A Week of Lights and Legends: Discovering the Lake Ashi Summer Festival

Discover the magic of the Lake Ashi Summer Festival Week in Hakone

From July 31st to August 6th, the serene waters of Lake Ashi transform into a stage for the majestic Lake Ashi Summer Festival Week (Ashinoko Natsu-matsuri Week). Centered around the Enshrinement Anniversary Festival on August 1st, this week-long celebration features ritual ceremonies that move in a sacred sequence all around the lake.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Hakone's mountains and water, this grand event is more than just a festival—it is an unchanging expression of gratitude and prayer dedicated to the deities of the mountain (Hakone Okami) and the water (Kuzuryu Okami). By following this beautiful progression, locals and visitors alike honor the deep connection between humanity and nature that has protected the region for centuries.

1. Kosui-sai (Lake Water Festival) – The Sacred Beginning

The festival week begins on the night of July 31st with the mystical Kosui-sai. This ritual honors the legendary Nine-Headed Dragon (Kuzuryu Okami) that dwells in the lake. A sacred Shinto priest boards a boat in total darkness to offer red bean rice (sekihan) to the dragon. As the glowing lanterns drift on the water, the atmosphere becomes intensely spiritual, marking a beautiful start to the summer week.

2. Fireworks Across the Lake 

Throughout the festival week, dynamic fireworks displays light up the night sky across different areas of Lake Ashi. The colorful sparks reflect beautifully on the dark water, creating a breathtaking harmony between the sky and the lake. Watching these fireworks from the shores or a cruise boat is an unforgettable summer experience that perfectly blends celebration with romantic elegance.

3. Torii-yaki Matsuri (Torii Burning Festival) – The Fiery Finale

Near the end of the week, the Torii-yaki Matsuri brings a dramatic and fiery energy to the lake. Huge wooden torii gates built on the water are set ablaze, sending powerful red flames reflecting onto the lake surface. This fiery ritual serves to guide the spirits of the dragon back to the sacred world, filling the night with a profound, primeval sense of wonder.

To fully experience the magic of the festival, Matsuzakaya Honten offers the perfect and convenient retreat. After an enchanting evening by Lake Ashi, you can return to our historic inn to relax in our soothing hot springs. Summer is a truly special season in Hakone—we look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable summer getaway.

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