Hakone Sekisho
Restored in immaculate detail and open to the public in the spring of 2007, entering the Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho) is like stepping back in time. It was originally built in the Edo Period to control traffic on the Tokaido, or main road between Tokyo and Kyoto.
Hakone Checkpoint building interior
Extensive archeological research was done to recreate what that strategic military outpost was like, and now visitors can enjoy walking through the gates and buildings. There are offices, housing for officers and foot soldiers, a lookout tower and prison. Furniture has been painstakingly reproduced, and mannequins represent what life might have been like at the time.
Hakone Checkpoint armoury
The avenue of cedars leading to and from the checkpoint are only a small portion of the original Tokaido. It is possible to hike extensive sections of it. The Hakone Checkpoint is located between Hakone and Moto-Hakone towns just off of Route 1. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Entry is 1200 for adults, 900 for high school and university students, 600 for elementary and junior high school students, and free for those under 5 years old. When you visit the Hakone Sekisho, you can learn about an important part of Japanese history. There is an excellent, informative website: http://www.hakonesekisyo.jp/english/main/main.html
photos by:
nicwn &
nicwn,
nicwn
