Ohiradai Onsen Hime Matsuri

The Ohiradai area in Hakone developed later than most hot spring towns, with its spring dug in 1951, and no large hotels moved in afterward. Around 10 family-run ryokan make up the community here, and they organize the annual Hime Matsuri on August 11. The festival centers on Bon odori, an energetic summer dance practiced in Ohiradai for as long as residents can remember. The formal festival emerged around it in 1975 and now includes music, street performances, and food and drink stalls. For travelers interested in summer festival atmosphere in a smaller, quieter setting than Hakone's more visited areas, this is a comfortable and genuine option.