Hakone is a quintessential Japanese getaway, including hot springs called onsen. The breathtaking views of Mount Fuji coupled with the picturesque Lake Ashi set alongside modern attractions make it a city that will work for all interests. It’s selecting the wrong place to stay that may just ruin your trip. Places like Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Lake Ashi, Miyanoshita, and Sengokuhara offer great places to stay whether you are with family or friends if you’re wondering where to stay in Hakone Japan. Further, when contemplating where to stay in Hakone, Japan, this comprehensive guide will help you traverse Hakone’s various districts and hotels so you have the very best time possible.
Best Regions to Stay in Hakone, Japan
Hakone is not a single town but rather an accumulation of various areas, each with its twist and attractions. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide where to stay:
Hakone-Yumoto
Hakone-Yumoto is probably the easiest place to get to and the entrance to Hakone. In addition, it is close to the Hakone Tozan Railway station for the first-time visitor.
Why Stay There: Hakone-Yumoto is perfect for a short visit because it’s easily accessible. The town has all the shops, restaurants, and old-style ryokans with private onsen facilities, too. It is also a fantastic base for visiting other areas of Hakone.
Recommended Stays:
- Yumoto Fujiya Hotel: Tradition and modernity blend featuring an onsen and easily accessible to the station.
- Hakone Suimeisou: Offers private hot spring baths and family-friendly accommodations.
Gora
If you’re an art lover or someone seeking a luxurious escape, Gora might be your ideal base. This area is the heart of Hakone’s cultural attractions and upscale stays.
A must-go to is Hakone Open-Air Museum and Gora Park. In addition, Gora is the departure of Hakone Ropeway, hence important also for tourist sightseeing.
Recommended Stays:
- Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa: A luxurious stay in spacious rooms with great service.
- Gora Kadan: Class of ryokan that commands several modern lavishness and very traditional designs.
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
Lake Ashi is perfect for those who need to be exposed to nature and adventure, having eye-witness images of Mount Fuji and access through Hakone Ropeway, as well as having pirate-themed cruises.
Why Travel Here: Lake Ashi is a serene getaway for the traveler looking for peaceful scenes and views, and their Hakone Shrine too.
Recommended Stays :
- Hotel Green Plaza Hakone: Views of high mountains from its onsen.
- The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko Luxury combined with wonderful lakeside scenery.
Miyanoshita
The historic district of Hakone is Miyanoshita, which boasts boutique hotels and the legendary Fujiya Hotel where celebrities and dignitaries have been entertained for over a century.
What to Expect: Quieter ambiance with boutique shops, quaint cafes, and a glimpse into Hakone’s history.
Recommended Stay:
- Fujiya Hotel: An institution providing old-fashioned charm and modern comfort.
Sengokuhara
For outdoor lovers and budget travelers, Sengokuhara is very appealing. Being one of the less crowded sites, this area boasts pampas grass fields. Family-friendly choices are available.
Why Stay Here: Go hiking and visit the Pola Museum of Art; enjoy open spaces.
Recommended Stays:
- Hakone Retreat Fore: A serene retreat in Scandinavian chic.
- Mt. View Hakone-Inexpensive, and sulphur hot spring baths for all to enjoy.
Places to Stay in Hakone
The accommodations available in Hakone are diverse enough to suit all tastes and budgets. Here’s a closer look:
| Type | Benefits | Best For | Popular Choices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryokans | Traditional Japanese inns with tatami-matted rooms, futons, and traditional kaiseki meals. | Travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience. | Gora Kadan andIchinoyu Honkan |
| Hotels | Modern accommodations with Western-style beds and private onsen. | Those seeking comfort and luxury. | Hyatt Regency Hakone and Hotel Okada |
| Guesthouses and Hostels | Budget-friendly options offer clean and cozy stays with public hot baths. | Backpackers, solo travelers, young adventurers. | – Hakone Tent: Warm hostel with a public hot bath.- Onsen Hostel: K’s House: Affordable, clean, and cozy. |
| Vacation Rentals | Spacious accommodations offering privacy and home-like comfort, ideal for group stays near Lake Ashi or Sengokuhara. | Families, big groups, or long-stay travelers. | Rentals in Lake Ashi and Sengokuhara areas. |
Why You Absolutely Must Visit Hakone
Hakone is not strictly a base, just for staying; it really is more a destination-exposing you to its cultures plus gorgeous quiet peaceful hot springs altogether. Hakone also stands great in a weekend or several-day retreat because of just about an hour and a half from Tokyo.
For an onsen fan, Hakone has enough public and private luxury facilities, such that the very fresh, actually extremely recent, riveting memory is the sensation of a warmly refreshing bath infused by minerals, all while holding a conversation with a fantastic mountainous view.
- Mount Fuji: Hakone is one of the best viewpoints with which to view Japan’s famous mountain. Especially impressive are the surrounding areas around Lake Ashi and Hakone Ropeway.
- Cultural and Historical Richness: Discover the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where elements of nature and art blend, or go to Hakone Shrine, home of the landmarked Torii gate that stands in Lake Ashi.
- Convenience and Accessibility: For a resort town of this region’s topography, Hakone may appear surprisingly accessible, thanks to an excellent network of rail, bus, and cable access.
The Best Times to Visit and Stay in Hakone
Hakone is a year-round destination, although your choice of accommodation may depend on the season:
- Spring (March-May): Hakone is particularly beautiful with cherry blossoms.
- Summer (June-August): An ideal summer break away from the city heat.
- Fall (September-November): The parks and gardens attract tourists because of the fantastic foliage.
- Winter (December-February): Clear skies offer the best Mount Fuji views, and soaking in an onsen feels especially magical.
Sample 3-Day Schedule
When on your trip, it can be a challenging task to navigate how to make the most of your time but with this guide on where to Stay in Hakone Japan, we have got you covered with an additional itinerary plan to make the best of your trip!
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring in Hakone-Yumoto
- Arrive in Hakone-Yumoto and check into a ryokan, Hakone Suimeisou.
- Visit local shops and sample the traditional food of Japan.
- Relax in the Ryokan’s private onsen.
Day 2: Art and Adventure in Gora
- Gora town center is near the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
- Relax in a world of elegance at the Hyatt Regency Hakone.
- Take a Hakone Ropeway for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji.
Day 3: Serenity at Lake Ashi
- Move to Lake Ashi and enjoy the sightseeing cruise.
- End at Hakone Shrine, and walk down through Cedar Avenue.
- Spend your last night at Hotel Green Plaza Hakone.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
When traveling in Hakone, there are a few important tips you must keep in mind:
- Use the Hakone Free Pass: this simplifies traveling about Hakone, placing unlimited rides on the Hakone Tozan Railway, buses, cable cars, and many more at your fingertips.
- Travel Light: Many hotels and ryokans offer luggage forwarding services, allowing you to explore hands-free.
- Make sure to book well in advance: Rooms are filled up terribly, especially for autumn or cherry blossom seasons.
Concluding Thoughts
Hakone caters to all sorts of travelers, including single adventurers, families, history enthusiasts, and honeymooners. Strategically, by selecting a place to stay that meets your requirements and destination preference, you could shift from a good trip to a forgettable one. The area is famous both inside and outside of Japan as a resort area brimming with natural hot springs of the highest quality and for its stunning views of Mt Fuji. When deciding where to Stay in Hakone, Japan, this guide will be your go-to! So, start planning today—Hakone awaits rejuvenating hot springs, natural beauties, and cultural heritage. Happy traveling!
Frequently Asked Questions
When planning on Where to Stay in Hakone, Japan, the regions of Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Lake Ashi, Miyanoshita, and Sengokuhara are great options to consider.
Gora is higher up and has slightly better views.
There is so much to see and do in the Hakone Region that we would recommend that you plan to stay in Hakone for at least 1-2 nights to make the most of the local options.
Hakone is located in the mountains in the far west of the prefecture, on the eastern side of Hakone Pass. Most of the town is within the borders of the volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, centered on Lake Ashi.
It is famous both inside and outside of Japan as a resort area brimming with natural hot springs of the highest quality and for its stunning views of Mt Fuji.
There are many ways to navigate the Hakone area which include the Tozan Train, cable cars, ropeway, and a sightseeing Cruise.
The area is famous for its hot springs — ‘onsen’ in Japanese — as well as its mountains and forests.
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