Kutouryuujinja Main Shrine｜A complete guide to the history, highlights, and worship information of the shrine by Lake Ashinoko, famous for matchmaking

The main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine quietly stands on the shore of Lake Ashi in Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is visited by many worshippers from all over Japan for the blessing of matchmaking. Based on the ancient legend of the Kuzuryu, it is known as a special place where visitors can feel the powerful power of the Great Kuzuryu God enshrined as the guardian deity of Lake Ashinoko.

Outline and basic information about the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine

Kutouryuu Shrine Hongu is a regency shrine of Hakone Shrine, located on the shores of Lake Ashi. The main shrine is located in a rich natural forest called “Hakone Kutouryu no Mori,” and is surrounded by a sacred atmosphere that cannot be experienced in urban areas. In 1999, a new Kuzuryu Shrine was built on the grounds of Hakone Shrine, and “Ryosha mairi” (visiting both the main shrine and the new shrine) has become popular. Today, the shrine is a popular power spot visited mainly by women who wish for match-making and romantic fulfillment, but also by many people who seek financial fortune and prosperous business.

History and Origin

The establishment of the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine is deeply related to the legend of Kutouryuu, which is said to have occurred at Lake Ashinoko in ancient times. In ancient times, a poisonous dragon with nine heads lived in Lake Ashinoko, and this dragon tormented the villagers. Mamaki Shonin, a high priest of the Nara period (710-794), learned of this situation when he came to Hakone for ascetic training and built a platform on Ryugashima, a small rocky island on the shore of Lake Ashinoko.

Mamaki Shonin chanted the Mahānna-Haramitta Sutra to control the poisonous dragon, and finally succeeded in converting the dragon with the spiritual power of Hakone-daikami. The reformed dragon was reborn as the Dragon God, the lord of Lake Ashinoko, and was enshrined in the forest near the lakeside. This is said to be the beginning of the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine. Mangaki Shonin was also the person who constructed the Hakone Shrine pavilion, and the deep connection between Kutouryuu Shrine and Hakone Shrine has continued since this time.

Deities and Benefits

The deity of the main shrine of Kuzuryu-jinja is Kuzuryu-taijin, the Great Kuzuryu God. The poisonous dragon that once ravaged Lake Ashi is said to have been reborn as the guardian deity of Lake Ashi after being reformed by the power of Mamaki Shonin. Since ancient times, the dragon has been worshipped as the god of water and rain, and was also the guardian god of agriculture and fishery.

The most famous benefit of Kutouryuu-odo-jin is the marriage. People from all over the country visit the shrine to seek a good match and to wish for the fulfillment of their love. Many visitors also pray for success in business, as it is said that the god is blessed with increased money and prosperity. Because of its nature as a god of water, the shrine is also expected to bring blessings for purification of body and soul and protection against misfortune. Especially on the 13th of each month, many female worshippers pray to the deity for a matchmaking ceremony.

Highlights and features of the main shrine of Kutouryu-jinja Shrine

The charm of Kutouryuu Shrine Hongu lies not only in the sanctity of the shrine itself, but also in the path leading to it and the surrounding environment. Surrounded by the beautiful nature of Lake Ashinoko, the shrine grounds offer deep healing and inspiration to visitors.

Beautiful precincts on the shores of Lake Ashi

The main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine is in an unusual location on the shores of Lake Ashi. The shrine grounds overlook the beautiful surface of Lake Ashi, and on a clear day, visitors can look out across the lake to the majestic Mt. The scenery of the vermilion torii gate, the blue of the lake, and the white peak of Mt.

The temple grounds are not large, but the sanctity of the shrine is concentrated within them, allowing visitors to calm their minds and hearts in the tranquility of the shrine. The main shrine is built facing Lake Ashi, creating a mysterious atmosphere as if a dragon god is watching over worshippers from the bottom of the lake. Especially in the early morning and evening hours, the light reflected on the surface of the lake is fantastic and makes the experience even more mystical.

Forest Walk on the Therapy Road

On the approach to the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine, there is a beautiful walking trail named “Therapy Road. This path is a 20-minute stroll that leads from Hakone-en and The Prince Hakone Ashinoko to the shrine, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich nature of Hakone while heading to the shrine.

The therapy road is maintained along the shores of Lake Ashi and is dotted with numerous viewpoints from which you can see over the lake Mt. Fuji in each of the four seasons: fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow-capped Mt. Fuji in winter. You can also expect the effect of forest bathing and spend precious time refreshing your mind and body, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the urban area. Along the way, you can listen to the chirping of wild birds and take deep breaths of pure air to prepare yourself for the visit.

Visiting both shrines with Hakuryu Shrine

About a five-minute walk from the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine is a small shrine called Hakuryu Shrine. This shrine enshrines Shiraryuu Ookami (the Great White Dragon God), and “Ryosha mairi” (visiting both shrines together) is popular. Shiraryuu-odokami is an abbreviation of the name Shirawa Ryuoh, which was enshrined at Hakone Gongen until the end of the Edo period, and is a dragon deity that has long been rooted in the Hakone area.

Hakuryu Shrine is a small, beautiful shrine with an impressive white torii gate. It has a peaceful atmosphere that differs from that of the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine, and it is believed that by visiting the two dragon deities, one can obtain deeper blessings. The annual festival of Hakuryu Shrine is held on June 13 every year, following the monthly festival of the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine. Visiting both shrines is a valuable experience that allows visitors to fully experience the power of the Dragon Gods that reside in Lake Ashinoko.

Guide to Prayer and Worship

Worship at the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine is a special experience, different from ordinary shrines. It is important to worship wholeheartedly in this sacred space surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Ashinoko.

Worship Etiquette and Manners

The manner of worship at the main shrine of Kutouryu-jinja is basically the same as at other shrines, but it is important to pay special respect to the Dragon Gods. First, purify your hands and mouth at the Tezumisha, purify your body and mind, and then head for the main shrine. When visiting the shrine, use the two-beat-and-one-worship manner, and pray with gratitude and wishes to the Dragon Gods.

The main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine is located in a protected natural area called “Hakone Kutouryuu Forest,” so you must be considerate of the natural environment. Please be sure to take your trash with you and take care not to harm plants or animals. Also, since the path to the shrine is through the forest, we recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes. Photography is allowed, but please be careful not to disturb other visitors and to maintain the sacred atmosphere.

Monthly Service on the 13th of every month

The most notable event at the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine is the Tsukiji Matsuri held on the 13th of each month. This ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. and has become a popular event, attracting more than 100 worshippers each month. In addition to the ritual at the main shrine, the Tsukiji Matsuri includes a lake water ritual in which rice, sake, dried squid, and eggs are offered to Lake Ashinoko as an offering of thanks and prayer to the Dragon God.

On the day of the Getsuji Festival, a special sightseeing boat, the Kuzuryu Shrine Worship Boat, runs from Moto Hakone Port to the main shrine of the Kuzuryu Shrine. The round-trip boat ride costs 1,500 yen, and a boat ticket, prayer application envelope, and offerings to the gods are provided. The boat provides direct access to the shrine’s pier for a more special worship experience. If you wish to pray, you can apply by placing a prayer fee of 2,000 yen or more in the prayer application envelope and handing it to the priest. At the end of the ceremony, all visitors throw offerings into Lake Ashinoko to make offerings to the Dragon God.

Red Seal and Good Luck Charm Information

At the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine, red seals are available at Hakone Shrine. There are red seals unique to the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine, which are popular among visitors seeking the blessing of marriage. Goshuin are available at the Hakone Shrine office from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The first fee is 300 yen.

Various types of good luck charms are also available at Hakone Shrine, including marriage charms, good luck charms, and traffic safety charms. The marriage charm in particular is popular among women who wish to benefit from the blessings of the Great God Kuzuryu, and its beautiful pink design is impressive. There are also charms available only at the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine, which are also appreciated as souvenirs. Special offerings and amulets are also available on the day of the Tsukiji Festival, so a visit to the shrine in conjunction with this day will make for a more fulfilling experience.

Access/Use Information

There are several ways to access the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine. Because of its natural location, each means of transportation is unique and can be selected according to your purpose and preference.

Transportation Access

There are three main ways to access the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine. The most common is on foot, from the parking lot of Hakone-en or The Prince Hakone Ashinoko, a 20-minute walk along a therapy road. From Odakyu Line Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Izu Hakone Bus bound for “Kojiri/Hakone-en” (about 1 hour and 5 minutes), get off at the Hakone-en stop, and walk.

If accessing by car, it takes about 5 minutes from Hakone Shrine to Hakone-en. It takes about 30 minutes from the Gotemba Interchange on the Tomei Expressway via Route 138, and about 20 minutes from the Hakone-Toge Interchange on the Hakone New Road. If you are taking a train and bus, take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for “Moto Hakone/Hakone-cho” from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at Moto Hakone Port, then take a further bus or cab to Hakone-en.

On the day of the Tsukiji Festival, a worship boat operates from Moto-Hakone Port, so access by boat is also possible. You can also take a motorboat from the Hakone Hotel pier in Hakone-cho or the Hakoneen pier in Moto-Hakone directly to the shrine’s pier.

Hours of Admission, Fees, and Parking Information

The main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine is located in the “Hakone Kutouryuu Forest,” so an entrance fee is required. The regular admission fee is 600 yen for adults, but on the morning of the 13th of each month, during the Monthly Festival, admission is free for visitors only. Admission to the park is also free for motorboat visitors at any time. Admission is from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the park is open all year round.

Parking is available at the Hakone-en parking lot, and the parking fee is 1,000 yen. Parking is also available at The Prince Hakone Ashinoko, but this is for hotel guests only and is not available for general visitors. The Hakoneen parking lot has limited capacity, so early arrival is recommended, especially on the day of the Tsukiji Festival and during the tourist season.

Prayer services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the Oshukado (prayer hall) and Ojinin (seal) services are available from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These services are held at the Hakone Shrine office, so it is necessary to visit Hakone Shrine in conjunction with a visit to the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine.

<Address> Hakone Kutouryu no Mori, Moto Hakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa 250-0522

Reference site

Hakone Shrine (Kutouryuu Shrine) official website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/