Hakone Checkpoint Tourism

Hakone Checkpoint, known in Japanese as Hakone Sekisho, is a historic site located in the town of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It was originally established during the Edo period by the Tokugawa shogunate to control traffic along the Tokaido, the highway connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. Reconstructed faithfully based on archaeological findings, it now functions as an open-air museum where visitors can experience a slice of Japan's rich history. The checkpoint was an important part of the defense and control system, preventing the trafficking of weapons into Edo and tracking the movement of people, especially the daimyo (feudal lords) as part of the 'sankin-kotai' system. Today, several buildings including the main gate, fence, and housing for officers have been restored. The site also showcases historical artifacts and provides scenic views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji on clear days. This checkpoint, with its serene surroundings, is now a popular spot for tourists seeking to glimpse Japan's samurai era.