The festivities begin with the Kosui Festival at Hakone Shrine. This event dates back to 757 CE, celebrating the legend of the nine-headed dragon, Kuzuryu, who was subdued by the priest Mangan. The festival involves offering sacred rice boiled with red beans to the deity, a ritual performed on boats on Lake Ashi. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, setting a festive tone for the week ahead​​.

The following day features the Hakone Shrine’s annual Reisai festival. This event includes traditional rituals, kendo swordsmanship demonstrations, and lion dances. Visitors can enjoy these cultural performances while exploring the beautiful grounds of Hakone Shrine. Evening fireworks add to the celebratory atmosphere​.

On August 2, the Goshinko Festival includes a grand procession from Hakone Shrine to Moto-Hakone and back. Participants in traditional attire carry mikoshi (portable shrines) along the lakeshore, later boarding boats to tour Lake Ashi. The evening features a Summer Night Festival with food stalls and fireworks near the Hakone-en Aquarium​.

The Komagata Shrine Festival honors the deities of the mountains, which were revered in the region before the establishment of Hakone Shrine. This event includes two parades with local children carrying small mikoshi, accompanied by rhythmic chanting. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by various performances and activities throughout the day​.

The Ryujin (Dragon God) Festival starts with rituals at Kuzuryu Shrine. In the evening, a sacred fire is lit at Kojiri on the northeastern shore of Lake Ashi, followed by another stunning fireworks display. This festival pays homage to the dragon deity, reinforcing the connection between the local culture and its mythical protector​.

The week concludes with the Torii-Yaki Festival, where a makeshift torii gate is set ablaze on the lake. This dramatic event, rooted in ancient prayers for protection against diseases, captivates visitors with its fiery spectacle. The festival wraps up with a grand fireworks show, marking the end of Hakone’s summer celebrations​.

Hakone’s summer festivals are steeped in history and local legends. The Kosui Festival, for example, is inspired by the story of the dragon Kuzuryu, who became the protector of Lake Ashi and its surroundings. This connection to local folklore adds depth to the celebrations, making them more than just festive events but also a tribute to the area’s cultural heritage.

Visitors can also enjoy various activities during the festivals, such as trying traditional Japanese foods from numerous stalls, participating in games, and watching performances. The serene setting of Lake Ashi, with its illuminated shrine gates and floating lanterns, provides a picturesque backdrop for these festivities. Hakone offers many outdoor activities for an enjoyable summer and a location a bit cooler than the cities of Japan.