Guida
Hakone Old Tokaido Cedar Avenue (Hakone Kyukaido Suginamiki) is a designated national historic site located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Situated in the Moto-Hakone area near the shores of Lake Ashi, this path preserves the atmosphere of the old Tokaido road, which was once a vital route during the Edo period. The most striking feature is the rows of massive Japanese cedar trees, some exceeding 20 meters in height and over 350 years in age. The surrounding forest creates a quiet, shaded environment where sunlight filters through the canopy, offering a rare way to experience the coexistence of powerful natural life and deep historical weight.
Legend has it that these cedar trees were planted in 1618 by Matsudaira Masatsuna, the lord of Kawagoe Castle. In the past, the forest was even denser; the poet Takatori Rintaro once famously described the path in his work 'Hakone Hachiri' as a place where "the midday is still dark" due to the thick canopy. Although many trees were lost during road construction in 1904, the remaining ancient cedars are now carefully protected as precious historical heritage.
The primary attraction is the sight of the towering, perfectly aligned cedar trees. Some trunks reach up to 4 meters in diameter, creating an overwhelming sense of scale. The path itself is relatively flat, consisting of well-maintained gravel and earthen tracks. Walking here allows you to experience the same sensations as Edo-period travelers: the chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and the refreshing, crisp scent of the cedar trees. Historical stone monuments along the way also provide visual context to the region's rich history.
You can enjoy the changing face of nature throughout the seasons. Spring brings the scent of fresh greenery and warm sunlight; summer offers a cool respite under the deep shade; autumn features the crunch of fallen leaves; and winter provides a sense of profound silence. Summer is particularly recommended for a cooling walk, as the dense canopy keeps the temperature lower than the surrounding areas. For photography enthusiasts, midday is ideal when the sunlight creates beautiful patterns of light and shadow on the ground.
The main activity here is a sensory walking experience. You can feel the texture of the bark, the crunch of the gravel underfoot, and the rejuvenating effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku). Since it is an easy, relatively short course rather than a strenuous mountain climb, it is an ideal way to refresh yourself between other Hakone sightseeing stops. The proximity to Lake Ashi and the Hakone Checkpoint makes it easy to combine this walk with a broader historical tour.
Near the cedar avenue, you can visit the historic Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho) and the Hakone Sekisho Museum to deepen your understanding of Edo-period culture. The Moto-Hakone area also features beautiful spots like the Narukawa Art Museum and Onshi Hakone Park. After your walk, you can relax at nearby restaurants or local hot spring (onsen) facilities.
Comfortable walking shoes (such as sneakers) are highly recommended as the path is unpaved. While some signage may be available, English support is limited, so please prepare accordingly. For payments at nearby facilities or buses, it is recommended to carry both cash and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). Please remember to take all your trash home with you to preserve the natural environment.