Hakone in December 2026: New Year's Eve Fireworks, Illuminations & Hatsumode Guide
Hakone is one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations, easily accessible from central Tokyo by public transportation, making it a bustling spot for visitors on both weekdays and weekends.
Hakone is also home to a diverse array of attractions, including art museums, shrines, temples, and rich natural scenery. As winter arrives, these attractions are beautifully lit up with illuminations and fireworks, and the resort town becomes a vibrant destination that visitors rave about.
In this article, we'll walk you through the details of events you can experience in Hakone over the New Year period — including how to get there. If you're exploring Hakone events in December 2026 and beyond, this guide will help you plan the perfect visit.
If you're thinking of ringing in the New Year in Japan, don't miss Hakone's "New Year's Celebration Fireworks"!
With so many events planned across Japan during the New Year period, it can be hard to decide which one to attend. If you're spending the New Year in Hakone, I highly recommend the "New Year's Celebration Fireworks."
The "New Year's Celebration Fireworks" is a fireworks display organized by Hakone Shrine, where approximately 1,000 fireworks are launched the moment the New Year arrives. The fireworks illuminate not only the night sky but are also reflected on the surface of Lake Ashi, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
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- Date: January 1, 2026
- Address: Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Take a bus from Odawara Station; a short walk from the Moto-Hakone-ko bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: None
After the fireworks, head to Hakone's traditional shrines and temples for Hatsumoude!
Did you know that Japan has a tradition called "Hatsumoude" at the start of the New Year?
"Hatsumoude" is a traditional Japanese custom in which people visit a shrine or temple for the first time in the New Year to give thanks for the previous year and to pray for safety and peace in the year ahead.
Hatsumoude is generally observed during the "Sanganichi" — the first three days of January — so shrines and temples tend to be much busier than usual during this period.
Since the "New Year's Celebration Fireworks" takes place on January 1st, why not head to one of Hakone's shrines or temples for Hatsumoude after enjoying the fireworks display! Below, we introduce some recommended Hakone shrines and temples for Hatsumoude.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is a shrine with over 1,250 years of history, and its symbol is the vermilion torii gate known as "The Peace Torii," which appears to float on the surface of Lake Ashi. The shrine is surrounded by abundant trees and the lake, making it a wonderful place to experience Hatsumoude while immersed in nature.
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- Date: January 1, 2026
- Address: 80-1 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station; 15-minute walk from the Hakone-jinja-guchi bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Kuzuryū Shrine Hongū
Kuzuryū Shrine Hongū is a shrine located within the lush greenery of Hakone Kuzuryu-no-Mori Park. The shrine originates from the legend of a nine-headed poisonous dragon that was pacified, and it is said to offer a wide range of blessings, including good fortune in love and financial luck.
As it sits deep within the forest, make sure to dress warmly when visiting for Hatsumoude.
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- Date: January 1, 2026
- Address: Hakone Kuzuryu-no-Mori, Bōgasawa, Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: 20-minute walk from Hakone-en
- Admission: 600 yen
- Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu
Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu is a subsidiary shrine of Kuzuryu Shrine, established in 2000 within the grounds of Hakone Shrine. Since it allows visitors to pay their respects without making the time-consuming trip to Kuzuryū Shrine Hongū, it draws large crowds during the Hatsumoude season.
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- Date: January 1, 2026
- Address: 80-1 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station; 10-minute walk from the Hakone-jinja-guchi bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Enjoy the "Hakone Beautiful Lights Project" That Illuminates the Streets of Hakone in December 2026!
December is a wonderful time to experience a Hakone event, as the town comes alive with Christmas-related festivities and illuminations. Among the most popular Hakone events in December 2026 is the "Hakone Beautiful Lights Project," an initiative aimed at revitalizing the local community.
During the "Hakone Beautiful Lights Project," tourist attractions scattered throughout Hakone are lit up in a variety of colorful lights, making it a highly praised event for those who want to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the town.
This is an event where the entire community comes together, and even locals look forward to it as one of winter's iconic traditions.
Information
- Dates: 2026 – TBD (In 2025, held from October 29, 2025 to February 28, 2026)
- Address: Various locations throughout Hakone
- Access: Depends on venue
- Admission: Depends on venue
- Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/9912
What Is the Hakone Beautiful Lights Project?
In the "Hakone Beautiful Lights Project," representative tourist attractions in Hakone — including museums, ropeways, and hotels — are illuminated under the concept of "light," and various events are held at each venue.
Not only can visitors enjoy the fantastical illuminated streets of Hakone, but children can also take part in a range of workshops, making it a popular event for the whole family to enjoy together.
Since each facility puts its own creative spin on the illuminations, we recommend hopping between venues to enjoy the diverse and varied "light" displays on offer.
Main Highlights from 2025
The theme of the 2025 "Hakone Beautiful Lights Project" was "Hakone Golden Legend." Illuminations centered on the keyword "gold" decorated the town in a dazzling display, evoking Hakone's prosperity and mystique. The glittering golden streetscapes of Hakone are truly a must-see!
Below, we introduce the spots you won't want to miss at the "Hakone Beautiful Lights Project," along with highlights and access information.
A Road Gleaming in Gold (Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field)
Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field is a popular spot selected as one of "Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Beauties," where approximately 18 hectares of pampas grass glow golden in the light of the setting sun. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy Hakone's most iconic natural scenery.
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- Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Illumination Hours: From sunset through the evening
Lalique Museum Hakone
At Lalique Museum Hakone, visitors can view works by René Lalique themed around light, while the facility itself is bathed in a gentle glow, creating a fantastical atmosphere unlike any other time of year. Recommended for those who want to experience a refined ambiance through tasteful illuminations.
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- Address: 186-1 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: 9:00–16:00
- Illumination Hours: 16:00–19:00
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
At The Hakone Open-Air Museum, visitors can enjoy the illumination of the museum's iconic symbol "Gabriel Loire – Symphony Sculpture Bringing Happiness," as well as lampshade-making workshops and concerts. Recommended for those who want to enjoy illuminations alongside art.
Information
- Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00
- Illumination Hours: 15:30–17:00
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
At Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, visitors can see "Romeo," an 11-meter-tall tree made from approximately 85,000 crystal glass pieces, and "Juliet," a tree made from approximately 65,000 pieces — both sparkling in sunlight during the day and lit up brilliantly at night. Recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in a world of glass shimmering under various kinds of light and enjoy an elegant experience.
Information
- Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: 10:00–17:30
- Illumination Hours: 16:00–17:30
Narukawa Art Museum (Hakone Ashinoko)
At Narukawa Art Museum, visitors can enjoy a view from the tea lounge inside the museum where, from the late afternoon onward, the soft glow of illuminations combines with a breathtaking panorama of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji. Recommended for those who want to enjoy quintessentially Japanese scenery together with illuminations.
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- Address: 570 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00
- Illumination Hours: 16:00–17:00
Okada Museum of Art
At Okada Museum of Art, the area surrounding the "Foot Bath Café" — which uses 100% free-flowing natural hot spring water — is illuminated. Recommended for those who want to relax while soaking their feet in the hot spring (a bathing style where only the lower legs are immersed) and leisurely enjoy the lit-up artworks.
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- Address: 493-1 Kovakidani, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00
- Illumination Hours: 16:00–17:00
Pola Museum of Art
At Pola Museum of Art, visitors can enjoy carefully selected glass artworks under the theme "A massive wall made of cast glass — a wall of light glowing softly inside the darkened museum at dusk," and also savor limited-edition sweets at the tea lounge aglow with the romantic light of lanterns. Recommended for those who want to enjoy illuminations while indulging in delicious food.
Information
- Address: 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00
- Illumination Hours: Dusk–17:00
Hakone Komagatake Ropeway (Ashinosora)
At Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, visitors ride the ropeway for an aerial journey up to the summit of Mt. Komagatake, where they can simultaneously enjoy a glittering night view and a starry sky from the top. Recommended for those who want to experience the combination of Hakone's great nature and its nightscape.
Information
- Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: 9:00–16:30
- Illumination Hours: From dusk onward
Hakone Tiramisu
At Hakone Tiramisu, tiramisu in a lantern-shaped package is available for purchase. With a rich variety of flavors to choose from, picking one to match your mood is part of the appeal. Recommended for those who want to take a relaxing break while enjoying a light-inspired sweet treat.
Information
- Address: 706-1 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: 10:00–17:00
- Illumination Hours: None
Hotel de Yama (Yama no Hotel)
At Hotel de Yama, a large Christmas tree is installed in the open-atrium hotel lounge, and the entire hotel is illuminated. The warm-toned lighting creates a calm and composed impression, making it recommended for those who want to enjoy a romantic Christmas atmosphere.
Information
- Address: 80 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Illumination Hours: From 17:00 onward
A Local's Selection of the Best Night View and Illumination Events in Hakone!
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum "Crystal Illumination"
At the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum "Crystal Illumination," when winter arrives, a Christmas tree called "Abete" — standing 10 meters tall and made from approximately 150,000 crystal glass beads — is displayed in the museum's garden.
During the day, "Abete" shimmers in seven colors under the sunlight, and at night it is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy a completely different atmosphere between daytime and evening.
Alongside "Crystal Illumination," a companion event called "Twilight Candle" is also held in the garden from 16:00, where soft candlelight is lit on candles placed on terraces, bridges, and pathways. We highly recommend visiting the museum in the evening to enjoy the enchanting performance of these two lights together.
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- Dates: Hakone Event December 2026 schedule TBD (In 2025, held December 1–25)
- Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Access: Take a bus from Odawara Station; just a short walk from the Hakone Glass no Mori bus stop
- Admission: Adults ¥1,800 / University & High School Students ¥1,300 / Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥600
- Website: https://www.hakone-garasunomori.jp/garden/christmas/
Hakone Open-Air Museum Christmas
At the Hakone Open-Air Museum Christmas, the area in front of the foot bath plaza is illuminated, centered around the "Symphony Sculpture of Happiness" — one of the most iconic symbols of the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
I visited with a friend, and we enjoyed the outdoor works lit up in a variety of colors. The outdoor sculptures glowing as if emerging from the darkness possessed a mysterious beauty, and I found myself so absorbed in admiring the works that I even forgot to talk with my friend.
During the event period, concerts featuring songs perfect for the Christmas season and workshops where you can sing Christmas carols together with artists are also held. Since the workshops are enjoyable for adults as well, why not take part alongside the illuminations?
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- Dates: Hakone Event December 2026 schedule TBD (In 2025, held November 29–December 25)
- Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Access: 2-minute walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station
- Admission: Adults ¥2,000 / University & High School Students ¥1,600 / Junior High & Elementary School Students ¥800
- Website: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/specials/2025/christmas/
Stargazing and Night View Tour
The Stargazing and Night View Tour is an event held on select dates from October through January, where visitors can simultaneously take in Hakone's night views and a planetarium-like starry sky from the summit of Mt. Komagatake at an elevation of 1,327 meters, all in the crisp, clear winter air.
One of the highlights of the event is the opportunity to observe the night sky through telescopes and binoculars while listening to explanations from specialist staff.
The stars and celestial objects are explained in a way that is easy for children to understand, and I was struck by how my nephew, who joined us, was completely captivated as he gazed at the night sky.
Since the event naturally sparks intellectual curiosity in children, feel free to join with your little ones without any hesitation.
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- Dates: 2026 schedule TBD (In 2025, held on January 4, 11, and 12)
- Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Access: Just a short walk from the Hakone-en bus stop
- Admission: Adults ¥1,800 / Children ¥900
- Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/9152
For Those Visiting Hakone by Car, "MANTEN1059" Is Also Recommended
MANTEN1059 is an illumination event where the panoramic deck at the summit of Jukkoku Pass — easily accessible by car from Hakone — is lit up in blue, blending beautifully into the natural surroundings. From the summit, you can see as far as Mt. Fuji and Atami, and the event has earned a strong reputation for allowing visitors to enjoy the illuminations together with a 360° panoramic night view and a stunning starry sky.
Additionally, at "MANTEN STAR TERRACE" on the second floor of the summit station building, a projection mapping and laser show evoking a sky full of stars is presented. On the first floor, "TENGOKU CAFE" features a photo spot designed with a star motif matching the event logo, allowing visitors to feel as if they have wandered into the night sky itself.
By taking part in this deeply immersive event, you are sure to experience a world far removed from everyday life.
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- Dates: 2026 schedule TBD (In 2025, held October 4, 2025–January 31, 2026)
- Address: 1400-20 Kuwabara, Kannan-cho, Tagata-gun, Shizuoka
- Access: Approximately 40 minutes from Odawara IC
- Admission: Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥1,000
- Website: https://www.jukkoku-cable.jp/manten1059/
If You Want to Explore Hakone Efficiently and In Depth, a 1-Day Private Hire Tour Is Also Recommended
Since Hakone's sightseeing spots are spread out across the area, getting around independently can take a lot of time, which is why joining a tour is highly recommended.
With the Hakone Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide, you will travel from Tokyo in a dedicated vehicle and spend a full day receiving thorough commentary from a guide on all of Hakone's highlights.
You can visit must-see attractions in Hakone — such as Hakone Shrine, the Hakone Pirate Ship, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum — all by private car, making for a completely stress-free sightseeing experience. Families with children and elderly visitors can also join with complete peace of mind.
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- Meeting point: Your accommodation hotel or a designated meeting location in Shinjuku
- Tour area: Hakone
- Start time: 8:00
Hakone Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide
A Premium Private Hire Tour to Explore the Mt. Fuji Area Efficiently and In Depth Is Also Recommended
If you are planning to visit the Mt. Fuji area, where getting between sightseeing spots by public transportation can be quite difficult, joining a tour is the most convenient option. With the Mt. Fuji Full-day Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide, you can travel from Tokyo in a dedicated vehicle and fully enjoy the Mt. Fuji area on a day trip.
The tour is well-regarded for allowing visitors to experience all the charms of the Mt. Fuji area without missing a thing — including a walk around the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, spots offering breathtaking views of the mountain, and a harvesting experience of "wasabi," Japan's traditional spice.
Since the tour price includes lunch and drinks, you can join easily and without needing to bring anything extra.
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- Meeting point: Your accommodation hotel or a designated meeting location in Shinjuku
- Tour area: Around Mt. Fuji
- Start time: 8:00
Mt. Fuji Full-day Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide
