Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine?
What makes it 79% Couple-Friendly: Couples can stroll beneath torii, feed koi, hang ema, and share soft-serve at Kinjiro Café; calm atmosphere feels romantic, but the site closes by early evening so night dates are impossible.
Positives:
- Free shrine entry: Walking the grounds and viewing the garden cost nothing.
- Intimate atmosphere: Low visitor numbers create quiet moments for couples.
Challenges:
- Location in Odawara: Shrine sits inside Odawara Castle Park, about 30 min from Hakone town center by train and bus.
- Limited English signage: Most signs are in Japanese; use photos or translation apps for details.
What is Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine?
- A Shinto shrine dedicated to 19th-century agrarian reformer Ninomiya Sontoku, established in 1894
- Located within Odawara Castle Park at the foot of the Hakone mountains, featuring vermilion halls, torii gates and a reflective koi pond
- A historical complex that preserves Ninomiya’s teachings through engraved monuments and traditional garden landscaping
What is so special about Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine for couple trip?
- Historic shrine founded in 1894 dedicated to Ninomiya Sontoku
- Misty koi pond with interactive feeding and photo spots
- Hands-on cultural activities: ema plaques and goshuin seals
- Kinjiro Cafe treats with pond views
- Quiet, intimate setting ideal for couples
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to explore the grounds, feed koi, hang a prayer plaque, and relax at the cafe without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine
Stroll under the vermilion Torii:
Walk hand-in-hand through the mossy forest plaza and pass beneath the shrine’s bright gates.
Tip: Go early to catch soft morning light on the moss.
Feed the koi at the misty pond:
Buy a small bag of fish food and watch koi swim through hidden mist sprayers.
Tip: Purchase food (≈150 ¥) at the on-site stand and feed together by the stone edge.
Write and hang an ema prayer plaque:
Share wishes and gratitude by writing on a wooden plaque and hanging it on the rack.
Tip: Ema cost ≈500 ¥ each; write a joint message for a keepsake photo.
Collect the shrine’s goshuin seal:
Add the special calligraphy stamp to your goshuin book as a memento.
Tip: Bring your own book; seal costs ≈400 ¥ and takes just a minute.
Share a Kinjiro Soft at the cafe:
Order the Kinjiro sculpture soft-serve ice-cream or a warm gojiru soybean soup set.
Tip: Ice-cream costs 495 ¥; ask for terrace seating overlooking the pond.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine
- Visit before 10 AM: Arrive early to avoid groups from the castle park.
- Carry small bills: Most purchases require exact cash amounts under 1 000 ¥.
Reviews of Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine
Poppy
A peaceful little shrine beside Odawara Castle. Surrounded by trees and calm atmosphere, nice place to stop by after exploring the castle grounds.
Melvin J.
Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine has a cool spot where people hang wooden plaques with their wishes and prayers. Fun fact: The shrine is dedicated to Ninomiya Sontoku, a famous 19th-century agricultural leader and philosopher known for his teachings on diligence and community spirit.
Daniel Scott
Very impressive Shinto Shrine at Odawara Castle. Many visitors here.
Scott Lee
It’s only about 10-15 short walk away from Odawara station and worth the visit. The shrine is very well maintained and has a very nice cafe nearby. There is also a castle in the park and a ninja centre so I recommend that you check out other places in the park!
Rich Loffman
Definitely worth a few minutes of your time if you’re visiting Odawara castle. The 2 green gates are rather unique and the gardens and visitors center is well maintained.
When is the best time to visit Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine (Hakone, Japan)?
In spring, cherry blossoms frame the pond. In early summer, moss glows after rain. In autumn, maple leaves turn fiery red.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Koi food | JPY 150 |
| Ema plaque | JPY 500 |
| Goshuin seal | JPY 400 |
| Kinjiro Soft ice-cream | JPY 495 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,545 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine
Address: 8-10 Jōnai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan
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About Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 50-1721-286810 BEST nearby Activities
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