near the checkpoint the cedar avenue of the old Tokaido, the Suginamiki, begins — hundreds of cedars planted in the early 17th century to shade travelers. The path continues about 500 meters to Moto-Hakone. Sections of the old stone Tokaido road remain through the mountains between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-Yumoto, suitable for walks of a few hours.