Discover Hakone in February 2026: Top Festivals, Events, and Seasonal Highlights
Hakone, located in western Kanagawa Prefecture, is a hot spring resort blessed with natural attractions including spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. Hakone and its surroundings offer not only hot springs but numerous tourist spots that take advantage of the natural environment, attracting many visitors throughout the year.
Besides its many tourist attractions, Hakone hosts numerous events throughout the year. The area is famous for hosting both small and large-scale events that draw many spectators.
In February, during the depths of winter, Hakone sometimes experiences snowfall due to its high elevation, but numerous events are still held during this season. In this article, we'll highlight the events taking place in Hakone during February.
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・Hakone Full Day Chartered Private Tour: Art & Nature
・Mt. Fuji Full-day Nature Guided Tour with a Private Chartered Car & Guide
2026 Year-round Event Schedule in Hakone↓
・Top Hakone Events & Festivals 2026: Your Guide to Celebrations, Parades, and Seasonal Highlights
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Traditional Hakone Events in February 2026
Setsubun Festival & Wakasagi Festival (Hakone Shrine)
Source:Hakone Zenzan
Hakone Shrine, known as one of Hakone's most famous power spots, holds the Setsubun Festival and Wakasagi Festival every year on the day of Setsubun in February.
The Setsubun Festival held first is an event that combines "Tsuina-shiki," a ceremony to drive away demons that was once performed at the Imperial Palace where the Emperor resided, and "Oniyarai," which originates from the legend of Kintaro defeating demons.
On the day of the Setsubun Festival, similar to Setsubun festivals held throughout Japan, the festival begins with people in their yakudoshi (ages considered to be turning points in life when disasters and health problems are more likely to occur) driving away demons that appear in the shrine grounds by throwing beans at them.
During the bean-throwing ceremony, not only fukumame (roasted soybeans used in Setsubun bean-throwing, considered lucky charms that ward off evil and bring good fortune) but also fukujuken tickets that can be exchanged for prizes such as kitchen utensils and cleaning supplies are thrown, so be sure to try to catch some fukujuken tickets!
Source:Hakone Zenzan
After that, the demons flee to Lake Ashinoko and, surprisingly, escape across the lake on water skis. The unique feature of Hakone Shrine's Setsubun Festival is that participants then head to Lake Ashinoko and throw beans from the torii gate facing the lake to defeat the demons.
General participants can also join the bean-throwing, and when doing so, they can ride on a sightseeing boat and take on the role of throwing beans at the demons escaping on water skis to drive them away.
After driving away the demons, Lake Ashinoko is purified, and the Setsubun Festival concludes. This Setsubun Festival unique to Hakone Shrine, which mixes the traditional custom of Setsubun with modern water skiing, is truly worth seeing!
After the Setsubun Festival ends, the Wakasagi Festival is held where you can enjoy wakasagi (pond smelt) caught in Lake Ashinoko. The wakasagi from Lake Ashinoko is famous for its high quality, and because the first wakasagi caught each year is always offered to Hakone Shrine, the Wakasagi Festival came to be held.
You can eat fried wakasagi for free on the shrine grounds, so please try some! I have also eaten fried wakasagi there, and I was moved by how delicious it was freshly made.
On the day of the Setsubun Festival, don't forget to enjoy the Wakasagi Festival as well as the bean-throwing!
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Date: To be determined in February 2026
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, get off at "Moto-Hakone-ko" bus stop, and walk 10 minutes
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Setsubun Festival Commemorative Fireworks Display
Source: PR TIMES
On the eve of the Setsubun Festival held at Hakone Shrine, a commemorative fireworks display takes place in Motohakone Bay on Lake Ashinoko. Starting at 7:30 PM, approximately 2,000 fireworks illuminate the winter night sky.
February offers the clearest air quality of the year in Hakone, making the fireworks even more beautiful than those in summer. On the day of the event, the illuminated Hakone Pirate Ship operates in conjunction with the fireworks display, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacle from the water.
As Lake Ashinoko is situated at an elevation of 723 meters, temperatures in February can drop below -5°C. Due to the expected cold weather, remember to bring a thick jacket when viewing the fireworks.
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Date: February 1, 2026
Access: 35 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway), then 10-minute walk from "Motohakone-ko" bus stop
Admission: Same-day boat fare: Adults ¥2,400, Children ¥1,200
Advance reservation: Adults ¥2,160, Children ¥1,080
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Kinensai (Prayer Festival)
Source: Official website
Kinensai is a festival held annually on February 17th within the grounds of Hakone Shrine. As a festival heralding the beginning of spring, it is dedicated to praying for abundant rice harvests, the prosperity of all industries including commerce and manufacturing, and the health and safety of the Japanese people.
The Kinensai is particularly significant among the festivals held at Hakone Shrine. On the same day, similar prayer festivals wishing for industrial and national development are held at the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor resides, and at other shrines throughout Japan.
During the festival, the shrine's chief priest reads norito (ritual prayers) dedicated to the divine spirits, followed by the performance of kagura, a sacred dance offered to the gods.
As this is one of the most important festivals at Hakone Shrine, alongside the grand festival held in August, many visitors attend the event. The festival begins at 9:00 AM, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early.
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Date: February 17, 2026
Access: About 35 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, then 10 minutes walk from "Moto-Hakone Port" bus stop
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Festival for the Emperor's Longevity
Source:Official website
The Festival for the Emperor's Longevity is a festival held at Hakone Shrine to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor (the monarch of Japan who is considered the symbol of Japan) and to pray for the Emperor's longevity and the peace and prosperity of the people.
The festival begins at 8:30 AM, featuring the Recitation of Norito (reading formal words of prayer to the gods to convey wishes and gratitude) by the guji (the highest-ranking priest at a shrine) and a performance of the Urayasu Dance.
I have participated in this festival, and watching the ceremony conducted in such a solemn atmosphere made me feel a sense of reverence.
Since you can observe Shinto rituals that are rarely seen on ordinary days, please consider participating in the festival along with your visit to the shrine.
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Date: February 23, 2026
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway for about 35 minutes, get off at "Moto-Hakone-ko" bus stop, and walk 10 minutes
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/info/20250215_1483/
Natural Highlights in Hakone for February 2026
Sengokubara Susuki Prairie Burning
Source: Hakone Highland Hotel
The Sengokubara Susuki Prairie Burning is an annual event held in early March in the Sengokubara area of Hakone, where vast fields of pampas grass are burned in an instant. This is a traditional Hakone event.
The Sengokubara pampas grass fields are famous as one of Hakone's representative landscapes, known for their beautiful silver and golden-colored grass in autumn. The burning event was initiated to maintain the beauty of the prairie by eliminating pests and unwanted vegetation.
The burning, conducted by local firefighters, begins at 6:00 AM. The pampas grass, ignited by the firefighters' burners, blazes with bright red flames that gradually spread across the entire prairie in a spectacular display.
The event may be canceled in case of poor weather conditions or strong winds for safety reasons. If weather conditions are uncertain, please check the Hakone Sengokubara Tourist Association's website in advance for schedule updates.
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Date: March 2026
Access: About 28 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus (bound for Togendai) from Hakone-Yumoto Station, then 5 minutes walk from "Sengoku Kogen" bus stop
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.sengokuhara.net/
Hakone Beautiful Lights Project
Source:Hakone Zenzan
The Hakone Beautiful Lights Project is an event where popular tourist spots in Hakone are decorated with illuminations under the theme of "lights." During the event period, the streets of Hakone shine in various colors and are known for their festive atmosphere.
For 2025-2026, under the theme of "Hakone Golden Legend," museums in Hakone, Yamano Hotel, Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland, and other locations will be illuminated. The event also includes "Lighting Workshops" and "Stargazing Sessions," adding excitement to Hakone's winter.
My favorite illumination spot is "Enjoying Fujin and Raijin: A Grand Mural Through Light-Up" at Okada Museum of Art.
The sight of Fujin and Raijin depicted in "Kaze Toki," a popular artwork at the museum measuring 12 meters tall and 30 meters wide, illuminated as if floating in the darkness is spectacular, and I forgot about the cold and gazed at it for quite a while.
Winter nights in Hakone are bitterly cold, so please dress warmly and enjoy the illumination event.
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Date: October 29, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Access: Varies by tourist location
Admission: Varies by tourist location
Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/9912
Suzuhiro Oden Festival
Source:Official website
The Suzuhiro Oden Festival is an event where you can enjoy a variety of creative oden at Suzuhiro Kamaboko Village, a long-established kamaboko (fish cake) shop in Odawara.
Oden is a Japanese dish of vegetables and fish cakes simmered in dashi broth.
At the event, you can find oden with unique flavors you won't find elsewhere, including oden with ume miso and Odawara yuzu made with local ingredients, as well as dessert oden with guimauve (marshmallow), cream puffs, and roll cake on skewers, so please give them a try.
The venue also offers an abundant selection of local sake from Kanagawa in addition to oden. Oden with dashi-infused flavor pairs perfectly with sake, and I ended up drinking a bit too much. If you love sake, please enjoy the marriage of oden and sake!
The event also features the "Oden Festival Stamp Rally" where you can receive presents, so try participating while enjoying your fill of oden.
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Date: January 8, 2026 – February 28, 2026
Access: A short walk from Kazamatsuri Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Admission: Free
Website: https://kamaboko.com/events/odenmatsuri/
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Chocolate-Covered Bath
Source:X
The Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Chocolate-Covered Bath is a unique event where you can enjoy bathing in a tub filled with the aroma of chocolate, available only during the Valentine's season.
In the chocolate bath, there are also performances several times a day where real chocolate sauce is poured in, allowing you to apply chocolate sauce to your body and become "chocolate-covered" – an experience you can only have here.
I once bathed there with my nephew, and the moment the chocolate sauce was poured in, his excitement level skyrocketed, which was quite memorable.
Bathing in the chocolate bath surrounded by sweet aromas is sure to become an unforgettable memory!
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Date: January 10, 2026 – March 3, 2026
Access: Right next to Kowakien bus stop on Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus
Admission: From 2,500 yen for junior high school students and above, from 1,400 yen for ages 3 and above
Website: https://www.yunessun.com/events/detail/?CN=419333
February is one of the coldest months in Japan. If you're looking for tourist spots that are especially enjoyable during the cold weather, why not join a Hakone tour offered by Magical Trip?
Together with a guide who knows everything about Hakone - a famous hot spring resort and tourist destination - you can enjoy all of Hakone's major attractions in one day. You can warm up even on cold days by visiting a beautiful café with foot baths or taking a dip in hot springs that you can use without staying overnight.
・Hakone Full Day Chartered Private Tour: Art & Nature
7 Recommended Spots in Hakone for February Visitors, Selected by a Hakone Expert
Owakudani
Source: Hakone Navi
Owakudani is one of Hakone's most iconic viewpoints, featuring a volcanic crater formed by a hydrothermal explosion. Located in a volcanic geothermal area, steam continuously vents from the crater throughout the year.
The area's specialty is the black hot spring eggs, which are cooked using the geothermal heat and volcanic gases from Owakudani. According to local legend, eating one egg extends your lifespan by seven years, attracting many visitors specifically to try these unique eggs.
The site also features well-maintained walking paths that allow visitors to get close to the fumaroles, offering opportunities to learn about volcanic formation and processes. However, as Owakudani is still an actively volcanic area, there is a possibility of toxic gas emissions. If you feel unsafe at any point, please leave the area immediately.
Address: 1251 Sengokubara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Operating Hours: 9:00-16:00
Access: About 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to "Togendai" bus stop, then approximately 16 minutes by Hakone Ropeway to "Owakudani" station
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-84-5201
Official Website: https://www.kanagawa-park.or.jp/owakudani/index.html
Hot Spring Facilities
Hakone, one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations, offers numerous day-trip hot spring facilities. Here's an introduction to Hakone's hot spring facilities to help guide your visit. (Note: For visitors planning their February 2026 trip, these facilities will be perfect to combine with Hakone's Winter Festival events!)
Hakone Yuryo
Source: Official website
Hakone Yuryo is a hot spring facility offering affordable day-trip experiences in Hakone. While it's located away from Hakone-Yumoto Station, a complimentary shuttle bus service ensures convenient access.
The facility features open-air baths where you can relax while enjoying views of the verdant countryside. The on-site restaurant serves Japanese cuisine featuring mountain vegetables, and you can enjoy your meal around an irori (traditional Japanese sunken hearth). This is especially atmospheric during February 2026's festival season, when the facility offers special seasonal dishes.
Private baths are available with advance reservations. Three types of private rooms are available, varying in size and capacity, perfect for a relaxing experience without worrying about other guests.
Address: 4 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: Weekdays 10:00-20:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-21:00
Access: 3 minutes by free shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-85-8411
Official Website: https://www.hakoneyuryo.jp/
Merveille Hakone Gora
Source: Official website
Merveille Hakone Gora is a resort hotel surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Gora district, offering the perfect place to warm and heal both body and mind. The facility features a medicinal herb tea bar serving natural herb teas and a wood-themed dining room with a peaceful atmosphere where you can enjoy the gentle flow of time.
The hot springs contain salt minerals, which help prevent sweat evaporation and are beneficial for skin beauty. The baths are available for both overnight guests and day visitors. Room options range from standard Western-style rooms to family rooms with private open-air baths, catering to various needs.
This is an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing stay in Hakone, particularly during the vibrant festival season of February 2026.
Address: 1300-70 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Access: 5-minute walk from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Closed: Never
Phone: 0570-783-144
Official Website: https://www.merveille-hakone.jp/
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Source: Official website
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is Hakone's signature hot spring theme park, offering numerous unique bathing experiences. The facility is divided into two areas: "Yunessun," where swimsuits are required, and "Mori no Yu," a traditional nude bathing area. Tickets are available for both areas.
The swimsuit area, Yunessun, is an all-weather large spa facility themed after the Mediterranean, featuring unique baths such as sake, wine, and coffee baths. Mori no Yu offers a traditional Japanese hot spring experience where visitors can enjoy Hakone's natural hot springs in the nude.
For those without swimwear, Yunessun offers towel and swimsuit rentals for a fee, so you can visit without bringing anything. While visitors with tattoos are generally not permitted, they may enter if the tattoos are covered with stickers beforehand.
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: Weekdays 10:00-18:00, Weekends & Holidays 9:00-19:00
Access: About 20 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, get off at "Kowakien" bus stop
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-82-4126
Official Website: https://www.yunessun.com/
Yuasobidokoro Hakone no Yu (Hot Spring Recreation Facility)
Source: Official website
Yuasobidokoro Hakone no Yu is a day-trip hot spring facility located in Hakone-Yumoto. For an admission fee of 1,250 yen, visitors can enjoy Hakone's high-quality hot springs with no time limit. The facility offers a variety of baths, including indoor baths, open-air baths, and jet baths.
After bathing, you can use the paid tatami-style rest areas to cool down your warmed body. The facility also features a dining hall where you can enjoy udon and soba noodles at reasonable prices, and professional masseurs provide massage services.
Although the hot spring is located away from Hakone-Yumoto Station, a shuttle bus operates from the station for a fare of 200 yen.
Address: 100-1 Yumoto Chaya, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Access: 10 minutes by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-85-8080
Official Website: http://www.hakonenoyu.co.jp/
Hakone Pirate Ship Winter Cruise
Source: PR TIMES
The Hakone Pirate Ship is a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi where you can enjoy the magnificent nature around the lake and views of Mt. Fuji. The ship is a faithful reproduction of a medieval European battleship and has long been a popular tourist attraction in Hakone.
The pirate ship operates year-round, and for February 2026, it will host a special Winter Fireworks Cruise coinciding with the eve of the Setsubun Festival at Hakone Shrine. The cruise ship will be beautifully illuminated, offering spectacular views of colorful fireworks and the mystical scenery of Lake Ashi.
As significant cold weather is expected, please prepare appropriate winter clothing.
Address: 161 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (Hakone-machi Port)
Hours: From 19:20 at Hakone-machi Port
Access: About 30 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, immediately accessible from "Hakone-machi Port" bus stop
Closed: May be canceled due to weather conditions
Phone: 0460-83-7550
Official Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-kankosen/
Hakone-Yumoto Station Shopping Street
Source: Kankou Kanagawa NOW
In front of Hakone-Yumoto Station, the main station of the Hakone Tozan Railway, there's a bustling arcade shopping street lined with numerous souvenir shops. You can purchase Hakone's famous snacks and sweets at reasonable prices, perfect for eating while walking.
Besides snacks and sweets, there are shops selling seafood from Kanagawa Prefecture's nearby waters and wooden crafts made from Hakone timber. Each shop offers such a rich variety of products that time flies while exploring.
From long-established stores to new shops, you're sure to find wonderful souvenirs while strolling through the station shopping street, so take your time to enjoy shopping.
Address: 706-17 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: Varies by store
Access: 1-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Closed: Varies by store
Phone: 0460-85-7751 (Hakone-Yumoto Tourist Association)
Official Website (Hakone-Yumoto Tourist Association): http://www.hakoneyumoto.com/
