Held every year, this summer nights festival incorporates a series of local festivals held around the water’s edge of Lake Ashi in Hakone.
July 31st: The Kosui Festival – Held to honour the nine-headed dragon who once lived in the lake and was eventually tamed by a monk to protect the locals. There is usually a fireworks display in the evening and lanterns set afloat on the lake. — Taiko, lanterns, and dance have been canceled.
August 1st: Hakone Shrine Reidai Festival – Held to pray for the shrine and its visitors. There are kendo displays, poetry and often fireworks in the evening.
August 2nd: Gojinkousai Festival – Traditional Japanese boats set sail on the lake.
August 2nd and 3rd: Hakone Park Summer Night Festival – This two-day event takes place with stalls and fireworks at the base of the Prince Hotel.
August 4th: Kojiri Dragon Festival – Dedicated to the lake’s dragon, this festival has performances from local Soran dancers and live music too. There are fireworks in the evening. —Performances have been canceled.
August 5th: Shrine Gate Festival – The famous torii gates are set alight in an amazing display, with fireworks to follow. — Performances have been canceled.
Moto-Hakone is the center of festivities with food stalls and festival games to keep you entertained and in the festival spirit.
