The Lake Ashi Summer Fireworks Festival is one of the highlights of the Hakone summer calendar, drawing both locals and visitors from across Japan and abroad. Taking place over several days in early August, each evening’s event features not only impressive fireworks displays but also local traditions, spiritual observances, and warm community gatherings. Below is a guide to the key dates and festivities, offering a deeper understanding of the celebration’s charm and significance.

The festivities start along the southern side of Lake Ashi in Moto-Hakone with taiko drum performances, mikoshi portable shrine carrying, and  ceremonies at the shrine. This marks one of the most spiritual days of the festival, held in the Moto-Hakone district, which is home to the iconic Hakone Shrine. This area has deep ties to Shinto traditions, and the fireworks here are held in conjunction with a sacred festival honoring the deities enshrined in Hakone Shrine.

Earlier in the day, visitors can witness Shinto rituals, mikoshi (portable shrine) processions, and priests in ceremonial attire. The lantern-lined path to the shrine, with its famous red torii gate at the lake’s edge, becomes a tranquil and photogenic scene.

By nightfall, the atmosphere shifts to celebration as nearly 5,000 fireworks are launched over the lake. The spiritual ambiance of the area, combined with the stunning natural and architectural beauty, makes the Moto-Hakone Fireworks Festival an unforgettable blend of tradition, reverence, and festivity. The ceremonies start at 9:15 at Hakone Shrine and run through the day until the fireworks at 8:00pm

This day celebrates the 1268 year anniversary of the Hakone Shrine. The shrine has deep historic roots in the area with stories of praying monks, nine headed dragons, and famous samurai. There are a number of notable events in and around Hakone Shrine on this day. You can come for the traditional music and kendo exhibitions in the morning and evening fireworks starting at 8:00pm.

The action shifts to Hakone-en, a resort area on the eastern shore of the lake. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities during the day, including the Hakone Aquarium, Komagatake Ropeway, and shopping and dining within the Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko resort area.

As the sun sets, the lakeside comes alive with anticipation for the evening’s fireworks. Around 2,000 colorful shells are launched from platforms placed on the lake, creating dazzling reflections on the water’s surface. Because of the semi-enclosed bay-like setting of Hakone-en, the sound of the fireworks echoes dramatically off the nearby hillsides, offering a rich auditory experience. The area is well-equipped for visitors, with food stalls, lanterns, and easy access via public transport or car. About 2500 fireworks will be launched around 8:00pm. On this day there will also be a special event at Hakone Shrine called “Goshinkosai” in which the enshrined spirit at Hakone Shrine is shown around the town in a special procession. 

Similar to the previous day, but with different events at Hakone Shrine. The celebrations include traditional music performances by local children, an archery competition at the shrine and more. The fireworks action stays in Hakone-en, a resort area on the eastern shore of the lake. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities during the day, including the Hakone Aquarium, Komagatake Ropeway, and shopping and dining within the Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko resort area. This is also the day to celebrate and show appreciation for the spirits of the surrounding mountains, especially Mt. Komagatake.

As the sun sets, the lakeside comes alive with anticipation for the evening’s fireworks. Around 2,000 colorful shells are launched from platforms placed on the lake, creating dazzling reflections on the water’s surface. Because of the semi-enclosed bay-like setting of Hakone-en, the sound of the fireworks echoes dramatically off the nearby hillsides, offering a rich auditory experience. The area is well-equipped for visitors, with food stalls, lanterns, and easy access via public transport or car. About 2500 fireworks will be launched around 8:00pm.

In the quiet lakeside district of Kojiri, located at the northern end of Lake Ashi. This relatively small-scale event sets the tone for the days to come, with around 2,000 fireworks lighting up the sky in a more intimate setting. Kojiri’s location, surrounded by forested hills and offering wide views across the lake, makes for a serene and reflective backdrop. Visitors often pass through the area on their way down to Lake Ashi from the steaming volcanic vents of Owakudani. 

Visitors often arrive early in the day to enjoy boat cruises or hiking trails around Owakudani and the Komagatake Ropeway before settling on the shores of the lake to enjoy the fireworks in the evening. The Kojiri festival is ideal for those seeking a quieter experience, away from the crowds, where one can fully take in the colorful bursts reflected on the water and the fresh mountain air of Hakone. More than 2000 fireworks are launched at 8:00pm

This is the climax of the week long celebrations. Long ago, the dragon god became angry at the villagers who polluted the lake water and caused an epidemic. In order to cure the village of the curses, the villagers lit a torii gate and offered the fire’s reflection on the lake surface to the dragon god. This is the legendary Torii Yaki Festival. The tori gates can be seen just off the lakeshore from Hakone Shrine and are lit at 7:45 pm with the 3500 fireworks display at 8:00. Enjoy the festivities, food, music, and more in the Hakone-machi area of Lake Ashi.