Immerse Yourself in Nature: The Hakone Kuzuryu no Mori Therapy Road

The first pirate ship departs Tōgendai Port at 9:00 am

Hakone Kuzuryu no Mori Therapy Road is a short, yet delightful trail located near Lake Ashi in Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan. It is an ideal place to practice Shinrin-yoku (森林浴), the Japanese concept of forest bathing, which involves immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest to enhance health and well-being.

The trail stretches just 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) with an elevation gain of approximately 21 meters (69 feet). Its gentle incline makes it an easy walk suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children and older adults.

On March 30th, 2024, I embarked on a peaceful journey along the Hakone Forest Therapy Road

Signpost for the Hakone Kuzuryu no Mori Therapy Road (箱根九頭龍の森セラピーロード)

The Hakone Kuzuryu no Mori Therapy Road (YouTube link)

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On March 30, 2024, I set out on a quiet journey along the Hakone Forest Therapy Road. Beginning at the Hakone Pirate Ship Tōgendai Port, my path led me toward the sacred Kuzuryū Shrine Hongū⭐.

The trail traced the eastern shore of Lake Ashi, unfolding in a harmonious blend of forest immersion and lakeside scenery. At times I walked beneath a canopy of lush greenery, at others I paused to take in the lake’s calm expanse—each moment carrying with it a deep sense of relaxation and peace.

What made the experience even more tranquil was the absence of crowds. I crossed paths with only a handful of people, most of them Japanese locals, which lent the walk an air of secluded serenity. In that quiet space, it felt as though nature itself was inviting me to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect more fully with the world around me.

From Tōgendai Port, the panoramic vista of Lake Ashi stretches out, framed by lush mountains

Fishermen were plentiful on the lake, some even standing in the shallows

Sunlight filters through a dense canopy of leaves, casting dappled light on the forest floor along the Therapy Road

Through breaks in the trees along the Therapy Road, I stole glimpses of the serene Lake Ashi, its peaceful beauty adding to the calming atmosphere

The path was blissfully quiet, with only occasional walkers and cyclists sharing the serene space

Nestled near the serene Kuzuryu Shrine, a vibrant red torii gate stands proudly

A boat emerges from the calm waters, nearing its destination: the revered Kuzuryū Shrine Hongū

A pristine white torii gate marks the entrance to Kuzuryū Shrine Hongū

Kuzuryū Shrine Hongū (九頭龍神社 本宮)

A majestic dragon, sculpted from stone and spouting water, guards the entrance to the Shinto shrine, a symbolic protector imbued with ancient power