Hakone October 2025 Events Guide: Complete Autumn Festival Calendar with Peak Foliage Dates & Sacred Ceremonies
Hakone, located about 1-2 hours by train from Tokyo, is a tourist destination packed with various attractions including hot springs, abundant nature, and historic shrines.
October is particularly the best season, when autumn leaves begin to turn and numerous traditional festivals take place. This season, where you can enjoy nature and culture all at once, is perfect for those who want to experience Japan's unique landscapes and traditions.
This article introduces the events you can experience in Hakone during October 2025, along with the author's recommended scenic spots.
For visiting Hakone in October, the "Motomiya Reitaisai" is especially recommended!
Source:Official website
The "Motomiya Reitaisai" held on October 24th at Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine on the summit of Mount Komagatake is a special festival that can only be experienced in autumn Hakone.
The "Goshinka Festival (Sacred Fire Ceremony)" beginning at 10:00 AM lights a sacred fire, which is then carried down the mountain, across Lake Ashi to Hakone Shrine, where it burns throughout the night.
I participated in this festival and felt firsthand the dynamic nature of Mount Komagatake reached by ropeway, and the profound depths of solemn Japanese culture. This festival, where you can spend time that feels like it purifies your heart, is an event you should definitely visit during autumn in Hakone.
Information:
- Date: October 24, 2025
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Summit Station building via Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/hakone/celebration.html
After participating in Motomiya Reitaisai, visit the other two shrines as well
What I strongly recommend after experiencing Motomiya Reitaisai is "Sansya-mairi (Visiting three major shrines)" - visiting Hakone Shrine and Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine as well.
These three together are beloved as Hakone's representative shrines. Each shrine has different benefits and atmospheres, and with each one you visit, you can experience a sense of your heart naturally becoming refreshed.
Surrounded by quiet nature, feeling the energy of Hakone's representative power spots is the attractive point of Sansya-mairi. When visiting Hakone, please be sure to stop by the two shrines introduced below.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is a historic shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi, known since ancient times as a sacred site of mountain worship. Mountain worship is a uniquely Japanese faith that considers mountains as "special places where gods dwell" and reveres the mountains themselves. At Hakone Shrine, Mount Komagatake is considered a Sacred mountain (a mountain where gods dwell), and it has been carefully protected as a place where nature and gods coexist.
Climbing the stone steps, the main hall surrounded by forest appears, enveloped in sacred air that becomes one with the surrounding nature. On the day I visited, fog was rolling in, and the red torii gate appeared to float on the lake, creating a very mystical scene.
While popular as a photo spot, the entire shrine is enveloped in quietude, allowing for peaceful prayer with a calm heart. It's a sacred place where you can truly feel the deep connection between Japan's nature and faith.
Information:
- Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 24-hour worship available (shrine office reception hours: 8:15-17:00)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 0460-83-7123
- Official Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu
Hakone Kuzuryu Shrine has two locations: Hongu surrounded by forest, and Shingu on the shores of Lake Ashi.
Hongu is a special place that can only be reached on foot or by the monthly pilgrimage boat on the 13th, with the difficulty of access adding to its specialness. On the other hand, Shingu is located within the grounds of Hakone Shrine and can be easily visited, which is its attractive point.
At Kuzuryu Shrine, Kuzuryu Daimyojin, the god of water, is enshrined, and many worshippers visit to pray for matchmaking and financial fortune. The "Ryujin-sui" in the grounds is sacred water flowing from the mouths of nine dragons, and I also filled a plastic bottle and took some home when I visited.
In the quiet atmosphere where the lake and faith blend together, I was able to slowly face my own feelings. It's a perfect place for those who want to spend quiet time during their sightseeing.
Information:
- Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (within Hakone Shrine grounds)
- Operating Hours: 24-hour worship available (shrine office reception hours: 8:15-17:00)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 0460-83-7123 (Hakone Shrine)
- Official Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Efficiently Visit Hakone's Must-See Tourist Destinations with a Local Guide!
If you don't want to get lost with transportation and sightseeing routes on your first visit to Hakone, we recommend a one-day tour with a local guide.
This tour allows you to efficiently visit popular spots such as Lake Ashi cruises, Hakone Shrine, and Owakudani. In the beautiful autumn month of October, you can also enjoy photography at scenic viewpoints.
The most attractive point of this tour is that a guide who carefully explains the historical and cultural background accompanies you. You'll encounter information that tourists alone would have difficulty noticing and discover local spots unique to the area, dramatically increasing your travel satisfaction.
Since it's a private tour, there's no stress from transportation or waiting times. This tour is recommended for people who want to enjoy efficiently within limited time.
・Meeting point: Shinjuku or hotel pick-up
・Tour area: Hakone, Japan
・Start time: 8:00
Two Food Events Held in October in "Odawara" - Easily Accessible from Hakone
Odawara is a port town where you can enjoy the history of a castle town and seafood delicacies, with excellent access from Hakone at about 30 minutes by train.
Built in 1447 and once known as an impregnable castle, Odawara Castle, along with the Kamaboko (Japanese steamed fish cake) industry that has continued since the Edo period (1603-1868), offers abundant sights and gourmet experiences.
Many gourmet events utilizing local ingredients are held here, making it the perfect area to fully enjoy autumn flavors. For those planning their Hakone Event October 2025 itinerary, these food festivals provide an excellent extension to your mountain resort experience.
Here we introduce two popular food events held in Odawara in October.
Odawara Horse Mackerel and Local Fish Festival
Source:Odawara City
The Odawara Horse Mackerel and Local Fish Festival is a marine gourmet event where you can taste fresh local fish caught in Sagami Bay and enjoy fish-related experiences.
Held annually in October at Odawara Fishery Harbor, you can enjoy port town-specific activities such as fresh catch sales, an aquarium where you can interact with marine life, and Sushi and Sashimi making experiences.
When I participated in the Sushi and Sashimi making experience, I learned fish preparation techniques directly from local fish shop staff, which was very educational. Thanks to participating in this event, I became able to prepare and cook fish at home.
The experience of actually touching, learning about, and tasting fish is something special that you can rarely experience at tourist destinations. Why not experience Odawara's food culture through interactions with local people? This event perfectly complements any Hakone Event October 2025 plans, offering authentic cultural immersion.
Information:
- Date: October 26 (Sunday)
- Access: 1-minute walk from JR "Hayakawa Station"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp/field/industry/fisher/event/p38727.html
Odawara Oden Festival
Source:Odawara City
The Odawara Oden Festival is a popular autumn gourmet event where you can enjoy Oden filled with local Kamaboko and Nerimono (fish paste products).
Oden is a staple home-cooked dish beloved in Japan from autumn to winter, consisting of daikon radish, eggs, Nerimono, and other ingredients slowly simmered in broth.
The event is held annually in early October at Odawara Castle Park, bustling with food stalls, local specialty product sales, and live performances.
I participated in this festival and felt my heart warmed by the hot Oden I enjoyed while gazing at the scenery of Odawara Castle where autumn foliage was just beginning. For those who want to simultaneously enjoy local gourmet food and scenery in autumn Odawara, this event provides the perfect opportunity. Visitors extending their Hakone Event October 2025 experience will find this festival an ideal way to discover regional culinary traditions.
Information:
- Date: October 4 (Saturday), 5 (Sunday)
- Access: 10-minute walk from JR "Odawara Station"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp/kanko/event/OCT/odennmaturi.html
3 Must-Visit Scenic Autumn Foliage Spots for October Visitors to Hakone
October in Hakone marks the beginning of a spectacular transformation as trees gradually change colors from the higher elevation areas, creating beautiful autumn foliage landscapes.
In Japan, autumn leaves are as beloved as spring cherry blossoms, representing one of the most cherished seasonal traditions that many people eagerly anticipate each year. Quietly contemplating the fall colors in the crisp, clear air is not only beautiful but also brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the soul - this is one of the most attractive aspects of the season.
For those planning to experience the Hakone Event October 2025, here are three particularly recommended autumn foliage spots in Hakone that should not be missed.
Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi is Hakone's most representative scenic spot, offering a charming location surrounded by lakes and mountains in a serene atmosphere. In October, the trees along the lakeshore turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, creating autumn scenery that spans the entire area.
Particularly recommended is the view from the sightseeing boats, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the colorful mountain ranges from the lake. When I visited, the breeze I felt on the boat was incredibly pleasant, and I felt as though I was becoming one with Hakone's natural environment.
Walking paths are well-maintained around the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy strolls while viewing the autumn foliage up close - another attractive feature. Nearby stands the historic torii gate of Hakone Shrine, where visitors can enjoy peaceful scenery that harmoniously blends autumn colors with history.
Information:
- Address: Hakone, Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 0460-85-5700
- Official Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/6317
Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
Source:Hoshino Resort
The Hakone Komagatake Ropeway connects Hakoneen Station near Lake Ashi to Komagatake Summit Station, offering a popular aerial view of Hakone's natural beauty. The approximately 7-minute one-way ride provides panoramic views of dynamic autumn foliage landscapes.
In October, trees from the mountainside to the summit are painted in red and yellow, and visitors can observe how the color gradations change as altitude increases - this transformation is truly a sight to behold.
At the summit stands Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine, creating a sacred and special space where the shrine harmoniously blends into the natural environment. On the day I visited, I could see Mt. Fuji in the distance, and I found myself captivated by the scenery where autumn foliage, sky, and mountains seemed to unite as one.
Information:
- Address: 139 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00-16:30
- Closed: Open year-round (subject to maintenance and weather-related suspensions)
- Round-trip Fare: Adults 2,200 yen | Children (Elementary students) 1,100 yen
- Phone: 0460-83-1151
- Official Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/ropeway/
Gora Park
Source:Weather News
Gora Park is a Western-style garden located at approximately 550 meters elevation, famous in Hakone for its beautiful contrast with autumn foliage. The park features French-style gardens, Japanese gardens adorned with seasonal flowers, and a tropical plant conservatory, offering abundant attractions.
In October, maple and ginkgo trees begin to change colors, enveloping the entire park in vibrant, colorful scenery. The autumn foliage landscape surrounding the fountain plaza is particularly beautiful and serves as a classic photo spot.
At Gora Park, visitors can enjoy not only garden strolls but also hands-on activities. I tried making a keychain using vintage beads. The accessory I made with my own hands holds special meaning, and I still treasure it as a precious travel memory.
Information:
- Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Opening Hours: March-November 9:00-17:00 | December-February 9:30-16:30
- Closed: January 1st, 3rd Monday in January, 1st Monday in September
- Admission: Adults 650 yen | Elementary students and under Free
- Phone: 0460-82-2825
- Official Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/gorapark/
Around Japan's Symbol "Mt. Fuji," Many Spectacular Autumn Foliage Spots Also Exist
The Mt. Fuji area is also a popular region where visitors can enjoy quintessentially Japanese scenic beauty. The autumn foliage season begins around October, when the Fuji Five Lakes area and surrounding shrines and valleys are brilliantly colored.
For this season, I highly recommend the Mt. Fuji Full-day Day Trip Tour from Tokyo. This 10-hour private tour includes a dedicated vehicle and English-speaking guide, efficiently covering autumn foliage spots in the Mt. Fuji area from Tokyo.
Visitors can admire the spectacular contrast between the five-story Pagoda and Mt. Fuji at Arakura Sengen Shrine, experience wasabi farm harvesting, and enjoy numerous activities beyond just autumn foliage viewing. This tour is perfect for those who want to fully enjoy autumn around Mt. Fuji at their own pace, making it an ideal complement to your Hakone Event October 2025 experience.
- Meeting point: Shinjuku or hotel pick-up
- Tour Area: Hakone, Japan
- Start Time: 8:00
