Soun-ji Temple
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Hakone
- Category
- Church & Religious Site
- Duration
- 30-60 min
- Opening Hours
- Daily 06:00-16:00 · Grounds 5:00-17:00 in summer, 6:00-16:00 in winter; open daily; the November treasure display charges JPY 500 to enter
- Ticket Price
- Free Admission: Grounds free · November treasure opening JPY 500 adults; special rites may alter access; the main hall is normally closed
- Address
- 405 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan
- Coordinates
- 35.2330, 139.0470
Introduction
Soun-ji is an old Zen temple above Hakone-Yumoto, founded in 1521 by Hojo Ujitsuna on the dying wish of his father Hojo Soun; it became the funerary temple of five generations of the Later Hojo, whose graves remain on the grounds. Toyotomi Hideyoshi used it as his headquarters during the Odawara campaign, and the temple keeps the bronze bell rung as a war signal. Its dry landscape garden is attributed to Hojo Gen'an and ranks among Kanto's finest; plum, camellia and cherry bloom from winter into spring. Each November the temple treasures — documents and portraits tied to the Hojo — open to the public for a limited run. A short climb from the busy onsen strip brings complete quiet, and a compact lesson in Hakone's warring-states past.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 06:00-16:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 06:00-16:00 |
| Wednesday | 06:00-16:00 |
| Thursday | 06:00-16:00 |
| Friday | 06:00-16:00 |
| Saturday | 06:00-16:00 |
| Sunday | 06:00-16:00 |
Grounds 5:00-17:00 in summer, 6:00-16:00 in winter; open daily; the November treasure display charges JPY 500 to enter
Ticket Information
| Free Admission | Grounds free |
|---|
November treasure opening JPY 500 adults; special rites may alter access; the main hall is normally closed
Transportation
15 min uphill from Hakone-Yumoto Stn, or 2 min on Tozan bus K to Soun Koen-mae
Above the Yumoto onsen strip; the lane passes old houses and flowers, with a short climb
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Soun-ji Temple?
Monday: 06:00-16:00; Tuesday: 06:00-16:00; Wednesday: 06:00-16:00; Thursday: 06:00-16:00; Friday: 06:00-16:00; Saturday: 06:00-16:00; Sunday: 06:00-16:00; Grounds 5:00-17:00 in summer, 6:00-16:00 in winter; open daily; the November treasure display charges JPY 500 to enter
How much is the admission for Soun-ji Temple?
Free Admission: Grounds free; November treasure opening JPY 500 adults; special rites may alter access; the main hall is normally closed
How long should I spend at Soun-ji Temple?
A typical visit takes 30-60 min.
How do I get to Soun-ji Temple?
Bus: 15 min uphill from Hakone-Yumoto Stn, or 2 min on Tozan bus K to Soun Koen-mae
