Discover Hakone in February 2025: Top Festivals, Events, and Seasonal Highlights
Hakone, located in western Kanagawa Prefecture, is a hot spring resort blessed with natural attractions including spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. Hakone and its surroundings offer not only hot springs but numerous tourist spots that take advantage of the natural environment, attracting many visitors throughout the year.
Besides its many tourist attractions, Hakone hosts numerous events throughout the year. The area is famous for hosting both small and large-scale events that draw many spectators.
In February, during the depths of winter, Hakone sometimes experiences snowfall due to its high elevation, but numerous events are still held during this season. In this article, we'll highlight the events taking place in Hakone during February.
Traditional Hakone Events in February 2025
Setsubun Festival & Wakasagi Festival (Hakone Shrine)
Source: Hakone Zenzan
Hakone Shrine, known as a representative power spot in Hakone, holds the Setsubun Festival and Wakasagi Festival annually on Setsubun day in February.
The Setsubun Festival is based on the Tsuina ceremony, which was originally performed at the Imperial Palace to drive away demons.
On the day of the Setsubun Festival, like similar festivals across Japan, the celebration begins with throwing beans to drive away demons that appear in the shrine grounds.
The demons then flee to Lake Ashinoko, uniquely escaping on water skis across the lake. Participants then proceed to the lake and throw beans at the demons from the torii gate facing the lake - this is the distinctive feature of Hakone Shrine's Setsubun Festival.
General participants can join in the bean throwing, boarding sightseeing boats to throw beans at the water-skiing demons. After driving away the demons, the lake is purified, concluding the Setsubun Festival.
Following the Setsubun Festival, the Wakasagi Festival is held, where visitors can taste wakasagi (smelt) caught in Lake Ashinoko. The lake's wakasagi is famous for its quality, and traditionally, the first catch of the season is always offered to Hakone Shrine, which led to the establishment of this festival.
Don't forget to enjoy both the bean-throwing ceremony and the Wakasagi Festival on the day of Setsubun.
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Date: February 2, 2025
Access: 10-minute walk from "Motohakone-ko" bus stop, reached by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Setsubun Festival Commemorative Fireworks Display
Source: PR TIMES
On the eve of the Setsubun Festival held at Hakone Shrine, a commemorative fireworks display takes place in Motohakone Bay on Lake Ashinoko. Starting at 7:30 PM, approximately 2,000 fireworks illuminate the winter night sky.
February offers the clearest air quality of the year in Hakone, making the fireworks even more beautiful than those in summer. On the day of the event, the illuminated Hakone Pirate Ship operates in conjunction with the fireworks display, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacle from the water.
As Lake Ashinoko is situated at an elevation of 723 meters, temperatures in February can drop below -5°C. Due to the expected cold weather, remember to bring a thick jacket when viewing the fireworks.
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Date: February 1, 2025
Access: 35 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway), then 10-minute walk from "Motohakone-ko" bus stop
Admission: Same-day boat fare: Adults ¥2,400, Children ¥1,200
Advance reservation: Adults ¥2,160, Children ¥1,080
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Kinensai (Prayer Festival)
Source: Official website
Kinensai is a festival held annually on February 17th within the grounds of Hakone Shrine. As a festival heralding the beginning of spring, it is dedicated to praying for abundant rice harvests, the prosperity of all industries including commerce and manufacturing, and the health and safety of the Japanese people.
The Kinensai is particularly significant among the festivals held at Hakone Shrine. On the same day, similar prayer festivals wishing for industrial and national development are held at the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor resides, and at other shrines throughout Japan.
During the festival, the shrine's chief priest reads norito (ritual prayers) dedicated to the divine spirits, followed by the performance of kagura, a sacred dance offered to the gods.
As this is one of the most important festivals at Hakone Shrine, alongside the grand festival held in August, many visitors attend the event. The festival begins at 9:00 AM, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early.
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Date: February 17, 2025
Access: About 35 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, then 10 minutes walk from "Moto-Hakone Port" bus stop
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Natural Highlights in Hakone for February 2025
Sengokubara Susuki Prairie Burning
Source: Hakone Highland Hotel
The Sengokubara Susuki Prairie Burning is an annual event held in early March in the Sengokubara area of Hakone, where vast fields of pampas grass are burned in an instant. This is a traditional Hakone event.
The Sengokubara pampas grass fields are famous as one of Hakone's representative landscapes, known for their beautiful silver and golden-colored grass in autumn. The burning event was initiated to maintain the beauty of the prairie by eliminating pests and unwanted vegetation.
The burning, conducted by local firefighters, begins at 6:00 AM. The pampas grass, ignited by the firefighters' burners, blazes with bright red flames that gradually spread across the entire prairie in a spectacular display.
The event may be canceled in case of poor weather conditions or strong winds for safety reasons. If weather conditions are uncertain, please check the Hakone Sengokubara Tourist Association's website in advance for schedule updates.
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Date: March 2025
Access: About 28 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus (bound for Togendai) from Hakone-Yumoto Station, then 5 minutes walk from "Sengoku Kogen" bus stop
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.sengokuhara.net/
7 Recommended Spots in Hakone for February Visitors, Selected by a Hakone Expert
Owakudani
Source: Hakone Navi
Owakudani is one of Hakone's most iconic viewpoints, featuring a volcanic crater formed by a hydrothermal explosion. Located in a volcanic geothermal area, steam continuously vents from the crater throughout the year.
The area's specialty is the black hot spring eggs, which are cooked using the geothermal heat and volcanic gases from Owakudani. According to local legend, eating one egg extends your lifespan by seven years, attracting many visitors specifically to try these unique eggs.
The site also features well-maintained walking paths that allow visitors to get close to the fumaroles, offering opportunities to learn about volcanic formation and processes. However, as Owakudani is still an actively volcanic area, there is a possibility of toxic gas emissions. If you feel unsafe at any point, please leave the area immediately.
Address: 1251 Sengokubara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Operating Hours: 9:00-16:00
Access: About 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to "Togendai" bus stop, then approximately 16 minutes by Hakone Ropeway to "Owakudani" station
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-84-5201
Official Website: https://www.kanagawa-park.or.jp/owakudani/index.html
Hot Spring Facilities
Hakone, one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations, offers numerous day-trip hot spring facilities. Here's an introduction to Hakone's hot spring facilities to help guide your visit. (Note: For visitors planning their February 2025 trip, these facilities will be perfect to combine with Hakone's Winter Festival events!)
Hakone Yuryo
Source: Official website
Hakone Yuryo is a hot spring facility offering affordable day-trip experiences in Hakone. While it's located away from Hakone-Yumoto Station, a complimentary shuttle bus service ensures convenient access.
The facility features open-air baths where you can relax while enjoying views of the verdant countryside. The on-site restaurant serves Japanese cuisine featuring mountain vegetables, and you can enjoy your meal around an irori (traditional Japanese sunken hearth). This is especially atmospheric during February 2025's festival season, when the facility offers special seasonal dishes.
Private baths are available with advance reservations. Three types of private rooms are available, varying in size and capacity, perfect for a relaxing experience without worrying about other guests.
Address: 4 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: Weekdays 10:00-20:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-21:00
Access: 3 minutes by free shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-85-8411
Official Website: https://www.hakoneyuryo.jp/
Merveille Hakone Gora
Source: Official website
Merveille Hakone Gora is a resort hotel surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Gora district, offering the perfect place to warm and heal both body and mind. The facility features a medicinal herb tea bar serving natural herb teas and a wood-themed dining room with a peaceful atmosphere where you can enjoy the gentle flow of time.
The hot springs contain salt minerals, which help prevent sweat evaporation and are beneficial for skin beauty. The baths are available for both overnight guests and day visitors. Room options range from standard Western-style rooms to family rooms with private open-air baths, catering to various needs.
This is an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing stay in Hakone, particularly during the vibrant festival season of February 2025.
Address: 1300-70 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Access: 5-minute walk from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Closed: Never
Phone: 0570-783-144
Official Website: https://www.merveille-hakone.jp/
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Source: Official website
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is Hakone's signature hot spring theme park, offering numerous unique bathing experiences. The facility is divided into two areas: "Yunessun," where swimsuits are required, and "Mori no Yu," a traditional nude bathing area. Tickets are available for both areas.
The swimsuit area, Yunessun, is an all-weather large spa facility themed after the Mediterranean, featuring unique baths such as sake, wine, and coffee baths. Mori no Yu offers a traditional Japanese hot spring experience where visitors can enjoy Hakone's natural hot springs in the nude.
For those without swimwear, Yunessun offers towel and swimsuit rentals for a fee, so you can visit without bringing anything. While visitors with tattoos are generally not permitted, they may enter if the tattoos are covered with stickers beforehand.
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: Weekdays 10:00-18:00, Weekends & Holidays 9:00-19:00
Access: About 20 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, get off at "Kowakien" bus stop
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-82-4126
Official Website: https://www.yunessun.com/
Yuasobidokoro Hakone no Yu (Hot Spring Recreation Facility)
Source: Official website
Yuasobidokoro Hakone no Yu is a day-trip hot spring facility located in Hakone-Yumoto. For an admission fee of 1,250 yen, visitors can enjoy Hakone's high-quality hot springs with no time limit. The facility offers a variety of baths, including indoor baths, open-air baths, and jet baths.
After bathing, you can use the paid tatami-style rest areas to cool down your warmed body. The facility also features a dining hall where you can enjoy udon and soba noodles at reasonable prices, and professional masseurs provide massage services.
Although the hot spring is located away from Hakone-Yumoto Station, a shuttle bus operates from the station for a fare of 200 yen.
Address: 100-1 Yumoto Chaya, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Access: 10 minutes by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-85-8080
Official Website: http://www.hakonenoyu.co.jp/
Hakone Pirate Ship Winter Cruise
Source: PR TIMES
The Hakone Pirate Ship is a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi where you can enjoy the magnificent nature around the lake and views of Mt. Fuji. The ship is a faithful reproduction of a medieval European battleship and has long been a popular tourist attraction in Hakone.
The pirate ship operates year-round, and for February 2025, it will host a special Winter Fireworks Cruise coinciding with the eve of the Setsubun Festival at Hakone Shrine. The cruise ship will be beautifully illuminated, offering spectacular views of colorful fireworks and the mystical scenery of Lake Ashi.
As significant cold weather is expected, please prepare appropriate winter clothing.
Address: 161 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (Hakone-machi Port)
Hours: From 19:20 at Hakone-machi Port
Access: About 30 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, immediately accessible from "Hakone-machi Port" bus stop
Closed: May be canceled due to weather conditions
Phone: 0460-83-7550
Official Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-kankosen/
Hakone-Yumoto Station Shopping Street
Source: Kankou Kanagawa NOW
In front of Hakone-Yumoto Station, the main station of the Hakone Tozan Railway, there's a bustling arcade shopping street lined with numerous souvenir shops. You can purchase Hakone's famous snacks and sweets at reasonable prices, perfect for eating while walking.
Besides snacks and sweets, there are shops selling seafood from Kanagawa Prefecture's nearby waters and wooden crafts made from Hakone timber. Each shop offers such a rich variety of products that time flies while exploring.
From long-established stores to new shops, you're sure to find wonderful souvenirs while strolling through the station shopping street, so take your time to enjoy shopping.
Address: 706-17 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: Varies by store
Access: 1-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Closed: Varies by store
Phone: 0460-85-7751 (Hakone-Yumoto Tourist Association)
Official Website (Hakone-Yumoto Tourist Association): http://www.hakoneyumoto.com/
