The Hakone Checkpoint Museum is a restored facility that gives visitors a sense of the major defenses installed centuries ago around the city of Edo, which is now Tokyo. These 53 sekisho were inspection facilities on roads leading into and out of the city and playing important roles in transportation and communication. Although today’s access to Tokyo is open, visit the Hakone Checkpoint Museum to understand how these barrier sites functioned and why they existed.
Hakone Sekisho was built in 1619 along the Tokaido, the long road between Edo and Kyoto. The sekisho’s role was to keep guns from coming into the city and prevent captured families of feudal lords from escaping Edo. Operations continued for 260 years until the Edo era ended in 1868. Site restoration work was completed in 2007, with the resulting site reproducing its original form quite well. Tour the checkpoint area and the museum to learn more about this period and the sekisho practices.
Reconstructed buildings include the dining room and quarters for officers, foot soldiers and visiting officials. Female officials were tasked with inspecting women before allowing checkpoint passage. Note the placement of spear stands and sharp weapons identified as arresting implements, indicating the samurai warriors manning the checkpoint were prepared to used lethal force to limit movement through the barriers.
Climb the stairs at the back of the checkpoint to access a guard post atop a hill for views of the lake and hilly surroundings. Mount Fuji may be visible on a very clear day.
Drive southwest from the center of Hakone to reach the Hakone Checkpoint Museum in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, travel by bus for about 40 minutes from Hakone to the Hakone-machi boat pier near the museum. Pay the admission fee to access the checkpoint, which is open daily during normal business hours.
While you’re in this area, wander to the shore of Lake Ashinoko, a quiet body of water formed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone 3,000 years ago. Walk between 350-year-old cedars on a restored stretch of stone walkway that was once the Tokaido roadway.
