Hakone in August 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
In August, Hakone's climate varies significantly - lower elevations like Hakone-Yumoto experience Tokyo-like heat, while higher areas such as Sengokuhara and around Lake Ashi offer refreshing coolness. This means visitors should prepare different clothing depending on which attractions they plan to visit.
Hakone isn't just one of Kanto's premier hot spring destinations - it's scattered with shrines, museums, and other attractions that draw crowds every day of the week. Its appeal lies in offering abundant natural beauty within day-trip distance from Tokyo.
August in Hakone features various events and festivals that showcase summer experiences, cultural traditions, and unique local attractions. For tourists planning to visit in August 2025, this guide introduces the highlights, basic information, schedules, and access details for Hakone's most exciting festivities.
The Biggest Hakone Event in August: "Ashinoko Summer Festival Week"
The crown jewel of August 2025's Hakone events is the "Ashinoko Summer Festival Week," Hakone's signature summer celebration held annually from July 31st to August 5th. This festival combines Hakone's rich traditions and history with spectacular nightly fireworks displays over Lake Ashi, creating a magnificent atmosphere.
As Hakone evenings become pleasantly cool, visitors can comfortably enjoy the breathtaking fireworks illuminating the night sky.
Lake Festival
Source:Hakone Zenzan
The Lake Festival serves as the opening event of the "Ashinoko Summer Festival Week" and functions as the eve of the Hakone Shrine Grand Festival. Following the "Lake Festival Ceremony" at Hakone Shrine, a boat carrying offerings to Kuzuryu Myojin (the nine-headed dragon deity enshrined at Hakone Shrine) sails onto the lake, before the main attraction - the "Lake Festival Fireworks Display" begins.
The highlights include approximately 5,000 fireworks featuring underwater displays that color the lake surface, Niagara Falls-style cascading fireworks, sequential bursts, and starmines. I personally watched from a spot offering views of the underwater torii gate with fireworks - a uniquely atmospheric combination.
The festival also includes a lantern floating ceremony where illuminated lanterns drift across the lake surface. These gentle lights create a special ambiance unique to this location, ensuring an unforgettable fireworks experience.
<Information>
- Date: TBD (2025)
- Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Railway Bus to Motohakone Port
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/spot/1385
Hakone Shrine Grand Festival
Source:Hakone Geopark
The Hakone Shrine Grand Festival, held on the second day of the "Ashinoko Summer Festival Week," is Hakone Shrine's most significant celebration. This festival August 2025 event commemorates 1,267 years since the deity's enshrinement and offers various activities from historic rituals to fireworks displays.
The highlight is the traditional Japanese performances at the Kagura-den (shrine's performance hall). Don't miss the "Hakone Ennen no Mai" dance performed by local children - with 830 years of history, this dance is believed to bring happiness and longevity to viewers! This is an excellent opportunity to experience Japan's ancient cultural traditions.
The festival is famous for balancing solemnity and splendor in a single day. Why not join the many participants in celebrating at this event-packed festival at Hakone Shrine?
<Information>
- Date: August 2025 (specific date TBD)
- Access: 10-minute walk from Motohakone, take the Izu-Hakone Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/hakone/celebration.html
Hakone-en Summer Night Festa
Source:Hakone Zenzan
The Hakone-en Summer Night Festa features 2,500 diverse fireworks including starmines and message fireworks illuminating the night sky over Lake Ashi. Food stalls and food trucks surround the venue, allowing visitors to enjoy meals while watching the display.
A special viewing option is available from the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway - the view of fireworks blooming like flowers over Hakone-en Bay from Mt. Komagatake's summit is truly spectacular!
Hakone-en is a comprehensive leisure facility combining activities, dining, and shopping that appeals to all ages. Spend the day enjoying Hakone-en with family or friends, then cap off a perfect day with these brilliant fireworks!
<Information>
- Date: August 2025 (TBD)
- Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take a bus to Hakone-en bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/8834
Kojiri Dragon God Festival
Source:Hakone Zenzan
The Kojiri Dragon God Festival is a celebration honoring the nine-headed dragon deity, the guardian of Lake Ashi, and takes place on the fifth day of the "Lake Ashi Summer Festival Week." This spectacular Hakone event in August 2025 begins with local residents preparing bonfires along the Kojiri lakeshore. Shinto priests then perform rituals at the Kuzuryu Shrine before lighting the bonfires by the lake.
Once these ceremonies conclude, approximately 2,500 fireworks illuminate the sky starting at 8:00 PM, creating an electrifying atmosphere. In the small Kojiri Bay, the sounds and lights of the fireworks reflect off the surrounding mountains, creating a powerful resonance that vibrates in your chest. I experienced an unprecedented intensity of fireworks here that I've never felt before.
The mystical ambiance created by the fireworks reflecting on the lake's surface also offers a truly extraordinary experience.
Why not come feel these dynamic fireworks with your entire body at the lakeside of Lake Ashi during this special Hakone festival in August 2025?
<Information>
- Date: August 2025 (exact date to be determined)
- Access: Get off at Kojiri bus stop, a short ride from Yumoto Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/8834
Torii Burning Festival
Source:Hakone Zenzan
The Torii Burning Festival originated from a legend where an angry dragon god spread a coughing disease because people polluted the lake. To appease the dragon's wrath, people burned torii gates and offered the reflection of the flames on the lake to the dragon god. This event serves as the grand finale of the six-day "Lake Ashi Summer Festival Week" and will be one of the most impressive Hakone events in August 2025.
The highlight is witnessing two large torii gates set ablaze, with sparks dancing through the air as they burn. This cinematic spectacle, unique to this festival, captivates all who witness it. I was so overwhelmed by the sight of the burning torii gates that I was left speechless.
Simultaneously, Hakone Bay comes alive with approximately 3,500 fireworks, including starmines and underwater fireworks, beautifully decorating Hakone's night sky. Don't miss this finale of Hakone's signature summer festival in August 2025!
<Information>
- Date: August 2025 (exact date to be determined)
- Access: Get off at Hakone-machi Port, a short bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/8834
For Stress-Free Hakone Tourism, Try a Local Tour with Tokyo Pick-up
For a stress-free experience exploring Hakone events and festivals in August 2025, we recommend a local tour with transportation from Tokyo. The "Hakone Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide" allows you to tour Hakone on a day trip from Tokyo in a private vehicle. The tour visits four main attractions:
- Hakone Shrine
- Pirate Ship cruise
- Owakudani (by ropeway)
- Hakone Open-Air Museum (Sculpture Forest)
Only a guided tour allows you to visit these must-see Hakone attractions in a single day. Additionally, traveling in a private car throughout the tour ensures a comfortable journey.
Why not join this tour to experience Hakone's traditional culture, rich nature, and art?
<Meeting Point>
- Tour area: Hakone
- Start time: 8:00 AM
Traditional Events Only in Hakone in August
Here, I'll introduce you to the traditional Hakone events that only take place during August. These special festival August 2025 celebrations offer many family-friendly activities that even those with children can easily participate in!
Ootaira Onsen Summer Festival
Source:Hakone Kamon
The Ootaira Onsen Summer Festival, a popular Hakone event held at the Ootaira special venue, has been known as the "Princess Festival" since 2011. This festival aims to create "a hot spring destination that energizes women" and "a hot spring area surrounded by flowers."
At the venue, visitors can enjoy various activities including princess taiko drum performances, bon dance competitions (traditional Japanese dances performed to honor ancestors), karaoke contests, and a grand lottery with luxurious prizes. There are also children's booths featuring super ball scooping and ring toss games, making it a hit with families.
Food stalls sell yakisoba, yakitori, draft beer, and other alcoholic beverages. I personally enjoyed the festival while savoring yakitori and beer. With its homey atmosphere and many local participants, this Hakone event welcomes casual visitors!
<Information>
- Date: To be determined, August 2025
- Access: 5-minute walk from Ootaira Station
- Entrance fee: Free
- Website: None
Hakone Daimonji-yaki
Source:Kanagawa Travel Info
The Hakone Daimonji-yaki, one of the three major Hakone events and a highlight of the festival August 2025 calendar, is a traditional celebration that began in 1921. It takes place near the summit of Mt. Myojogatake (commonly known as Daimonjiyama). Originally started as entertainment for summer resort guests, it has evolved into a send-off fire ceremony (to bid farewell to welcomed ancestors) during Urabon (ancestor worship period).
The fire character "大" is created using approximately 100 bundled bamboo torches, each with a diameter of about 30 cm and a height of 2.5 m. A fireworks display occurs simultaneously, creating a spectacular collaboration of two light sources illuminating the darkness. I was so captivated by this magical scenery that I forgot to take photos and simply gazed in awe.
What makes this Hakone event particularly special is that it can be viewed from various locations including rooms and restaurants in Gora Onsen and Hakone Gora Park. For the best experience, check suitable viewing locations in advance.
<Information>
- Date: To be determined, August 2025
- Access: Immediately upon exiting at Koen-shimo Station via Hakone Cable Car from Gora Station
- Entrance fee: Free
- Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/8858
Miyagino Summer Festival
Source:Hakone Zenzan
The Miyagino Summer Festival (Mushi-okuri Himatsuri), another remarkable Hakone event planned for festival August 2025, is held to pray for protection against epidemics and harmful insects.
During this celebration, the Miyagino Lion Dance performers (traditional Japanese artists wearing lion masks who dance to music) first present a dedication dance at Suwa Shrine before moving to the festival plaza for a ceremonial burning ritual (where amulets and talismans are purified by fire). Anyone can freely participate in this traditional festival experience!
The festival plaza features performances by the local junior high school brass band, lottery drawings, bon dancing, and food trucks selling takoyaki, hot dogs, yakitori, and more. With food perfect for walking and eating, you can fully enjoy this Hakone event while dining between activities.
<Information>
- Date: To be determined, August 2025
- Access: 4-minute walk from Gora Station
- Entrance fee: Free
- Website: https://miyaginokiga.com/event04.html (2024 site)
Yumoto Dream Summer Festival
Source:Hakone Zenzan
The Yumoto Dream Summer Festival is a major hakone event & festival in August 2025 held in Hakone Yumoto, where local shopkeepers provide games, fireworks, and food. Food booths offer classic festival treats like shaved ice, yakisoba, and yakitori, while the stage features programs that showcase contemporary Hakone Yumoto.
I once visited this festival during a trip with my nephew. The homemade feel creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that can be enjoyed without any pretense. The festival runs from 3:00 PM to 8:05 PM, allowing visitors to experience different moods from daylight to evening—one of its most appealing aspects. Why not stop by and connect with the locals?
The festival takes place in late August and may be postponed due to typhoon-related weather conditions, so checking the official page before attending is recommended.
<Information>
- Date: To be determined in August 2025
- Access: Hakone Yumoto area (varies by year)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/yumotoyumenatsu/
For those interested in Hakone, tours of Mt. Fuji, Japan's iconic symbol, are also recommended
For visitors attending the hakone event & festival in August 2025, a tour to Mt. Fuji, Japan's iconic symbol, is highly recommended. The "Mt. Fuji Full-day Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide" offers a day trip from Tokyo to the Mt. Fuji area in a private vehicle.
The tour includes popular attractions such as Arakura Sengen Shrine with its five-story pagoda overlooking Mt. Fuji, Mt. Fuji's 5th Station, and Oshino Hakkai (eight spring ponds fed by Mt. Fuji's underground water). You'll also explore deeper cultural experiences like harvesting wasabi (a unique Japanese spice) at a farm and sake tasting at a brewery.
With knowledgeable guides familiar with the area, you'll learn about Mt. Fuji's history and discover perfect photo opportunities, allowing you to fully appreciate the charm of the Fuji region.
<Meeting point>
- Tour area: Mt. Fuji area
- Start time: 8:00
