HAKONE CHECKPOINT

Hakone Checkpoint is a historic checkpoint on a main transport route to and from Tokyo. The Hakone Checkpoint is located next to Lake Ashi.

Hakone Checkpoint is a historic checkpoint on a main transport route to and from Tokyo. Tokugawa Shogun placed 53 checkpoints on major roads across the nation to defend Tokyo during Edo period (17-19 century). Hakone Checkpoint was one of the largest and important among them. The Hakone Checkpoint was placed on the current location in 1619, during an early Edo period. One of the main roles of the Hakone Checkpoint was to control 'incoming guns and outgoing women', which means to prevent weapons from being brought into Tokyo and wives and children of feudal lords from fleeing from Tokyo. Today, you can experience the history from this well restored facility.