Hakone Part 2

Hakone is not only good for onsens!

There are also historical sights such as the Hakone Checkpoint and the Old Tokaido Highway, which was once the main highway leading from Hakone in the direction of Nagoya and Kyoto.

Hakone Checkpoint: The reconstruction was completed in the spring of 2007. The checkpoint was originally established during the Edo Period (1603-1868) by the Tokugawa Shogunate. At that time the Hakone Checkpoint was regarded as being very important; it was used to check people who were going and coming from Edo. After the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate the checkpoint was not necessary anymore, therefore during the Taisho period it was designated as a historical landmark of Japan. You can see people’s dolls, armor, and promissory notes, which are similar to modern day visas, from those days.

Old Highway: this magnificent old road is lined with cryptomeria trees. Here the Old Tokaido Highway can be found. In the olden days people used to walk along this road in order to get to Nagoya and Kyoto. Presently, there are a number of kilometers remaining that you may walk along. However, the path is made of uneven stones, and therefore if you plan on walking along this path you should wear sneakers. There is moss and the road is at a slope, therefore it is recommend that you walk carefully. Walking along this road you get the feeling of the people during the Edo Period; it is definitely a memorable experience.

Within the area of the Hakone Checkpoint and Old Tokaido Highway there is also Hakone Shrine and Hakone Art Museum. There are many restaurants that are just alongside Ashino Lake.　Here you can eat the rare Rainbow Trout fish, which are caught in this lake.

If you walk about 2km on the Old Tokaido Highway you will run into a famous shop called Amazakechaya. At Amazakechaya you can drink sweet half sake, while you receive snacks you can rest your tired legs. They also sell souvenirs within the teahouse.