Top Hakone Events & Festivals in January 2025: Celebrate New Year’s Traditions, Hot Springs, and Winter Fireworks by Mt. Fuji
Hakone is one of Japan's premier resort destinations, long cherished as a hot spring town. Blessed with Japan's diverse natural environment including highlands, forests, rivers, and lakes, Hakone's famous Lake Ashinoko is also a spectacular viewpoint for Mt. Fuji. The sight of Mt. Fuji quietly standing behind Lake Ashinoko presents a picture-perfect beauty.
You can enjoy the wonderful scenery created by nature throughout all four seasons, with seasonal events held regularly. With many historic temples and shrines, January in particular is packed with auspicious events to welcome the New Year 2025. Although it gets cold enough for snow, the air is crystal clear, making it a perfect season to enjoy beautiful winter scenery. Let us introduce you to the must-see events in Hakone during this atmospheric winter season!
Table of Contents
- Traditional Hakone Events in January 2025
- Hakone Natural Highlights for January 2025
- Special experiences only in January in Hakone
Traditional Hakone Events in January 2025
Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit)
Hatsumode is the tradition of making your first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year to pray for good health and peace throughout the year. It's common to visit the local ujigami (guardian deity) shrine or temple from New Year's Day (January 1st, midnight).
Hakone is famous for having some of the Kanto region's most prominent power spots, and many tourists visit early in the new year to open their fortune. There are also famous spots where you can enjoy the beautiful first sunrise of the year along with your shrine visit. With various ways to experience a traditional Japanese New Year, it's highly recommended for international tourists.
Sansha Mairi (Three Shrine Pilgrimage)
Sansha Mairi refers to visiting three shrines generally. In the Hakone area, visitors make pilgrimages to Hakone Shrine, Kuzuryu Shrine, and Hakone Motomiya.
From the historic Hakone Shrine with over 1,200 years of history to Hakone Motomiya atop Mt. Komagatake, and Kuzuryu Shrine situated by Lake Ashinoko, visiting these three major power spots of Hakone will surely fill you with positive energy. Enjoy this special journey to open your fortune early in the new year.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is an essential stop for enjoying Hakone's historical journey. With over 1,200 years of history, it's renowned as one of the most powerful spiritual spots in the Kanto region.
The landscape surrounded by mountains showing deep expressions throughout the seasons boasts unparalleled beauty. In winter, the entire Hakone Shrine area can be covered in white snow, enveloped in silence as if time has stopped. The mystical appearance of the torii gates and shrine buildings standing quietly in the snow captivates visitors.
Hakone Shrine is full of attractions, including rich nature surrounded by ancient trees and the "Peace Torii" floating on Lake Ashinoko. On clear days, the vermillion torii gate stands out brilliantly against the deep blue lake. The spectacular view of Mt. Fuji in the distance truly represents Japan's symbol of peace. Visit while praying for a peaceful new year around the world.
<Information>
Date: From January 1st, 2025
Access:
- From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
- From Kowakidani Station via mountain railway from Yumoto: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
- From Odawara Station (JR Tokaido Shinkansen/Main Line, Odakyu, Izu-Hakone Railway): Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Kuzuryu Shrine New Shrine
Source: Official website
The "Kuzuryu Shrine" has long been revered as the home of the "Great Kuzuryu Deity" (a dragon god with nine heads), the guardian deity of Lake Ashi.
Lake Ashi, protected by the Great Kuzuryu Deity, is considered a sacred lake and is believed to bestow various blessings, including business prosperity, financial fortune, and successful relationships. In recent years, it has become widely known especially as a deity for matchmaking.
Kuzuryu Shrine has two locations: the Main Shrine and the New Shrine. The Main Shrine is situated within the "Hakone Kuzuryu Forest" along Lake Ashi, located a short distance from the Hakone Shrine grounds. The deeply verdant shrine grounds are filled with a sacred atmosphere that emanates the powerful protection of the Great Kuzuryu Deity. If time permits, we recommend extending your visit to the Main Shrine to experience its positive energy.
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Date: From January 1st, 2025
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, take the Hakone Tozan Bus to Togendai bus stop, transfer to the Odakyu Hakone Express Bus, get off at Kojiri bus stop, then walk about 22 minutes
Admission: 600 yen (Hakone Kuzuryu Forest entrance fee)
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Hakone Moto Shrine
Source: Yahoo! Travel
"Hakone Moto Shrine" was established at the summit of Mt. Komagatake as the inner shrine of Hakone Shrine. Tracing its history, it actually predates Hakone Shrine, with a legacy spanning approximately 2,400 years.
It was once a center for mountain worship (religious practices that attribute spiritual significance to mountains and involve various rituals) and ascetic training. Today, it's renowned as a power spot that brings good fortune, wards off evil, fulfills wishes, and ensures traffic safety.
Hakone Moto Shrine consists solely of a worship hall facing Mt. Kamiyama, which is considered the sacred mountain. Experiencing this traditional mountain worship by paying respects to Mt. Kamiyama is one of the highlights of a Hakone trip.
The summit of Mt. Komagatake is accessible by ropeway. The 8-minute aerial journey offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Ashi and the entire Hakone region.
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Date: From January 1st, 2025
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, transfer at Senkyoro-mae bus stop to Hakone Tozan Bus, then transfer at Hakone-en bus stop to the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, get off at Komagatake Summit Station, then walk about 8 minutes
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Hakone Shrine New Year's Celebration Fireworks
Source: Hakone Navi
In the Hakone area, the New Year's Celebration Fireworks over Lake Ashi at midnight on January 1st mark the arrival of the new year. Approximately 1,000 fireworks illuminate the jet-black winter sky and the crystal-clear lake surface with a rainbow of colors, celebrating the beginning of the new year.
Hakone Shrine welcomes many visitors for their first shrine visit of the year (hatsumode), sharing in the joy of safely entering the new year. Come experience the festive atmosphere, which differs from the usual solemn ambiance.
The fireworks viewed through the vermillion "Peace Torii Gate" floating on Lake Ashi create an elegantly poetic scene. You'll be lucky to capture this perfect photo opportunity from the prime viewing spots. Even just this photo seems likely to bring good fortune in the new year.
<Information> *Information is for 2024
Date: January 1st, 2024
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, take the Izu Hakone Bus to "Moto-Hakone" or the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone-jinja Entrance," then walk a short distance
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/feature/8655
Hakone Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
Source: Hakone Navi
The Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) is a uniquely Japanese belief that became popular among common people in the late 16th century. These deities, each bringing different blessings - such as Ebisu (god of business prosperity), Daikokuten (god of good fortune), and Bishamonten (god of treasures) - are enshrined throughout Hakone. This is characteristic of Hakone, where numerous power spots can be found.
The Hakone Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage route includes visits to various shrines and temples, including Hakone Shrine, while allowing visitors to enjoy Hakone's rich natural environment. You can create a fulfilling day trip by relaxing in hot springs and visiting stylish cafes and folk craft shops along the way.
Welcome the New Year 2025 with this traditional Japanese good luck pilgrimage to Hakone's Seven Lucky Gods, which have been deeply venerated since ancient times.
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Schedule: Year-round
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
From Kowakidani Station via the Odakyu Hakone Railway (mountain train), take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
From Odawara Station (JR Tokaido Shinkansen/Main Line/Odakyu/Izu-Hakone Railway), take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone Shrine Entrance"
Admission: Free
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Kuzuryu Shrine Main Shrine New Year's Festival
Source: Hakone Zenzan
The Monthly Festival (Tsukinamisai) held at Kuzuryu Shrine on the 13th of each month is so popular that bus tours are organized from Tokyo (Shinjuku).
In January 2025, the New Year's Festival will be held simultaneously with the Monthly Festival. During this ritual, it is said that the legendary dragon god of Lake Ashi descends and forms a spiritual connection with worshippers, bestowing them with mysterious power.
During the Monthly and New Year's Festivals, visitors can take a Lake Ashi cruise (not available on regular days) for a brief lake journey. The ceremony ends in the morning, and we recommend taking a leisurely walk afterward through the Kuzuryu Forest. The path leading to Kuzuryu Shrine, known as the "Therapy Road," offers many viewpoints of Mount Fuji. You'll be thrilled to see Mount Fuji peeking through the trees.
<Information> *2024 information
Date: January 13, 2024, 10:00 AM - Morning
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station (Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line), take the Hakone Tozan Bus to Togendai Bus Stop, transfer to Odakyu Hakone Express Bus, get off at Kojiri Bus Stop, 22-minute walk
*Special worship boats available from Moto-Hakone Port
Admission: 600 yen (Hakone Kuzuryu Forest entrance fee) *Free for festival participants
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/common/pdf/2024/20240113_info.pdf
Hakone Natural Highlights for January 2025
Komagatake Ropeway First Sunrise Operation
Source: Hakone Zenzan
Mount Komagatake, at 1,327 meters, is an excellent spot for viewing the first sunrise of the year. The observation deck at the summit offers simultaneous views of Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji, and Lake Ashi in the clear mountain air with unobstructed panoramic views.
On January 1st, the ropeway operates specially before dawn, offering a 1,783-meter aerial journey from Hakone-en Station to Komagatake Summit Station. The first sunrise of the year can be viewed around 7:00 AM, as it rises and colors the sea red. After enjoying the sunrise, visitors traditionally visit Hakone Motomiya Shrine, one of Hakone's power spots located at the summit.
<Information> *2024 information
Date: January 1, 2024
Access: Take the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone-en Station to Komagatake Summit Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/ropeway/
Special experiences only in January in Hakone
Hakone Ekiden
Source: Official website
The "Hakone Ekiden" has become a national sporting event that has been held over 100 times since its inception in 1920. It is an intercollegiate relay race between universities affiliated with The Inter-University Athletic Union of Kanto, covering the longest distance in collegiate long-distance racing - a 217.1km course divided into 10 sections from Tokyo to Hakone.
Many Hakone Ekiden alumni have gone on to become Olympic athletes in track and field. Starting from the founder's strong desire to "nurture runners who can compete globally," the Hakone Ekiden has become a New Year tradition in Japan. It has become customary for viewers across Japan to become emotionally invested in the race while watching the TV broadcast.
Along the course route, you have the chance to witness firsthand the passionate race where student athletes clash in competition - a moving event that never ends without tears. If you have the opportunity to watch it up close, please cheer on each runner.
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Dates: January 2-3, 2025
Access: Around Hakone Shrine
- From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone-jinja Iriguchi" stop
- From Kowakidani Station (via mountain train from Yumoto): Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone-jinja Iriguchi" stop
- From Odawara Station (JR Tokaido Shinkansen/Main Line/Odakyu/Izu-Hakone Railway): Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to "Hakone-jinja Iriguchi" stop
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/
Lake Ashi Opening Ceremony
Source: Josei Jishin
At Lake Ashi, the traditional New Year ritual "Kosui-biraki" (Lake Opening Ceremony) is held to pray for safety in the coming year.
In a unique style that has become tradition since the first ceremony, a Shinto priest performs purification rites while water skiing on the lake. In past years, members of the All-Japan Collegiate Water Ski Federation have served as representatives.
The dynamic and sacred ceremony is performed in temperatures below 5°C, praying for the safety of anglers and prevention of water accidents on Lake Ashi.
This is a rare Shinto ritual that cannot be seen elsewhere in Japan, making it a perfect photo opportunity for your trip memories. Those who enjoy water sports might want to watch while praying for their own safety as well.
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Date: January 5, 2024 (2024 information)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.ashinoko-gyokyou.com/post/
New Year Japanese Dance Performance
Source: Official website
"Nihon Buyo" is a dance form based on Kabuki dance techniques. A notable characteristic is its evolution from male-only Kabuki to include female dancers. It has become widely popular as a traditional art form that anyone can learn.
Japanese dance is characterized by three elements: dance, mai (graceful movement), and gestures. Dance emphasizes rhythmic elements keeping time with the beat, while mai focuses on gentle movements with internalized expression.
This Japanese dance performance will be held at the famous Hakone hot spring inn "Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu." The new stage production features a fusion of Japanese dance performances accompanied by both traditional shakuhachi and Western instruments (piano and violin) playing famous Japanese melodies. Enjoy this artistic creation where Eastern and Western cultures intersect to create new harmonies.
<Information>
Dates: January 1-2, 2025
Times: 16:30-17:00 / 19:10-19:50 (both days)
Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Hakone Tozan Line, take the Izu-Hakone Bus to "Ten-yu" stop, immediate walk
Admission: Free viewing
Website: https://www.ten-yu.com/winter2024.html
