Hakone Events March 2026: Cherry Blossoms, Traditional Festivals & Art Exhibitions Guide
Hakone is a popular tourist destination known for its high-quality hot springs and rich natural environment. Located less than 2 hours by train from central Tokyo, it attracts many international tourists who combine it with their Tokyo sightseeing. Beyond hot springs and nature, Hakone offers various attractions, from selecting souvenirs in traditional hot spring towns to enjoying art at museums.
While some winter chill remains in Hakone during March, daytime temperatures can reach around 20°C (68°F), making it quite comfortable. From late March, cherry blossoms begin to bloom alongside other spring flowers, making it a highly recommended time for sightseeing.
We've selected some recommended events to enjoy in Hakone during March 2026. From traditional shrine ceremonies to gourmet events, these can serve as excellent references for planning your trip!
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The Hakone Event March 2026 I Most Recommend: The Yamayaki (Controlled Burn) at Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland
Source:Hakone Town
Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland is one of the most iconic scenic spots in Hakone.
In autumn, it is known as a spectacular destination where susuki (Japanese pampas grass), a tall wild grass that symbolizes Japanese autumn, glows in golden hues. However, the yamayaki (controlled burn) held every March is also a major highlight.
Yamayaki is a controlled burning event conducted to maintain the grassland, and it has been carried out annually since 1989.
In 2025, it was held on March 25th. The official date for 2026 has not yet been announced, but it typically takes place on a windless day in early to mid-March.
The sight of the entire grassland engulfed in flames is truly breathtaking.
Highlights of the Yamayaki at Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland
Source:Hakone Town
The greatest highlight of the yamayaki is the dynamic sight of the entire grassland engulfed in flames.
Watching approximately 18 hectares of vast grassland burn is truly spectacular, attracting many tourists and photographers.
The yamayaki is carried out through the cooperation of local community associations and fire brigades, using a traditional method where fires are ignited from the downwind side, and flames advancing from both sides are made to collide to extinguish themselves.
The contrast between the blazing red flames and the rising white smoke is incredibly powerful, and media outlets such as television stations and newspapers come to cover the event every year.
I have visited this Hakone event March 2026 myself, and the crackling sound of the burning dry grass and the intensity of the flames have stayed with me ever since.
The Importance of Yamayaki
Yamayaki is not merely a tourist event but an essential practice for maintaining the beautiful landscape of the susuki grassland.
If left without burning, tree seeds would blow into the grassland, germinate, and eventually transform it into a mixed woodland.
Since susuki prefers sunny environments, it would wither and die as trees grow and block the sunlight.
In fact, there was a period of about 20 years from 1970 when no controlled burning was conducted, during which the grassland gradually became overgrown with trees.
To restore the once-beautiful susuki grassland, yamayaki was resumed in 1989 through the efforts of local residents.
Thanks to the continuous annual burning, the beautiful susuki grassland that glows golden in autumn has now been restored.
Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland Before Yamayaki
Source:Hakone Town
Before the yamayaki, the grassland is covered with withered susuki, creating a brown winter landscape.
The susuki plumes that glowed golden in autumn have turned brown due to the cold and dry winter conditions.
During this period, there are few tourists, and the grassland has a quiet, tranquil atmosphere.
Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland After Yamayaki
Source:Hakone Town
Immediately after the yamayaki, the ground is covered with black charcoal and ash, creating a scene that looks like another world.
This black earth marks the beginning of the susuki grassland's regeneration. The burning of dead grass and fallen leaves returns nutrients to the soil and eliminates pests and pathogens.
Then, as spring arrives, green sprouts begin to emerge one after another from the black ground. The yamayaki serves as an important starting point that creates the grassland's transformation throughout the four seasons.
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Date: To be announced (held on March 25th in 2025)
Access: Approximately 28 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus (T Line) from Hakone-Yumoto Station, get off at "Sengoku Kogen" bus stop, then about 5 minutes on foot
Admission: Free
Website: None
Traditional Events in Hakone - March 2026
Sengokuhara Yutate Shishimai (Hot Water Splashing Lion Dance)
Source: Hakone Zenzan
The "Yutate Shishimai" is a traditional festival held at Suwa Shrine in Sengokuhara. This ceremony, continuing since the Edo period, has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of Kanagawa Prefecture.
"Shishimai" (Lion Dance) is one of Japan's traditional ceremonies where performers wear lion masks and dance to ward off evil spirits. In the "Yutate Shishimai," performers sprinkle hot water using bamboo leaves to pray for health and peace. Among lion dances performed throughout Japan, this festival is uniquely distinctive.
While various lion dances are performed, the highlight is the "Kamemeguri no Mai" (Cauldron Dance), where dancers circle around a simmering cauldron. It's said that if you're splashed with the hot water during the lion dance, you'll stay healthy for the entire year.
Come and enjoy this rare and powerful lion dance ceremony!
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Date: March 27, 2026
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to "Hakone-Yumoto Station," then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for "Togendai." Get off at "Sengoku" bus stop (5-minute walk)
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.kintokijinja.com/sisi-guide.html
Hakone Sekisho Spring Festival
Source:PR TIMES
The Hakone Sekisho Spring Festival is a spring event held at the Hakone Sekisho Tabimonogatari-kan on the shores of Lake Ashinoko.
In 2025, it was held on March 23rd, and the 2026 event is expected to be held around the same time.
At this event, you can enjoy various performances that make you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period.
The Oiran Dochu features elegantly dressed courtesans in gorgeous costumes, recreating the refined processions of Edo-period pleasure quarters, with photo sessions also available.
Additionally, you can fully enjoy the essence of Japanese culture through powerful Tsugaru shamisen performances by world championship winners and dynamic calligraphy performances.
What I particularly recommend at this Hakone event March 2026 is the corner where you can sample 30 carefully selected brands of Japanese sake. AI will suggest the perfect sake to match your preferences, so even if you have not had much experience drinking sake, you are sure to find a flavor you will love.
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Date: Late March 2026 (tentative) *Details will be announced on the official website
Access: Take the Izuhakone Bus bound for Hakone Sekisho-ato from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, get off at the final stop, then a short walk
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.shizutetsu-retailing.com/hakone/
Art Events at "Pola Museum of Art" in Hakone to Enjoy in March 2026 – My Personal Recommendations
Pola Museum of Art opened in 2002 with the concept of "harmony between Hakone's nature and art."
The museum boasts one of Asia's finest collections centered on French Impressionism from the 1800s, where you can admire works by world-renowned painters such as Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
Located within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, another attractive feature is the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons along the forest promenade.
"SPRING: Rising Pulse"
Source:Official website
"SPRING: Rising Pulse" is a special exhibition themed around the arrival of spring and the vitality of life.
One of the highlights of this Hakone event in March 2026 is the opportunity to view Japanese and Western masterpieces together. The exhibition features Ukiyo-e works by Utagawa Hiroshige, as well as world-famous paintings by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin.
Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese woodblock printing art form that developed in the 1600s, depicting landscapes and beautiful women in vibrant colors as popular art. It is said to have greatly influenced Western painters such as Van Gogh and Monet.
Comparing Japanese traditional art with Impressionist works and discovering the connections between them is an experience unique to Pola Museum of Art.
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Exhibition Period: Saturday, December 13, 2025 – Sunday, May 31, 2026
Access: From Odawara Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line and get off at "Hakone-Yumoto Station," then take the free shuttle bus for 15 minutes
Admission: Adults 2,200 yen, University and High School Students 1,700 yen, Junior High School Students and younger free
Website: https://www.polamuseum.or.jp/sp/spring_rising/
Pola Museum of Art Collection Selection
Source:Official website
"Pola Museum of Art Collection Selection" is a corner showcasing selected masterpieces from the museum's collection.
The exhibition currently running in March 2026 introduces works themed around "People." When photography emerged in the late 1800s, painting was no longer tasked with "depicting things as they appear," and artists began pursuing new styles to express their own sensibilities and individuality.
Following this trend, portrait painting also saw attempts not just to accurately depict faces, but to express the subject's personality, emotions, and inner world.
What particularly impressed me when viewing this exhibition were works by female artists, such as Mary Cassatt's "At the Theater" and Berthe Morisot's "On the Balcony."
Since it was rare for women to be active as painters at that time, you can see these precious works here.
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Exhibition Period: Saturday, December 13, 2025 – Sunday, May 31, 2026
Access: From Odawara Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line and get off at "Hakone-Yumoto Station," then take the free shuttle bus for 15 minutes
Admission: Included with special exhibition ticket
Website: https://www.polamuseum.or.jp/exhibition/20251213c02/
"HIRAKU Project Vol.17 Yamada Kazuki: Echoing in the Earth"
Source:Official website
"HIRAKU Project" is a series of exhibitions introducing works by talented young artists, offering a valuable opportunity to encounter new Japanese art.
For this 17th edition, artist Yamada Kazuki presents works created using "mosaic," a technique that combines small stones and glass pieces to create pictures and patterns.
The works, which reinterpret the mosaic technique inherited from ancient times with a contemporary sensibility, magnificently demonstrate how small pieces come together to form one large picture.
The exhibition is held in the Atrium Gallery on the first floor of the museum, where you can enjoy art in an open space. You can enter with the same ticket as the "SPRING: Rising Pulse" exhibition, so I recommend viewing both exhibitions together.
Please check out what kind of works young Japanese artists are creating.
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Exhibition Period: Saturday, December 13, 2025 – Sunday, May 31, 2026
Access: From Odawara Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line and get off at "Hakone-Yumoto Station," then take the free shuttle bus for 15 minutes
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.polamuseum.or.jp/sp/hiraku-project-vol-17/
For Art Lovers, the Special Exhibition at Narukawa Art Museum Is Also Recommended
Source:Official website
Narukawa Art Museum is a museum specializing in Japanese painting, located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko.
One of the attractive features of this museum is the spectacular view from the observation room. Through the large windows, you can take in the blue surface of Lake Ashinoko and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji towering in the distance.
Inside the museum, you can appreciate "Nihonga," traditional Japanese painting. Nihonga is painted using natural materials such as mineral pigments, ink, and gold leaf, characterized by delicate and elegant colors that differ from Western oil paintings.
Many works feature Japanese seasons and nature as subjects, such as mountains, rivers, flowers, and birds, allowing you to experience the aesthetic values that Japanese people have cherished.
From a collection of approximately 4,000 works, exhibitions change themes according to the season, so there are always new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
The museum also has an attached café where you can relax and enjoy coffee while gazing at the magnificent view.
If you're looking for another Hakone event in March 2026, this museum offers a wonderful cultural experience.
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Exhibition Period: Thursday, March 12, 2026 – Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station, get off at Motohakone-ko bus stop, immediately nearby
Admission: General 1,500 yen, University and High School Students 1,000 yen, Junior High and Elementary School Students 500 yen, Preschool children free (Group rates available for 10 or more)
Website: http://www.narukawamuseum.co.jp/
Natural Highlights of Hakone in March 2026
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Cherry blossom viewing (hanami) is a Japanese custom of enjoying meals and drinks while appreciating cherry blossoms. This tradition originated when nobles of the Heian period composed poetry while viewing cherry blossoms.
While many people enjoy lively gatherings with family and friends bringing food to share, we also recommend enjoying the cherry blossom scenery quietly by yourself.
One of Hakone's attractive features is that due to its varying elevations, cherry blossoms bloom at slightly different times in different locations, allowing visitors to enjoy hanami for an extended period. Here, we'll introduce recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Hakone.
Cherry Blossoms at Hakone Gora Park
Source: WEATHER NEWS
In Gora, located in central Hakone, cherry blossoms reach their peak from late March to mid-April 2026. Hakone Gora Park, which opened in 1914 and is Japan's oldest French-style garden, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Hakone.
Visitors can enjoy 10 different varieties of cherry blossoms, including the widely recognized Somei Yoshino (the typical "cherry blossom" image), Kawazu-zakura, weeping cherry blossoms, and the rare Yaemamezakura, of which only a few trees exist in Hakone. The spacious park features fountains and benches, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a relaxed, open atmosphere.
Various events are held within the grounds, including pottery and glasswork experiences. Traditional tea ceremonies held in the historic tea room are particularly popular among international visitors.
If you'd like to enjoy various events besides cherry blossom viewing, make sure to visit!
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Cherry Blossom Peak Season: Late March to mid-April 2026
Access: Get off at Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, then take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Koen-shimo Station (about 1-minute walk)
Admission: Adults ¥650 (Free for elementary school students and younger)
Website: https://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/gorapark/en/
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• Top 11 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots Around Mt. Fuji: Best Places to See Sakura in 2026
If you want to enjoy cherry blossom spots in Hakone while efficiently and deeply experiencing must-visit tourist attractions, try joining a Magical Trip tour. Not only will you have private car transportation from Tokyo, but if you wish, you may be able to have a guide who knows Hakone thoroughly take you to famous cherry blossom viewing locations.
You can also be guided to Hakone's art museums, foot bath cafes, and lakes with views of Mount Fuji.
Since bookings fill up quickly during cherry blossom season, we recommend making reservations early once your travel dates are decided.
Tour Overview: Hakone Full Day Chartered Private Tour: Art & Nature
Cherry Blossoms at Miyagino Hayakawa Embankment
Source: Hakone Zenzan
The Miyagino Hayakawa Embankment is one of Hakone's premier cherry blossom viewing spots. Approximately 120 Somei Yoshino cherry trees line a 600-meter stretch along the Hayakawa River, creating what can truly be described as a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
The highlight here is undoubtedly the collaboration between the cherry blossoms and the river. Viewing the fully bloomed cherry blossoms while listening to the pleasant murmur of the river creates a quintessentially Japanese atmosphere. The sight of cherry petals dancing in the wind and falling onto the river's surface is a unique spectacle that can only be witnessed here. As night falls, the row of cherry trees is illuminated, offering a magical view of the ethereal night blossoms.
While the peak bloom is typically from early to mid-April, visitors planning their trip for March 2026 might catch the early blooming varieties. Due to expected crowds during peak season, early morning visits are recommended!
Don't miss this iconic spring landscape that perfectly captures the essence of Hakone.
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Peak Bloom: Early to mid-April
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to "Hakone-Yumoto Station," then take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Miyagino" bus stop (5-minute walk)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/area/miyagino/
Ohiradai
Source: Official website
Ohiradai, located about 15 minutes by bus from the central hot spring area, is one of Hakone's hidden cherry blossom gems.
The "Weeping Cherry Tree Street" along the Hakone Tozan Railway tracks features approximately 100 weeping cherry trees. The combination of the colorful red and blue Hakone Tozan Railway trains against the soft pink cherry blossoms creates a stunning photo opportunity. By March 2026, this spot is expected to be even more popular among photographers and tourists. Viewing the cherry blossoms from the train window is also highly recommended.
Ishihara Park, near Ohiradai Station, is a lesser-known cherry blossom viewing spot. Cherry trees encircle the park, allowing visitors to enjoy hanami (flower viewing) leisurely from the benches.
Ohiradai is also famous for its hot springs, known for their skin-beautifying properties, and its "Longevity Water" spring. Why not enjoy these attractions along with the cherry blossoms?
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Peak Bloom: Early to mid-April
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to "Hakone-Yumoto Station," then take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Ohiradai Station" bus stop (5-minute walk)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/area/ohiradai/
Soun-ji Temple
Source: Yahoo! Maps
Located in a tranquil area about 15 minutes' walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station, Soun-ji Temple has deep historical connections with feudal warlords from the Warring States period. While the main hall is only open for worship on limited days throughout the year, the temple's atmospheric architecture is definitely worth visiting, especially in March 2026.
From late March, vibrant pink weeping cherry blossoms begin to bloom, followed by the pale pink Somei Yoshino and pure white Oshima cherry blossoms reaching their peak. A highlight of visiting during this period is the extended viewing opportunity as different varieties gradually reach full bloom, offering a spectrum of cherry blossom colors.
Usually quiet and serene, Soun-ji Temple becomes enveloped in spring ambiance during this season. Benches are available on the grounds, making it perfect for a leisurely visit with packed lunch or snacks.
This temple is highly recommended for those who wish to enjoy cherry blossoms in a solemn, peaceful atmosphere.
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Best Viewing Period: Late March - Early April
Access: About 15 minutes walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.hakoneyumoto.com/exp/8
While you can enjoy cherry blossoms in Hakone during March, the weather remains bitingly cold. If you want to explore Hakone in March, why not join a tour that efficiently covers all the must-see attractions?
By joining the "Hakone Full Day Chartered Private Tour: Art & Nature," you can fully experience Hakone's tourist spots from the comfort of a private car without getting cold. You can even enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms and Hakone's rich natural scenery from the car window.
This tour is especially recommended for those who want to avoid the cold while sightseeing, or for those who want an efficient guided tour of Hakone from someone who knows the area inside and out.
Chokozan Shotai-ji Temple
Source: Official website
Chokozan Shotai-ji Temple is known as a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing in Hakone. The highlight is a magnificent weeping cherry tree, approximately 360 years old and 13 meters tall. When in full bloom, expected to be spectacular in March 2026, its blossoms cascade like a waterfall, creating a dynamic display. Looking up from beneath offers a unique perspective of the falling flowers, presenting a different kind of beauty than viewing from afar.
Designated as one of Kanagawa Prefecture's 100 Notable Trees and a Natural Monument of Odawara City, the tree's thick trunk and widely spread branches exude the dignity of its long history.
The famous weeping cherry tree is located about 15 minutes uphill from the temple's main gate, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The temple grounds also house many cultural properties and historic sites, making it an excellent destination for those interested in Hakone's history.
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Best Viewing Period: Late March - Early April
Access: About 5 minutes walk from Iriuda Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.choukouzan.com/
Hakone Wetland Botanical Garden - Spring Flower Viewing
Source: Official website
The "Hakone Wetland Botanical Garden" is a unique garden in Japan specializing in plants that thrive near water bodies such as rivers, ponds, and lakes. The garden showcases approximately 1,700 species of plants from both Japan and abroad. March 2026 marks the beginning of colorful spring blooms, making it an ideal time for tourism.
One of the garden's most appealing aspects is its meticulous maintenance to ensure optimal conditions for plant growth. The staff constantly tends to tasks such as weeding, transplanting, and arranging plants, making it enjoyable even for visitors without botanical knowledge.
Well-maintained walkways between the wetlands allow for leisurely strolls. When you need a break, why not enjoy an ice cream from the shop while taking in the panoramic mountain views?
This is a must-visit spot for nature and plant enthusiasts.
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Opening Period: March-November (Closed during winter)
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to "Hakone-Yumoto Station," then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for "Togendai." Get off at "Sengoku-Annaijo-mae" bus stop (8-minute walk)
Admission: Adults ¥700 / Elementary School Students ¥400
Website: https://hakone-shisseikaen.com/english/
Special Experiences Exclusive to Hakone in March 2026
Lake Ashi "Special Fishing Tournament Opening"
Source: Tsuri Vision
Lake Ashi, a popular fishing destination, has a fishing ban from mid-December to February. The "Special Fishing Tournament Opening" celebrates the start of the fishing season every March. Limited to lure fishing and fly fishing, this event attracts numerous fishing enthusiasts eager for the season's opening.
The tournament features five fish species eligible for prizes, including rainbow trout and yamame (cherry salmon), with top winners sometimes catching fish weighing over 7kg.
While the 2026 tournament has been cancelled, fishing is open to everyone during the regular season. The Lake Ashi area offers boat and fishing rod rentals for interested visitors.
Why not enjoy a relaxing fishing experience on the majestic Lake Ashi this spring?
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Season: March 1, 2026 - mid-December
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to "Hakone-Yumoto Station," then transfer to Hakone Tozan Bus and get off at "Hakone-machi Port" bus stop (2-minute walk)
Fee: Please check the official website
Website: https://www.ashinoko-gyokyou.com/
Gourmet Events in Hakone: March 2026
Hakone Sweets Collection
Source: PR TIMES
The "Hakone Sweets Collection" is a gourmet event where cafes, hotels, and other establishments throughout the Hakone area sell themed desserts. Last year, approximately 30 shops participated under the theme "Celebrate Spring! Party Sweets."
If you're looking to experience luxury and sophisticated presentation during your visit to Hakone in March 2026, hotel desserts are highly recommended. For those who prefer casual dining, cafes in parks and tourist facilities offer easily accessible options. Feel free to explore multiple locations if you'd like to sample various treats.
Since some items are available in limited quantities, it's recommended to check the website in advance and make reservations for any sweets that catch your interest. The event is held across various locations throughout the Hakone area, so you can plan your dessert stops alongside your sightseeing itinerary.
Sweet lovers shouldn't miss this special event!
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Dates: From March 1, 2026
Location: Various tourist areas in Hakone
Admission: Free
Official Website (2024 version): https://www.odakyu-travel.co.jp/hakone/hakone-sweets.html
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakonesweetscollection/
