Hakone Checkpoint (Sekisho)

箱根関所・箱根関所資料館

The Edo-era highway checkpoint, rebuilt plank by plank

Hours

9:00–17:00 (to 16:30 Dec–Feb; last entry 30 min before), open all year

Tickets

Adult ¥500, child ¥250 (checkpoint and museum). ¥100 off with the Hakone Freepass

Address

1 Hakone, Hakone-machi; a few minutes' walk from Hakonemachi port

Anyone travelling the Tokaido in the Edo period had to show papers here. The buildings were rebuilt from old records using period timber and techniques, and mannequin officials kneel on the raised floors glaring down at you. Climb the lookout for a sweep of Lake Ashi. The museum next door has real travel permits, records of people caught sneaking round the barrier, old route maps and weapons. Walk the old cedar avenue nearby while you're at it.