In 1590, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a historic character who reigned in the Muromachi Period, deployed his troops in Hakone in order to conquer Odawara, which would be the last touch in conquering the country. Therefore in Hakone there are many affairs related to Hideyoshi.

Statue of Taiko Hideyoshi
Ichiya Castle
Taiko Ishiburo
Jihitsu No Sho
Taiko Gourd Festival

Museum of Historical Materials treasures the statue of Hideyoshi is his sitting position.
Click any picture for a bigger image.

After placing himself at Omoto Sounji Temple, Hideyoshi built a main castle on Mt. Ishigaki, where Odawara Castle could be overlooked. The castle was built in the woods at the summit of the mountain secretly and when it was completed, the trees surrounding the castle were cut down. From Odawara Castle it looked as though it was built over one night, thus called Hideyoshi's Ichiya (one night) Castle.

Plannning a protracted war, Hideyoshi established Ishiburo, or stone bath, around the Jakotsu River in order for his troops to rest, utilising a hot spring

Hakone Shrine in the treasure storage is Toyotomi Hideyoshi Jihitsu No Sho, which is the Hideyoshi's announcement stating that he had completed Ichiya Castle.

Hideyoshi invited famous originator of the tea ceremony Sennorikyu to hold a tea ceremony. Such historical characters as Ieyasu Tokugawa, Masamune Date and other important people came to the ceremony. In relation with this ceremony every year on August 2nd and 3rd, Taiko Gourd Festival is held at Miyanoshita Hot Spring.