How to Nail Your Hakone Shrine Visit 🎴✨

Hakone Shrine is kinda legendary for its super cool scripture book—seriously, everyone wants one! You can actually line up and grab one right at the shrine, and don’t forget about snagging that iconic stamp too. Honestly, I missed out because I joined a one-day tour, and trust me, there just wasn’t enough time to do the line. Still feeling FOMO! 😩 So real talk: If your heart’s set on getting those exclusive goodies, skip the group tours and plan a solo trip. This way, you can take your time, vibe with the views, and actually enjoy the shrine instead of rushing everywhere. Here’s the rundown when you arrive: You end up smack in the middle of the road! If you head up, you’ll hit Hakone Shrine (address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan—open all day, every day 🏯). If you go down, you’ll see the Peace Torii Gate—one of the most Insta-worthy spots in Hakone. Heads up: This place is 🔥 popular, so expect lines for pretty much everything. Grab some snacks, charge your phone, and get ready to wait. It’s def worth it for the iconic experience! Pro tip: Go early in the morning or on a weekday to beat the crowds. Drop the tour packages for this one—Hakone Shrine is best explored at your own pace!