Hakone in June 2026: Shrine Festivals, Hydrangeas & Night Train Guide
June is a rainy season in Hakone, with precipitation occurring on more than half the days of the month. The high humidity and frequent rain in June often create mist that can surprisingly envelop the surroundings. While it's a humid and somewhat damp period, the average temperature is a comfortable 19°C (66°F).
During this rainy June, hydrangeas bloom vibrantly in the rain, decorating the town with their colorful blossoms. Hakone has numerous hydrangea viewing spots. Additionally, shrines around Lake Ashinoko host large ritual festivals that attract many visitors.
In this article, we'll introduce these highlights, basic information, event schedules, and access to the venues.
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Table of Contents
- Traditional Events in Hakone in June 2026
- Natural Attractions of Hakone in June
Traditional Events in Hakone in June 2026
Kuzuryu Shrine (Main Shrine) Annual Festival
Source:Official website
Kuzuryu Shrine is located along Lake Ashinoko. Established in 757, it has over 1000 years of history. The shrine enshrines the dragon deity that protects Lake Ashinoko. Every 13th of the month, a ritual festival is held at Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu to worship the deity. The Annual ritual festival on June 13th is one of the biggest festivals of the year. The Lake ritual, where offerings such as rice and sake are made to the deity residing in the lake, is a must-see.
The deity is also famous for its blessings in matchmaking, drawing many people on the 13th. Sometimes more than 1,000 people gather from across the country, creating congestion from the boat dock. There may be up to an hour-long queue for worship, so plan your schedule with ample time.
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- Date: June 13, 2026
- Access:
From JR Tokyo station: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen outbound line, get off at "Odawara" station. From Odawara station, take the Odakyu railway bound for Hakone-Yumoto, get off at "Hakone Yumoto" station. From Hakone Yumoto station, take the Hakone Tozan bus "H" or "R" line, get off at "Moto Hakone Ko".
From JR Shinjuku station: Take the Odakyu railway bound for Hakone-Yumoto, get off at "Hakone Yumoto" station. From Hakone Yumoto station, take the Hakone Tozan bus "H" or "R" line, get off at "Moto Hakone Ko".
Only on the 13th: Hakone Yuransen SOYOKAZE operates from Moto Hakone Ko to Kuzuryu Shrine.
Access on other days: From Hakone Yumoto station, take the Izu Hakone bus "J" line, get off at "Kojiri", then walk 30 minutes or take a motorboat.
- Admission fee: 600 yen (Free in the morning of the 13th)
- Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/539
Summer Purification Ritual (Kuzuryu Shrine)
Source:Official website
A newly constructed Kuzuryu Shrine was established in 2000. Located next to Hakone Shrine, it is accessible on foot from Moto Hakone, making it easier to visit than the main shrine.
At this newly constructed shrine, a ritual event called "Nagoshi no Oharae" is held every year on June 30th. It's a time to give thanks for safely passing through the first half of the year and to pray for a refreshing remainder of the year.
The large ring made of Japanese nutmeg tree, called "Kaya," installed at the entrance of the shrine, is a symbol of Nagoshi no Oharae. It is said that by passing through it in a figure-eight pattern, one can escape illness and calamity and live a healthy life.
The Hakone event & festival June 2026 season offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The hydrangea blooms combined with these ancient rituals create a perfect backdrop for tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences in Japan.
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Date: June 30, 2026
Access: 10-minute walk from Izu-Hakone Bus "Moto-Hakone" stop or Hakone Tozan Bus "Moto-Hakone-ko" stop
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/hakone/fes_detail.html
When You Visit Kuzuryu Shrine, Also Visit Hakone Shrine and Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine!
When visiting Kuzuryu Shrine, you should definitely visit Hakone Shrine as well. Hakone Shrine was established in the same year as Kuzuryu Shrine, 757, allowing you to experience its long history. It is said to have benefits for warding off evil and bringing good luck, and is beloved as the most powerful spiritual spot in Hakone.
The shrine has spacious grounds rich in nature, and its beautifully vermilion-painted main shrine and structures give you a sense of traditional Japan. The shrine gate called "Torii" installed along the lakeshore is known as "The Peace Torii" and is also a symbol of Lake Ashinoko.
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- Access: From Hakone Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus "H" or "R" line, get off at "Moto Hakone Ko," then walk 10 minutes to Hakone Shrine
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/ropeway/fun/shrine.html
Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine is located at the summit of Mt. Hakone Komagatake at an altitude of 1356m. Although it was established relatively recently in 1964 as the rear shrine of Hakone Shrine, Mt. Hakone Komagatake has long been a place where mountain faith was practiced.
Mountains are considered mystical entities that provide people with abundant natural blessings. It was believed that gods resided in such mountains, and people have worshipped them since ancient times. At Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine, you can see a mystical rock where it is said gods visited on a white horse.
When you visit Hakone, make sure to tour all three shrines—Kuzuryu Shrine, Hakone Shrine, and Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine—to receive tremendous spiritual power. Don't miss the upcoming Hakone event and festival in June 2026, which will showcase traditional rituals celebrating these sacred sites.
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Access: From Hakone Yumoto Station, take the Izu Hakone Bus "J" line, get off at "Hakone En," then take the Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone En to the summit
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Hakone Odori
Source:Hakone Zenzan
Held every June, Hakone Odori is one of the most captivating Hakone Events in June 2026, where Hakone's geisha take to the stage to showcase the culmination of their daily training through dance and song. In addition to dance performances, guests can also enjoy geisha playing shamisen and Japanese drums.
The venue is the Kenban in Yumoto, where first-time visitors can enjoy the performances in a relaxed atmosphere. Each day features three shows, and the breathtaking performances of the geisha are sure to leave you completely spellbound.
Hakone Odori is a wonderful opportunity to witness the performances of Hakone's traditional geisha up close. I myself visited the Kenban while enjoying the hot springs in Yumoto one June and was enchanted by the beautiful geisha dancing.
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Date: Mid-June 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Admission: 5,000 yen
Website: https://geisha.co.jp/
Hydrangea Exhibition (Hakone Gora Park)
Source:PR TIMES
Hydrangeas reach their peak bloom in early June. Hakone Gora Park has more than 80 varieties of Hydrangea planted, and every June they hold a Hydrangea exhibition.
The highlights are monuments made of colorful Hydrangeas and the "Hydrangea Road." The Hydrangea Road is planted with "Annabelle," featuring small white petals, creating a pure white landscape that can only be seen during this season.
In 2024, there were sales of sweets inspired by Hydrangeas and craft experiences to make Hydrangea-themed accessories.
While this year's detailed program is yet to be determined, Hakone Gora Park is a recommended tourist spot for June with its stylish cafes, craft experiences, and covered botanical hall that can be enjoyed even during the rainy June. If you're planning to visit Hakone during this season for the June 2026 festival, be sure to check it out!
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Schedule: Late May to late June 2026
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Train from Hakone Yumoto Station, get off at "Gora" station, and walk 5 minutes to Hakone Gora Park
Admission fee: 650 yen
Website: https://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/gorapark/en/
Hakone Tozan Railway Hydrangea Train
Source:Tenyu
The "Hakone Tozan Railway," which connects Hakone Yumoto to Gora, has hydrangeas planted along its tracks. In June, it's affectionately known as the "Hydrangea Train" because passengers can enjoy beautiful hydrangeas during their ride.
At five scenic viewpoints, a world of hydrangeas unfolds right before your eyes through the train windows, creating a breathtaking and beautiful landscape.
During the hydrangea season, the flowers are illuminated at night. On the reserved hydrangea-exclusive cars, the interior lights are turned off and the train slows down when entering the illuminated sections. The sight of brightly lit hydrangeas viewed from the darkened train interior creates a magical and special experience.
Don't miss this spectacular Hakone event in June 2026 when the festival of colors transforms the railway into a flowery paradise!
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- Schedule: June to early July 2026
- Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Train from Hakone Yumoto Station
- Admission fee: Varies by section
- Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-tozan/ajisai/about/
If you're visiting Hakone in June for this Hakone Event, also enjoy the "Night Hydrangea Train"!
Source:Hakone Zenzan
During the hydrangea season, the Hakone Tozan Railway operates a special Night Hydrangea Train. This train allows passengers to admire illuminated hydrangeas from inside the carriage, slowing down or stopping at six illuminated viewing spots so you can take in the flowers at a leisurely pace.
The train makes extended stops at Miyanoshita Station and Tonosawa Station along the route, giving passengers time to step out and photograph the hydrangeas. While hydrangeas are beautiful during the day, at night they take on a different, more magical and dreamlike quality.
Please note that in addition to the regular fare, a reserved seat ticket must be booked in advance to ride the Night Hydrangea Train.
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Date: Mid to late June 2026
Access: Transfer to the mountain railway at Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Admission: Reserved seat ticket 500 yen + regular fare
Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-tozan/
Hakone Wetland Botanical Garden Blue Poppy Exhibition
Source:Hakone Geo Park
At the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands, you can observe 1,700 different species of flowering plants throughout the seasons. It's a unique botanical garden in Japan that primarily features plants that thrive in wetland environments.
From May, around 1,000 Blue Poppy plants reach their peak bloom. This variety, called "Meconopsis," is native to the Himalayan mountains at elevations above 3,000 meters. Due to its difficult cultivation and specific environmental requirements, it's also known as the "Phantom Flower" or "Heavenly Fairy."
During this period, many wetland flowers also bloom, making the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands reach its most beautiful season of the year. If you love flowers and nature, you should definitely visit, especially if you're attending the June 2026 Hakone festival and events in the area!
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Schedule: Early May to mid-June 2026
Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus "Togendai Line" from Hakone Yumoto Station, get off at "Sengoku-annaijo-mae," then it's a 10-minute walk to the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Admission fee: 700 yen
Website: https://hakone-shisseikaen.com/english/
Onshi Hakone Park "Early Summer Rose Exhibition"
Source:Hakone Zenzan
Roses are one of the flowers that signal the arrival of early summer. Onshi Hakone Park holds the "Early Summer Rose Exhibition" every year from mid-May to mid-June.
Over 100 pots of roses are displayed in front of the Lakeside Observation Building, creating a vibrant world reminiscent of an English garden. Looking toward the lakeside, you can see Mt. Fuji, allowing you to experience a collaboration of roses and Mt. Fuji.
Onshi Hakone Park is a lush 15-hectare park where various seasonal flowers bloom beautifully throughout the year. It's located near the previously introduced Hakone Shrine, so please consider visiting both during your exploration of Hakone events and festivals in June 2026.
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- Schedule: Mid-May to mid-June 2026
- Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus "H" or "R" line from Hakone Yumoto Station, get off at "Onshi koen mae," and it's right there
- Admission fee: Free
- Website: https://www.kanagawa-park.or.jp/onsisite/english.html
The "Kicoro no Mori Hydrangea Festival" at Mishima Sky Walk is also highly recommended by the author
Source:FASHION PRESS
If you want to enjoy vibrant, colorful hydrangeas, the Hydrangea Festival held at Mishima Sky Walk is a must-see Hakone Event in June 2026. The venue is the Kicoro no Mori forest, located beyond a 400-meter-long suspension bridge, where you can see an abundance of brilliantly colored hydrangeas.
Kicoro no Mori is situated in the northern area past the suspension bridge, and on clear days, the scenic view combined with Mt. Fuji in the background is one of its most appealing highlights. You can also see original hydrangea varieties exclusive to this location, characterized by white and light purple petals.
In the evenings, the area is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy the hydrangeas bathed in a soft, gentle light that creates a completely different atmosphere from the daytime. The location is accessible by bus from Hakone, so it makes for a great detour during your Hakone sightseeing trip — be sure to add it to your itinerary!
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Date: Early June to early July 2026
Access: From JR Mishima Station, take the bus bound for Moto-Hakone-ko (approximately 25 minutes) and get off at "Mishima Sky Walk" bus stop / From Moto-Hakone-ko bus stop, take the bus bound for Mishima Station (approximately 20 minutes) and get off at "Mishima Sky Walk" bus stop
Admission: 1,100 yen
Website: https://mishima-skywalk.jp/
