Kintoki Shrine
Kintoki Shrine: A peaceful gateway to the legendary Mt. Kintoki hike, offering cultural charm and stunning views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Kintoki Shrine
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kintoki Shrine: A peaceful gateway to the legendary Mt. Kintoki hike, offering cultural charm and stunning views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
"The shrine is an easy to find landmark that marks the start of the trail up to mount kintoki. Amazing views of both hakone along the way and mount Fuji (best on a clear day)"
🎯 Arrive Early for Photos
Visit before 8 AM on weekdays to get clear shots of the torii gate without crowds. :camerawithflash:
👟 Hike Mt. Kintoki
The shrine is the trailhead for Mt. Kintoki; the hike offers incredible views. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Torii Gate
Lakeside
The famous red torii gate standing majestically in Lake Ashi, offering a picturesque view.
Mt. Kintoki Trailhead
Base of Mt. Kintoki
The starting point for a rewarding hike with stunning views of Hakone and Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Evangelion Public Toilet
Near the shrine
A unique and quirky attraction for fans of the anime series, adding an unexpected element to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Mt. Fuji Views
Trailhead & Shrine Combo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Photos
Visit before 8 AM on weekdays to get clear shots of the torii gate without crowds. :camerawithflash:
👟 Hike Mt. Kintoki
The shrine is the trailhead for Mt. Kintoki; the hike offers incredible views. :athletic_shoe:
🐔 Feed the Chickens
A small fee lets you feed the chickens near the shrine for a fun, interactive experience. :poultry_leg:
✨ Get a Goshuin
Friendly priest offers beautiful Goshuin (temple stamps) with unique designs. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Photos
Visit before 8 AM on weekdays to get clear shots of the torii gate without crowds. :camerawithflash:
👟 Hike Mt. Kintoki
The shrine is the trailhead for Mt. Kintoki; the hike offers incredible views. :athletic_shoe:
🐔 Feed the Chickens
A small fee lets you feed the chickens near the shrine for a fun, interactive experience. :poultry_leg:
✨ Get a Goshuin
Friendly priest offers beautiful Goshuin (temple stamps) with unique designs. :scroll:
🚗 Driving Tips
Driving allows for early arrival to beat traffic and crowds. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Kintoki Shrine to be a charming spot, primarily recognized as the trailhead for the popular Mt. Kintoki hike. The shrine itself offers a peaceful atmosphere, unique cultural elements like feeding chickens and obtaining Goshuin, and a connection to the legend of Kintaro. While the building may be simple, the surrounding natural beauty and the rewarding hike are consistently praised, especially on clear days with views of Mt. Fuji.
"The shrine is an easy to find landmark that marks the start of the trail up to mount kintoki. Amazing views of both hakone along the way and mount Fuji (best on a clear day)"
Jed Mangal
"Nothing really special about the building ( made of concrete) , and there is actually nothing inside it.
It's more known for being the trailhead of Mt Kintoki, a pretty popular mountain. And there is also a story about the site.
There's a little store near the shrine, With some souvenirs."
Guillaume7372
"This review is for several things:
The NGE restroom alone was worth the visit!
The shrine was a nice little walk off the road and had chickens you could pay 100yen to feed and a great feeling.
But above all. This is where you want to start your hike to the top of Mt. Kintoki. This route up was amazing, will test your ability if you are a avg/mediocre hiker due to the elevation and the way the trail feels so organic. Highly recommend."
James Hyde
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take a highway bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to the Kintoki Trailhead. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen to Odawara Station and then a bus.
Yes, Kintoki Shrine is a well-known landmark and marks the start of the Mt. Kintoki trail, making it easy to locate.
Yes, driving is an option and can help you arrive early to avoid crowds and traffic, especially on weekdays.
Many visitors opt for the Hakone Loop, which can include a bus to Motohakone-Ko, visiting Hakone Shrine, then taking the pirate ship and ropeway. Kintoki Shrine can be a stop along this route or a dedicated hike. +1
Yes, it is accessible by bus from major hubs like Shinjuku or Odawara, with the Kintoki Trailhead being a common stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to enter Kintoki Shrine itself. However, there's a small fee to feed the chickens.
Shrines in Japan are generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific hours for Kintoki Shrine are not strictly enforced, but it's best to visit during daylight hours.
The hike up Mt. Kintoki is free to access.
Yes, there is a small store near the shrine that sells souvenirs.
Feeding the chickens near the shrine costs approximately 100 yen.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spot is the torii gate by Lake Ashi. For panoramic views, especially of Mt. Fuji, hiking up Mt. Kintoki is highly recommended.
To get unobstructed photos of the torii gate, aim for early morning on a weekday, ideally before 8 AM.
Yes, on clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible and offers spectacular photo opportunities, especially from the summit of Mt. Kintoki.
Fans of the anime Evangelion can photograph the unique public toilet featured in the series, located near the shrine.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the torii gate and the expansive views from Mt. Kintoki. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant shots of Mt. Fuji.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can visit the shrine, feed the chickens, and most importantly, use it as a trailhead for the popular Mt. Kintoki hike.
The hike is considered moderately challenging due to elevation gain and organic trail conditions, testing the ability of average hikers.
Yes, there are restaurants, shops, and restrooms available on the summit of Mt. Kintoki.
The shrine is associated with the legend of Kintaro, a strong boy who played with animals and wrestled bears.
Yes, the shrine offers beautiful and unique Goshuin designs, and the priest is known for his hospitality.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families who enjoy light activity, the initial part of the Mt. Kintoki trail can be explored for a short distance, offering a taste of hiking without committing to the full ascent. However, the main hike is quite strenuous and might be too challenging for very young children. Pack snacks and water, and be prepared for a potentially crowded environment if visiting during peak times.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
The payoff for your efforts is immense: unparalleled views of Hakone and, on clear days, the iconic Mt. Fuji. The summit provides a perfect spot to rest, refuel at the available eateries, and soak in the breathtaking vistas. It's an experience that combines physical exertion with stunning natural rewards.
⛩️ Culture and Folklore Buffs
Beyond the shrine itself, the area offers a chance to engage with local traditions. Obtaining a Goshuin (temple stamp) from the friendly priest is a unique cultural souvenir, often accompanied by warm hospitality.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Kintaro
Visitors can feel this connection to folklore as they approach the shrine. The presence of the large stone axe on display is a nod to Kintaro's legendary weapon. The shrine itself, while perhaps not architecturally grand, holds a significant cultural and historical weight due to its ties to this beloved Japanese folk hero.
This connection to legend adds a layer of mystique to the visit, making it more than just a scenic spot. It's a place where history, myth, and nature converge, offering a unique cultural experience for those interested in Japanese folklore.
Hiking Mt. Kintoki: A Rewarding Challenge
The effort is well worth it, as the summit offers spectacular views of the surrounding Hakone region and, on clear days, the majestic Mt. Fuji. Many travelers describe the vistas as incredible and a major highlight of their trip. The journey up provides a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection with the natural beauty of the area.
Along the route, you might encounter various terrains, and the organic nature of the trail means it feels less manicured and more integrated with the natural landscape. Remember to wear appropriate hiking gear and carry water. The summit also provides amenities like restaurants and restrooms, making the descent more comfortable.
The Evangelion Connection
This specific toilet is not just a novelty; it's a recognizable landmark for fans and a testament to how local attractions can be integrated with popular culture. It provides a fun, albeit unusual, photo opportunity and a conversation starter for those familiar with the series.
While the shrine itself is steeped in traditional Japanese folklore, the inclusion of the Evangelion-themed toilet showcases a modern twist. It highlights the diverse appeal of the Kintoki area, catering to both those seeking cultural heritage and those interested in contemporary pop culture references.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit