Hot Springs 85 Minutes from Tokyo – Hakone Onsen
Hakone Onsen is a popular onsen-town (hot spring town) located about just 85 minutes from Shinjuku station of Tokyo, easily accessible by Odakyu line. To fully enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the onsen, staying overnight is highly recommended. However, if your schedule is tight, a day trip from Tokyo is also possible.
The best season to visit Hakone is from April to November.
One of Hakone’s greatest attractions is its proximity. It offers breathtaking natural beauty that feels worlds apart. Unlike other small onsen towns in Japan, the Hakone onsen area is expansive, allowing visitors to not only enjoy the hot springs at ryokans ( traditional inn) or hotels but also explore its stunning nature, museums, and other attractions.
Hakone onsen offers a wide range of accommodations, from traditional Japanese-style inns to Western-style resort hotels.
Additionally, this area has been a popular summer retreat for over a century, particularly for foreigners living in Tokyo. So, many hotels have English speaking staff, and the area is well-equipped to accommodate foreign visitors, making it a comfortable and welcoming destination for travelers.
Hakone Area Features
Hakone-Yumoto/Tonosawa Area
This is the gateway to Hakone, about 85 minutes from Shinjuku by Odakyu Line Romancecar. There are over 40 hot spring inns (onsen ryokan) and many shops here. The hot spring town dates back to around the year 700. Although it has a countryside atmosphere, it doesn’t feel like being deep in nature yet.
Miyanoshita/Kowakudani Area
This area was developed in the Meiji Era (late 19th to early 20th century) as a resort destination for visitors from Tokyo. It has a retro atmosphere with many hotels and onsen ryokan featuring a mix of Japanese and Western-style architecture and interiors.
Gora Area
This is the central sightseeing area of Hakone, home to attractions like the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Gora Park.
Sengokuhara Area
Famous for its beautiful silver grass fields. If you visit in autumn, don’t miss the golden scenery! This area is close to Mt. Fuji, and some accommodations offer open-air baths with views of the mountain (views depend on the hotel). Sengokuhara also has many museums and café-style spots, making it easy to enjoy both hot springs and sightseeing.
Lake Ashi/Ashinoyu Area
Located around Lake Ashi, a caldera lake in the Hakone Mountains. This area features resort hotels rather than traditional onsen ryokan. You can enjoy activities like sightseeing boat cruises and water skiing on the lake.
Hot Springs in Hakone: Types of Water
- Simple hot springs
- Alkaline simple hot springs
- Sodium-chloride hot springs
And more.
Hakone hot springs are located at the foot of the Hakone volcano, which has been active for 400,000 years. There are many types of hot spring sources here. Alkaline simple hot springs are said to make your skin smooth, while sulfur springs are believed to help with skin conditions like dermatitis. The type of spring varies depending on the area and the inn. Stay at a ryokan and enjoy exploring different hot springs during the day!
Stay in Hakone Onsen
Hakone has many hotels and ryokans. Here are a few options with great views:
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
Located in the Sengokuhara area of Hakone. You can choose between Japanese-style rooms with futons or Western-style rooms with beds.
Enjoy an open-air bath with views of Mt. Fuji. Meals are served buffet-style or at the restaurant. There is also a spa.
A well-designed English website is available.
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
Address: 1244-2 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
https://www.hgp.co.jp/hakone/
Hakone Ginyu
This luxury inn combines the best parts of traditional Japanese ryokans and high-end resort hotels. All rooms are suites with private open-air baths on the terrace. The large shared open-air bath offers breathtaking views of the Hakone mountains with an infinity bath design. The inn also features a relaxing spa and a stylish bar, making it perfect for couples looking for a sophisticated getaway.
Hakone Ginyu
Address: 100-1 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun,Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan 250-0404
https://www.hakoneginyu.co.jp/en/
Milky Onsen Inn Yamadaya
A traditional Japanese “ryokan” where you can enjoy stunning views from an altitude of 800m. Both the indoor and outdoor baths feature beautiful Japanese-style interiors. If you want to experience staying at a “ryokan” in Hakone, this is a great choice. The hot spring water in Hakone varies by location, but here, the milky white water is a unique feature. You can access the inn by cable car or ropeway, making the journey part of the fun.
Milky Onsen Inn Yamadaya
1320-907 Gora, Hakone Town,Ashigarashimo District,Kanagawa Prefecture,, 250-0408
https://2641.net/en/
Hakone Onsen Access Information
Hakone is a large area, so access details differ depending on the location. Below is information on getting to the most common spot, “Hakone-Yumoto Station.”
By Train:
- Odakyu Romancecar: 85 minutes from Shinjuku
- 110 minutes from Haneda Airport
Hakone Free Pass
A very convenient unlimited ride ticket for traveling from Tokyo to the Hakone area.
It covers transportation from major hubs like Shinjuku to Hakone and unlimited rides on 8 types of transportation within the Hakone area. You also get discounts at 70 sightseeing spots.
- 2-day Hakone Free Pass from Shinjuku: 6,100 yen per adult.
Hakone Tourist spot
Hakone is renowned for its museums and art galleries, but there are two spots you simply must not miss. Among them, Ōwakudani is particularly impressive, so be sure to visit!
Ōwakudani
Ōwakudani is a crater formed during the last steam explosion of Mount Kamiyama, the highest peak in Hakone, some 3,000 years ago. Even today, you can witness steam rising from the area, making it a breathtaking sightseeing destination. Access it by taking the Hakone Tozan Cable Car followed by the Hakone Ropeway from Gōra Station. Don’t miss the chance to try the famous black eggs (Kurotamago), which are said to add years to your life!
Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi, a caldera lake of Mount Hakone, offers a romantic and elegant cruising experience, especially recommended during the beautiful sunset hours. Before or after your cruise, enjoy a relaxing coffee break on the terrace of one of the nearby resort hotels.
Note:
Prices and services mentioned here are based on information available at the time of writing. Please check the latest information before use.
