UPCOMING EVENTS AT HAKONE
Kintsugi Workshop by Kintsugi_LA
Monday, December 15th, 2025
11am - 1pm
Discover the art of kintsugi in this special workshop with visiting guest teachers from Kintsugi_LA of Los Angeles, CA.
Designed for beginners, participants will learn the art of mending broken pottery using lacquer mixed with powered gold to restore beauty to cracked ceramic vessels and transform them into one-of-a-kind art pieces. Limited seats available. All tools and materials are included, along with light tea and snacks.
Hakone Members receive 10% OFF - please check your email for the discount code, or contact Cultural Events Coordinator Ian Hamilton at ian.hamilton@hakonegardens.org for questions.
For more info and to reserve your seat, click the button below.
Oshōgatsu Celebration 2026
Saturday - January 10, 2026
10:30am - 3pm
Shishi-mai performance: 11:15am - 11:30am
One of the most important celebrations in Japanese culture, Oshōgatsu (Japanese New Year) marks a time of renewal, gratitude, and family reflection as people welcome the new year with traditions to bring good fortune, health, and harmony. One such traditional ritual is the shishi-mai (Japanese lion dance), believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck, health, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Hakone is excited to bring you a special New Year's shishi-mai performance by celebrated musician and dance artist Ai Matsuda visiting from Hawaii. A student of master shishi-mai dancer and musician Kyosuke Suzuki, along with many other famed sensei, Ai will perform an Edo Kotobuki Jishi (old Tokyo) style shishi-mai accompanied by shinobue (flute) and taiko (drum) musicians.
This performance is FREE for all paid admissions and members.
**Please note that as this performance will start promptly at 11am, we will be opening the garden for special early entrance at 10:30am**
Additionally New Years related cultural activities throughout the day will also be scheduled for guests to enjoy. Please check back for details.
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Hakone Lunar New Years Celebration
March 8, 2026 - 11am - 3pm
Please check back here in February 2026 for any updates and more details.
CURRENT EXHIBITS
Current Exhibit in the Cultural Exchange Center
Bonsai Pot Exhibit - a collection of ceramic work by Denise Soultanian
July 3rd, 2025 through December 26th, 2025
Denise Soultanian is a ceramic artist and instructor who brings warmth, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for nature to her work. Bonsai naturally invites collaboration. The bonsai artist selects a pot that complements their tree, and it’s always exciting to see how one of her pieces is paired with a living work of art. This dialogue between pot and plant reflects Denise’s belief that beauty can emerge through relationship, process, and care.
* Please call us to check if the exhibit will be open to the public on the day of your visit.
Current Exhibit in the Lower House
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"Miko Dolls - Memories & Traditions Reimagined" - Mikio Sakuma
September 2025 through December 2025
Mikio Sakuma was born in 1948 and raised in the small seaside town of Tateyama, Chiba, Japan, located 64 miles south of Tokyo. Over the years living in the United States, Sakuma felt the traditions of Japan were fading in Japan’s modern society. To address this he began using his artistic talents through the creation of one of kind handmade miniature scenes called “Miko Dolls” (www.MikoDolls.com). Mikio Dolls reminds one to appreciate the beauty of nature in all things. Sakuma hopes to preserve and celebrate the Japanese cultural customs for generations who view his art as well as to educate younger generations of the rich legacy of the Japanese culture.
TEA CEREMONY DEMONSTRATIONS
Public Tea Ceremony Demonstrations (Omote-senke school)
*Public tea ceremonies will begin again in April 2026. Please check back in March 2026 to purchase tickets.
Hakone offers public tea ceremony demonstrations in our Cultural Events Center on the first Sunday of every month from April to December.
Please note, Garden Admission is not included in the price of the tea ceremony tickets and must be purchased separately.
For larger groups or inquiries, contact Sensei John Larissou at larissou@gmail.com.
Private Tea Ceremony Demonstrations (Ura-senke school)
Click here for more info. Private tea ceremony bookings may also be combined with other activities such as a private docent tour, origami workshop, and/or kimono wearing demonstration.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Hanami - Daytime Cherry Blossom Viewing
March 2026
Check back here in early 2026 for event dates and details.
Cherry Blossom Night Viewing
March 2026
Check back here in early 2026 for event dates and details.
Toro Nagashi - Lantern Floating Ceremony
August 2026
Toro Nagashi refers to the Japanese river lantern festivals held in summer where participants release candle-lit lanterns into the river together with their prayers for peace.
Check back in early summer of 2026 for event details.
Hakone Moon Festival
October 2026
Celebrate the autumn moon at Hakone in our illuminated gardens.
Check back early summer of 2026 for event details.