Instagram vs Reality: The Truth Behind Tranquil Photos of Hakone Shrine

A behind the scenes look at Hakone Shrine in Japan

The Hakone Shrine in the touristy town of Hakone, Japan, is a popular photo location for Instagrammers. It’s also a good “Instagram vs. Reality” example of how what’s seen in social media photos often does not tell the whole picture.

“Peaceful” Photos of the Shrine

Do a search for “hakone shrine” on any photo-sharing service will return countless photos of people posing while being framed by the iconic red torii gate, peacefully taking in the tranquil vista with no other humans in sight.

A person posing under the red torii gate of the Hakone Shrine
A person posing under the red torii gate of the Hakone Shrine.
A photo of a woman at Hakone Shrine in Japan
This type of photo of the Hakone Shrine is all over social media.
A search for hakone shrine on Instagram
A search for “hakone shrine” on Instagram.

The Reality is Far Less Peaceful

Pay a visit to the location, however, and you may be surprised to find an ever-present line of picture-takers stretching far up the hill, and the spot is anything but “tranquil.”

@sheelios visited the shrine, which dates back to 1667, a couple of years ago and captured this short 0.5-minute video showing the commotion of the long queue:

“We walked over not knowing it was a popular photo spot,” Sheelios tells PetaPixel. “The line was quite long, but definitely for a good reason. It’s a beautiful spot for photos.

“While making fun of the people who would wait to join a line to take a photo that 100,000 other people have… we joined it. Why not.”

The long line at Hakone Shrine in Japan
There is constantly a long line of people waiting for their turn to shoot a photo under the torii. Still frame from video by @sheelios.

“It’s like a non-stop selfie photoshoot with lines of 50+ people waiting for their turn,” writes photographer Shawn Harquail. “I just went in front and shot strangers and moved on heehee!”

Torii of Hakone Shrine at Lake Ashi

Shooting Photos at Hakone Shrine

Unlike other popular photography landmarks around the world, in which photographers are often seen crowding each other out for the best vantage points, the line at Hakone Shrine is usually both polite and helpful.

“Everyone was helping each other take photos,” Sheelios says. “The people behind in line would take [the front group’s] phones to take the photo for the group ahead.”

In addition to the Hakone Shrine, the area is also famous for its views of Mount Fuji as well as its hot springs. A one-way train ride from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone on the “Romance Car” takes about 90 minutes and costs about $20.


Image credits: Stock photos licensed from Depositphotos

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