Hatajuku is one of the villages that were set up between the inn stations of Mishima and Odawara during the Edo period. Hatajuku is located between Yumoto and Lake Ashi along the Old Tokaido Road. Hatajuku was not designated as a place where you could stay during the Tokugawa Shogunate (1600-1868), but it had tea houses where people could take a rest. It was crowded with travelers taking a break from climbing the steep mountain of the Tokaido Road.

Hatajuku is located on the steep mountain slopes within the deep Hakone forest and the area has always been known for its woodwork. It is now most  famous for “Yosegi Zaiku”. The popular form of woodwork known as “Yosegi Zaiku” uses the various colors of natural wood in geometric shapes to create intricate and elaborate designs. The designs can be incorporated into boxes, plates, and many other items. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Hakone-Zaiku became popular as a Japanese souvenir among foreigners who visited Hakone and still remains one of the most popular items from the Hakone area.