Hakone Sekisho is a historically significant checkpoint located on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, that offers visitors a vivid glimpse into travel and transportation during Japan’s Edo period. Established by the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 17th century, Hakone Sekisho played a crucial role in controlling movement along the Tōkaidō, the main highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Travelers and goods were carefully inspected here, adhering to strict policies of “no guns entering Edo and no women leaving,” which were designed to maintain political stability. The checkpoint was strategically placed at a narrow section of the route between mountains and a lake, making it one of the most important and tightly guarded barriers in the country. The present-day buildings are faithful reconstructions based on the Sōshū Osekisho Oshūfuku Dekigatachō, a detailed late-Edo-period document that recorded dismantling and repair work at the site. Using traditional construction methods and tools, the restored gates, inspection houses, and defensive features recreate the atmosphere of the original checkpoint with remarkable accuracy. Walking through the grounds, visitors can easily imagine the tension and formality faced by travelers centuries ago. Beyond its historical importance, Hakone Sekisho hosts a scenic lakeside setting with views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains, enhancing its appeal as a cultural and sightseeing destination. Often described as the gateway to Hakone, the site invites visitors to combine historical exploration with a leisurely stroll along the water, experiencing both the natural beauty and the sense of adventurousness that has defined Hakone for generations.