Hakone Kowakien "Firefly Festival" to be Held ~ An Early Summer Limited Event Where Nature's Illusions and Light Productions Merge ~

Hakone Kowakien (Location: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture; General Manager: Satoshi Shibata) will hold its highly popular annual early summer tradition, the "Firefly Festival," from Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to Sunday, June 28, 2026. This is a limited-time event unique to Hakone Kowakien, where nature and entertainment merge.

The biggest attraction of this event is the natural fireflies that can be observed in the lush Horaie-en garden. Typically, fireflies are confirmed to be flying from mid-May, and their soft, dancing lights in the quiet provide visitors with a magical and healing experience.
In addition, the popular "Lantern Night" will be specially held for two days only. This creates an extraordinary night, with a magical space enveloped in gentle light, complementing the firefly viewing.

Furthermore, Hakone Kowakien Yunessun will offer a special "Firefly Starry Bath" themed around fireflies, in conjunction with this event. With soft lighting effects, you can enjoy a fantastical experience as if surrounded by fireflies in the bath.

During the period, various other experience programs are available, combining admission to Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, Motoyu Mori-no-yu, a dinner buffet, and participation tickets for the 365-day Festival Plaza. A wide range of guests, including families, friends, and couples, can enjoy a full day.

Please note that as fireflies are natural creatures, the best viewing times may vary depending on their flight conditions. Updates on flight status will be announced on the official website and social media as soon as confirmed.

Please come and experience this special moment, where the nature and light of Hakone intertwine.

Free to enjoy! Firefly viewing at Hakone Kowakien Horaie-en

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Hakone Kowakien Horaie-en

Every year from mid-May to mid-June, Genji fireflies naturally inhabit Horaie-en, offering a magical light dance. Especially active around 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM after sunset, many fireflies have been observed flying around "Horaibashi," which connects the garden of Hakone Hotel Kowakien and Horaie-en.

Access:
Directly connected from the garden entrance on the 2nd floor of Hakone Hotel Kowakien.

Enjoy seasonal changing baths without waiting for fireflies!

"Firefly Starry Bath"

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun introduces the "Firefly Starry Bath" for the first time this year, inspired by a night sky filled with fireflies! Enjoy a fantastical space under a dome-shaped ceiling projecting a starry sky, as if fireflies are flickering tiny lights in the water.

Location: Yunessun (swimsuit zone) hot spring
Indoor area "Turkish Hammam"

Event Period:
May 9, 2026 (Sat) - June 30, 2026 (Tue)

Operating Hours:
Weekdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission 5:00 PM)
Weekends/Holidays 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last admission 6:00 PM)

*Admission fee for Yunessun (swimsuit area) is required.
Adults (junior high school students and above) from 2,500 yen (tax included), Children (3 years and above) from 1,400 yen (tax included).

Renewed and reopened on March 20! Yunessun's "365-day Festival Plaza"

The "365-day Festival Plaza" features permanent festival stalls such as target shooting, giant garapon (lottery), and ring toss. Stage performances and prize draws are held daily from 4:00 PM, offering a chance to win original Hakone Kowakien goods.
Location:
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun 3rd floor (Facility admission is free)

Operating Hours: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Festival Stall Prices:
Target shooting, giant garapon, ring toss, etc.
From 500 yen each (tax included).

Limited to June 6 (Sat) and June 7 (Sun)! "Hakone Kowakien Lantern Night"

The popular night program "Lantern Night," which was well-received last year, will be revived for two nights only at Horaie-en. Participants write wishes on lanterns and light them simultaneously in Horaie-en, creating a magical night view. Lanterns are fully collected with strings.

Dates: June 6 (Sat), June 7 (Sun), 2026

Location:
Hakone Kowakien Horaie-en (Directly connected to Hakone Hotel Kowakien garden)

Price: 3,500 yen per lantern (tax included)

Time: Reception 7:00 PM, Launch 7:30 PM
Notes:

*The event may be canceled in case of bad weather such as light rain or strong winds.
For environmental preservation, lanterns will be collected. Please follow staff instructions. For safety management, please check the reservation guide for participation conditions for preschoolers and required items.

Details and Reservations here

Day trip plan to enjoy Hakone Kowakien at night

We have prepared an affordable day trip plan that includes Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, Motoyu Mori-no-yu, a 365-day Festival Plaza participation ticket, and dinner. After dinner, you can stroll from the garden of Hakone Hotel Kowakien to Horaie-en to search for fireflies (strolling is at your own discretion).

*All prices include tax. Please check the reservation URL for plan details.

Afternoon Yunessun + Festival Stall Ticket + Hakone Hotel Kowakien