Savor the History, Mythology, and Nature of Hakone/Events in Hakone

On February 2, a festival is held to prevent misfortunes and bring good fortune. The event combines the ancient "Tsuina" ceremony, a traditional ritual to drive away evil spirits, with the legend of Kintaro, a Japanese folk hero known for defeating demons. Participants witness Kintaro and his companions driving away demons, followed by a ritual where demons fleeing on water skis are vanquished with beans, symbolizing the arrival of spring. On the evening of February 1, a celebratory fireworks display also takes place at Lake Ashi’s Motohakone Bay.

Located on the scenic shores of Lake Ashi, this park was once a retreat for the imperial family. It is adorned with over 100 varieties of roses in different sizes and colors. At the park’s central gate, beautiful potted arrangements greet visitors. On clear days, visitors can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji alongside the vibrant roses.

Centered around Hakone Shrine’s grand festival on August 1, a week of rituals and ceremonies unfolds starting from July 31 around Mt. Hakone and Lake Ashi. These events pay tribute to the mountain and water deities, showcasing traditional rites and nightly fireworks in various areas.

・July 31: "Lake Festival" marks the opening of Summer Festival Week
・August 1: Grand Festival
・August 2: Sacred Procession "Horen-togyo"
・August 3: Komagata Shrine Festival
・August 4: Kojiri Dragon God Festival
・August 5: Torii-yaki Festival (Komagata Shrine)

See here for more information about the festival.

On the night of August 16, Daimonji-yaki is held on Mt. Myojogatake, part of Hakone’s outer mountain range. This festival dates back to 1921 and features a gigantic "大" (meaning “large) character set ablaze on the mountainside to send off ancestral spirits during Obon. The spectacle includes about 2,000 fireworks, creating a stunning summer tradition unique to Hakone.

Sengokuhara is renowned for its vast fields of silver pampas grass, which change color from green to purple to silver from summer to late autumn. In mid-September, the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands hosts an evening light-up event, offering a different ambiance from the daytime. The Sengokuhara Culture Center nearby hosts a festival with stalls from about 20 famous hotels and inns in Hakone, offering gourmet tastes at reasonable prices. The festival includes traditional fair activities, geisha bar performances, live shows, and a fireworks display with around 1,000 fireworks.

Recommended accommodation: Mount View Hakone is right in front of the venue!

Held on November 3, the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu parade reenacts the grand processions of feudal lords during the Edo period in the hot spring town of Hakone Yumoto. The parade, which replicates the vibrant sight of the lords' travels, is set against the backdrop of Hakone’s autumn foliage. For more information, check the Hakone Yumoto Tourism Association's website (updated annually in mid-September).