Hakone Onsen Area Guide: Find the Perfect Hot Spring Spot for You

Planning a trip to Japan often means juggling train apps, figuring out how to pack light, and wondering if you should book everything in advance. Somewhere in the middle of it all, you might hear about Hakone—a quiet escape from the buzz of the cities, where you can sit in a steaming bath and gaze at Mount Fuji. That image draws travelers in, and it’s not a fantasy. The experience is as peaceful as it sounds.

But when it comes time to plan your stay, the details matter—and that’s where this guide can help.

Why picking the right area matters

Choosing the right part of Hakone can make or break your stay. A couple looking for privacy and a view might not want the same area as a group of friends traveling together. If you are coming with kids, you might want an area with easier transportation and more to do nearby. If you are going solo, you might care more about peaceful surroundings and a chance to unwind.

Think of it like picking the right table in a cafe. Some spots are near the window. Some are cozy in the corner. All of them serve the same warm drink, but the feeling is different depending on where you sit.

This guide will walk you through the five most popular onsen areas in Hakone:

• Hakone Yumoto
• Gora
• Miyanoshita
• Sengokuhara
• Lake Ashi area

Each one offers a different take on the hot spring experience. Whether you care about convenience, culture, luxury, or scenery, there is a spot that fits!

Take a moment to read through the sections below. It might help you decide where to stay and how to spend your time once you arrive.

Hakone Yumoto

Hakone Yumoto serves as the main gateway to Hakone and is often the first stop for visitors arriving from Tokyo. This area is perfect if you want to keep your travel simple and stress-free while still experiencing a wide range of options.

Direct access from Tokyo on Odakyu Railway’s Limited Express Romancecar allows you to board at Shinjuku Station and, on the fastest train, reach Hakone Yumoto Station in 75 minutes on weekends, 84 minutes on weekdays. This ease of travel has made it a favorite destination for both Japanese and international tourists alike.

The town itself is lively yet manageable, offering a balanced blend of tradition and modern convenience. Whether you want to soak in a hot spring, browse local shops, or enjoy a hearty meal, Hakone Yumoto offers it all within easy reach. This makes it especially appealing for families, groups with varying interests, and travelers with limited time.

In terms of facilities, Hakone Yumoto offers:

• A wide range of accommodations, from affordable guesthouses to high-end ryokans, catering to different budgets and tastes.
• Onsen day spas and public bathhouses, where you can enjoy hot springs without the need for an overnight stay. It is perfect for those on tight schedules.
• A vibrant shopping street filled with local sweets, traditional crafts, and food stalls that give a taste of Hakone’s culture and flavors.
• Restaurants serving Japanese soba noodles, fresh seafood, and seasonal specialties, providing plenty of dining choices for all palates.

With so many options nearby, everyone can find something enjoyable in Hakone Yumoto without having to deal with complicated travel plans.

Extra tip:

If you’re doing a day trip from Tokyo, Hakone Yumoto is the most practical place to visit. Several onsen hotels here offer day-use onsen baths, so even a few hours spent soaking in the hot springs would be deeply refreshing.

Gōra

Gōra offers a peaceful and elegant escape high up in the mountains. Its elevated location means the air is fresh and the views are wide and beautiful. The pace here is slower, making it a perfect place to relax deeply and enjoy a more private onsen experience.

This area is known for its luxury ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). Many feature spacious rooms with modern comforts and private hot spring baths directly attached to guest suites. Guests can savor exquisite kaiseki meals, traditional multi-course dinners prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients that highlight the best of local flavors.

Beyond the ryokan, Gora also offers rich cultural experiences:

• The Hakone Open-Air Museum showcases impressive sculptures and artwork beautifully arranged in open gardens and rolling hills.
• Hakone Gora Park provides a calm, Western-style garden setting complete with a charming tea house and seasonal flower displays.
• Craft workshops give visitors the chance to try their hand at unique activities such as glassblowing or pottery, adding a creative touch to their stay.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

• Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0493
• Access
  By train: 2-minute walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)
  By bus: Approx. 35 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station by Hakone Tozan Bus to Ninotaira-iriguchi, then a 6-minute walk
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Admission: 2,000 JPY (adults), 1,600 JPY (university/high school students), 600 JPY (Children)
• Tip: You can often get a discount by purchasing your tickets in advance through the official website

Hakone Gora Park

• Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0408
• Access:
  By train: 5-minute walk to the Main Gate from Gora Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)
  By bus: 9-minutes from Chokoku-no-Mori Station to Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Bus, then a 5-minute walk
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Admission: 650 JPY (adults), Free for elementary school students and younger

This combination of natural beauty, artistic inspiration, and luxury makes Gora an excellent choice for couples on romantic trips or anyone looking to experience Japan’s warm hospitality in a tranquil environment.

Getting there

The Hakone Tozan Railway takes you to Gora Station from Hakone-Yumoto Station. This scenic train ride is an experience in itself, winding through steep mountain slopes and offering breathtaking views along the way.

Miyanoshita

Miyanoshita stands apart because it is quieter than the bustling Hakone Yumoto and less modern than Gora. This gives it a unique, nostalgic atmosphere that feels like stepping into a refined past. The slower pace here invites visitors to soak in a sense of old Japan that is hard to find elsewhere.

For those who enjoy taking things slow, like reading a book at a quiet café or simply wandering without a rush, Miyanoshita offers a welcome break. It provides a peaceful escape from the usual tourist bustle.

The area is best known for the Fujiya Hotel, an iconic establishment dating back to 1878. This historic hotel has hosted royalty, celebrities, and foreign dignitaries. Its elegant architecture, carefully maintained gardens, and antique interiors add a timeless quality to the town’s character.

Beyond the hotel, Miyanoshita offers:

• Traditional shops and cozy cafés that have been welcoming visitors for decades, preserving a sense of continuity. Perfect spots to pick up local souvenirs or grab a quiet bite.
• Bathhouses with a classic feel, where visitors can enjoy a more personal and authentic onsen experience, without the crowds you might find elsewhere.
• Peaceful walking trails that reveal the natural beauty and quiet corners of the area. It is ideal for those who like morning strolls or an easy afternoon hike.
• A selection of intimate ryokan inns, ideal for those who want to experience the warmth of traditional Japanese hospitality in a serene setting.

Miyanoshita suits travelers who value heritage and calmness over flashiness and modern conveniences. It offers a balance of charm, culture, and comfort.

Good to know

Miyanoshita’s location between Hakone Yumoto and Gora means it is easy to explore these nearby areas during your stay. Despite its tranquility, it remains well-connected and convenient for travelers wanting a cultural experience without sacrificing accessibility.

Sengokuhara

Sengokuhara offers a different pace compared to the busier, more compact onsen areas in central Hakone. Located in the northwest part of the region, it provides wide open spaces and fresh mountain air. This area is perfect for travelers who want to escape crowds and spend time outdoors.

The landscape here is flat and spread out, making it less suited for walking around like a town, but ideal for slow, peaceful stays. Inns tend to have large rooms and outdoor baths that look out over forests and hills.

Sengokuhara is famous for:

• The Pampas Grass Field, which glows golden in autumn and creates a stunning natural spectacle.
• Several art museums, including the Pola Museum of Art, the Lalique Museum, and the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum.
• Outdoor activities such as nature trails, bird watching, and quiet exploration.

The Pola Museum of Art

• Address: 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0631
• Access: Approx. 8 minutes from Gora Station to The Pola Museum of Art on the free shuttle bus
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Admission: 2,200 JPY (adults), 1,700 JPY (university/high school students), free for junior high school students and younger
• Note: Temporarily closed from Dec. 1-12, 2025 for exhibition changes.

The Lalique Museum, Hakone

• Address: 186-1 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0631
• Access: Approx. 19 minutes from Gora Station to Hakone Lalique Bijutsukan Station, then a 2-minute walk, or 25 minutes from Hakone Yumoto Station to Sengoku Annaijo-mae Station, then a short walk (both routes operated by Hakone Tozan Bus)
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)
• Admission: 1,500 JPY (adults), 1,300 JPY (university/high school students), 800 JPY (children), free for preschool children

The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

• Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0631
• Access: Approx. 30 minutes from Gora or Togendai via Hakone Tozan Bus to Hyoseki/Hakone Glass no Mori-mae
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
• Admission: 1,800 JPY (adults), 1,700 JPY (seniors – 65+), 1,300 JPY (university/high school students), 600 JPY (children)
• Note: The museum is closed for 11 days from the second Tuesday of January every year; the museum is closed from July 14-17, 2025 for exhibition changes

If you enjoy waking up without an alarm, sipping tea by a window with forest views, or taking slow walks with no fixed plans, Sengokuhara fits the bill. It’s the kind of place where you can forget the rush of everyday life and just be present.

This area appeals to those craving a restful retreat, whether traveling alone or with a close friend. It is also a good choice for repeat visitors who want to experience a quieter side of Hakone away from the usual tourist spots.

Getting there

There is no train service to Sengokuhara. Visitors must take a bus from Gora or Hakone Yumoto. Most hotels offer transportation advice and maps to help guests navigate the area easily.

Lake Ashi Area

If you’ve ever seen the iconic photo of a vivid red torii gate rising from the water with Mt. Fuji in the background, you’ve already glimpsed the appeal of Lake Ashi. This scenic crater lake is known not only for its postcard-perfect views but also for the serene atmosphere that envelops it.

Staying near Lake Ashi lets you enjoy both relaxing hot springs and interesting sights close by. Some mornings, you might find yourself sitting quietly by the water, listening to your favorite music or simply soaking in the gentle sounds of nature as the sun rises over the mountains. It’s the kind of calm moment that helps clear your mind for the day ahead.

One of the joys here is taking a leisurely ride on the pirate-themed sightseeing boat. You’ll pass by forested shores and can often spot people fishing or locals walking their dogs along the trails.

For those who love a bit of gentle exercise, lakeside paths are perfect for slow strolls where you can watch boats glide by and listen to birdsong. And tucked away among the trees, the Hakone Shrine offers a peaceful spot to rest.

What you shouldn’t miss:

• Riding the Hakone Ropeway, which takes you from the lake to Gora, passing over volcanic valleys and hot steam vents.
• Relaxing in hot spring inns with outdoor baths that open to sweeping views of the lake and Mt. Fuji.
• Cozy lakeside cafés where you can warm up with a matcha latte or a slice of seasonal cake after a day of exploring.

Spring and autumn are especially beautiful times to visit. Both seasons offer perfect photo opportunities, but you’ll want to bring layers as mornings and evenings can be chilly near the water.

Comparison table

Here’s a quick comparison table to help you keep things clear before boarding your plane to Japan:

Steam dream: notes for the journey

Hakone is best enjoyed at your own pace. Each area has its own rhythm, and wherever you stay, you’ll find places to unwind and recharge. Don’t worry about seeing everything—just live in the moment and go with the flow.

It’s perfectly fine to ask locals for directions or tips; polite curiosity is often welcomed. At the same time, be mindful of quiet spaces and simple customs, like keeping voices low and leaving phones behind in the baths. A little respect goes a long way in making the experience better for everyone.

In Hakone’s warmth and gentle breeze, may your worries float away with ease.