6 Best Areas Where to Stay in Hakone → Hotels&Prices

Get to know Japan’s rural side in this mountainous city located west of Tokyo, famous for the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji (of course), and the hot springs resorts, which are also known as onsen!

This stunning city of Hakone is actually made up of multiple smaller towns where you’ll be able to discover some of the most beautiful and natural places in Japan. At the same time, you also get to relax in the hot springs, drink lots of tea in the ryokan hotels (a type of Japanese inn) and casually spot sights of Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan!

In this post I will recommend the ideal areas for where to stay in Hakone and the top accommodations with outdoor pools and spring baths! Whether you choose a luxury place or the best budget hotel, don’t worry, you’ll find all the great options in this post!

This all sounds like so much fun! I hope you’re already packing your bags because you’ll want to get here ASAP! And just before you do that, make sure you also book your luxury, mid-range, or budget hotel for this fantastic destination.

Although Hakone is a rural city, it is super famous for its hot spring baths and views of Mount Fuji meaning many tourists come here annually, so I would definitely book in advance so you don’t miss out.

Let’s go, the private open-air baths are waiting for us!

If you are in a hurry

If you want to book now, there’s no reason to wait! Browse this list with the best hotels where to stay in Hakone located in Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa, the main area of the city

Here’s a map of all the areas for where to stay in Hakone that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa – where to stay in Hakone for the first time

Jaw-dropping landscapes, natural beauty, and the rich culture will make you fall in love with these 2 Japanese neighboring areas! Hakone Yumoto and Tonosawa are the best places to stay in the city if you’re visiting for the first time.

As I mentioned earlier, the city is made up of different smaller towns but Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa are the main ones here. Hakone Yumoto is the city’s gateway and has become a popular destination where to stay in Hakone. What can be better than to dive into the city’s history than visiting their museums and temples while enjoying the stunning views?

The Hien Waterfall is a stunning place that you can’t miss here but don’t forget that the temples are quite fascinating as well! These unique places will offer you an authentic Japanese experience and you can find them all over the country. The travel connections are great here, you can even take a train from Hakone Yumoto Station straight to Tokyo and get there in under 2 hours!

Tonosawa is located right next to Hakone Yumoto, and it offers a more tranquil setting, that’s why it’s so convenient to stay here, you can experience both the busy Hakone atmosphere and the serene one as well. Located near the river and offering stunning views of the mountains, this area is where you go for the famous onsen experience, the traditional Japanese-style hot springs.

There are many luxury hotels and traditional ryokan hotels in Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa but make sure you book them in advance! Everyone is on a hunt to find places to stay in this top-tier destination.

Other accommodation in Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa

Things to do in Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa

• Enjoy some tranquility at Hakone Kannon temple
• Learn new things at Hakone Town History Museum 
• Catch a cool show at Meet Geisha
• Try zip-lining at Forest Adventure Hakone
• Explore the beautiful Sōun-ji Buddist temple 
• Admire the natural beauty of the Hien Waterfall
• Go to Hakone Yuryo Spa and spend a relaxing time in the outdoor onsen
• Take a trip to Odawara and have fun in a karaoke room

2. Gora – best place to stay in Hakone for the hot springs

Located 7 miles (11 km) west of Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa, this resort town has become super famous due to the high amount of hot springs that people discovered at the beginning of the 20th century when they built the railroad to Gora station.

The hot springs and natural beauty of this Hakone region attract many foreign tourists, and usually, everyone wants to spend most of their time having hot spring baths, but it would be a shame not to explore the rest of the area.

So while you take a break from the hot spring baths, go out and walk on foot around the town. Who doesn’t love admiring art in nature? The Hakone Open-Air Museum hosts beautiful sculptures made by Picasso, Taro Okamoto, and other amazing artists. But my favorite spot here has to be the Hakone Gora Park, and once you see the colorful flowers and those trees, you’ll want to spend your whole day here!

This area also has great travel connections and you can always use the Gora station to visit other parts of the city. If I were you, I would take the Hakone Ropeway cable car and admire the amazing views of the sulfur fields!

Other accommodation options in Gora

Things to do in Gora

• Enjoy a hot spring bath at Gora Karaku Spa
• Admire the stunning sculptures at Hakone Open-Air Museum
• Visit the Hakone Gora Park and check out the tea house
• Explore the area around the Doryoson Hakone Branch Temple
• Take the Hakone Ropeway cable car and admire the views
• Go on a walk around the gardens in the Hakone Museum of Art
• Grab a coffee from Cafe Meissen

3. Sengokuhara – where to stay in Hakone for families

Located 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa, this stunning area is filled with natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it the perfect place to stay in Hakone for families!

Suppose you’re like me and prefer outdoor spots where you can play, read, or just get a blanket and make a picnic, then Sengokuhara is the perfect place for you. This is a tranquil area, so you don’t have to worry about big crowds, which is perfect if you’re traveling with the kids.

In the nearby area, you’ll also find the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, so if you’re planning a visit to enjoy some hiking and outdoor activities, it will be a great idea to find accommodations in this neighborhood. And if you’re looking for a more urban experience, go to the train station and visit Yokohama, which is only 2 hours away from Hakone. It has some amazing places to stay!

While you’re not busy experiencing the local culture, I highly recommend paying a visit to the most popular spot in Sengokuhara Susuki Grass Fields. A huge area filled with pampas grass! Basically, my dream place, I love pampas grass! Even if you’re not so excited as me, I’m sure the kids will be happy to have plenty of space to play!

Other accommodation options in Sengokuhara

Things to do in Sengokuhara

• Explore the Sengokuhara Susuki Grass Fields and make a family picnic
• Visit the Owakudani volcanic valley with the kids and admire the views of Mount Fuji
• Check out the Pola Museum of Art, the has a stunning architecture
• Take the kids on the Hakone Ropeway cable car and enjoy the views
• Go on a date to the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (Glass Forest)
• Have fun with the kids at the Little Prince Museum
• Take a stroll around the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands

4. Motohakone (incl. Lake Ashi) – best place for nature lovers

Remember to pack some comfy shoes because the best way to explore all the parks, mountains, and the picturesque Lake Ashi is on foot.

Located 11 miles (18 km) west of Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa, this area is a corner of paradise, perfect for those who want to discover Japan’s main tourist spots like Mount Fuji, Mount Hakone and Lake Ashinoko (also known as Lake Ashi) that runs into Hayakawa river which in turn flows down to Odawara port along the Pacific Ocean.

So, buckle your seatbelts because you’ll want to get to this place ASAP! Don’t get me wrong, I love the urban life but take a place like Motohakone, and I’ll never leave! You can explore the Lake Ashi shores all day long, and why not go on a romantic boat tour? The views of Mount Fuji are even better when you’re riding a boat on the lake!

But if you’re not so interested in tours, don’t worry, you can just explore the area on your own but make sure you visit Hakone Shrine, a Japanese Shinto shrine which is a place of worship, it’s a must!

Because the area is so famous among the tourists, the best hotels tend to be a bit more pricey but I think they’re worth it! Some have amazing views, and you’ll be so happy that you’re staying close to Lake Ashi!

Other accommodation options in Motohakone

Things to do in Motohakone

• Go on a boat tour on Lake Ashinoko and admire the views of Mount Fuji
• Visit the beautiful Hakone Shrine and take a picture at the torii gate
• Explore the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park
• Check out the gardens and art at Narukawa Art Museum
• Take a stroll around Onshi-Hakone Park and the Hakone Checkpoint landmark
• Spend a fun day at the Hakone-en Aquarium
• Visit the Imperial Summer Palace
• Play some golf on the Hakone-en course

5. Kowakudani – where to stay in Hakone for the local experience

Another lovely neighborhood that’s not so popular with tourists and is located 6 miles (10 km) west of Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa, where you can dive into the local culture of Japan.

Because the area is mostly residential you can get a peek into the lives of people in the city. So if you’re looking for where to stay in Hakone to learn more about their culture, this is the sport for you!

Although the area of the Hakone region is not as busy with tourists, you’ll still find a fair share of attractions, like the beautiful Chisuji Falls, a forest waterfall where you do some exploring on the hiking trails. People in Japan are on top of their game when it comes to art, they have museums everywhere and the Okada Museum of Art in Kowakudani surely doesn’t disappoint

To get a better picture of everyday life in the Hakone region in Japan, I highly recommend exploring the area on foot, that way, you can take in everything and visit most of the attractions here. If you’re too tired, make a stop in the Kowakidani Horaien Gardens and smell all those stunning flowers!

Other accommodation options in Kowakudani

Things to do in Kowakudani

• Explore the area and find out new things about the local culture
• Spend some time in the outdoors near the Chisuji Falls
• Visit the Okada Museum of Art in Kowakudani
• Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere at Sano Shrine
• Take a break from all the walking and smell the flowers in the Kowakidani Horaien Gardens

6. Miyanoshita – best place to stay in Hakone for tranquility

Located 4 miles (7 km) west of Hakone Yumoto-Tonosawa, this area is more chilled than the other ones so if you’re not a huge fan of staying in a crowded place filled with tourists, then this is the spot for you.

You can take the Hakone Tozan Train that runs between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora at any time if you feel like you want to explore all the main touristy spots. However, I highly recommend exploring Miyanoshita during your stay in Hakone and admire the retro architecture and streets here.

There are a few attractions here that you can include in your itinerary like the Kumano Shrine. And if you’re more into outdoor activities, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! The Dogashima Valley Promenade is a popular spot here for hiking and you can enjoy some moments of complete solitude and a breath of fresh air!

Now let’s see which are the best hotels for where to stay in Hakone, Japan in this part of the city!

Other accommodation options in Miyanoshita

Things to do in Miyanoshita

• Visit the Kumano Shrine
• Explore the hiking trails at the Dogashima Valley Promenade
• See how a Buddist temple looks like at Josenji
• Take a stroll around the area and admire the retro architecture
• Go shopping for souvenirs at the Shiba store

BONUS: The best ryokan hotels in Hakone

A ryokan is a type of Japanese Inn and a perfect place to stay if you wish to experience Japanese culture. These accommodations usually feature rooms covered with tatami mats, where Japanese people entertain their guests or have tea ceremonies.

You can find most ryokan hotels in the rural part of Japan. Hakone has a few of these accommodations and I’m sure many of you will want to have a ryokan experience. As you know I like to offer the best of the best options, and the top ryokan hotels tend to be luxury, so this list is the best of the best luxury ryokan hotels where to stay in the city!

1. Hakone Kyuan Hotel – Wake up in the morning and get in your own private hot spring baths in this amazing ryokan hotel that boasts some great views of the mountain! Drink some tea in the tatami-matted rooms and discover how it is to live the Japanese lifestyle for a day! The accommodation even has a terrace where you can chill, or you can order some room service, relax and enjoy the peacefulness of this place!
2. Okcs Retreat Hakone villa – Can you believe these views? Tucked away between the trees, this rural retreat Villa is everything you ever imagined in a ryokan and more! Get a cup of tea, take a fluffy blanket and relax in front of the fire while you admire the lovely tree views through the ceiling-to-floor windows. It wouldn’t be a full ryokan experience if you couldn’t take a hot spring bath… Luckily this hotel has one and a wellness center as well!
3. Hakone Yuyado Zen – Eat some delicious Hakone sushi in the restaurant of this ryokan hotel that also has a bar! The rooms are super spacious and they have a designated area where you can drink your tea. While you’re not out and about exploring the area, take a long bath in the hot springs and relax after all that walking around! You can even order some room service if you don’t feel like going out.
4. Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori – With those poolside views and amazing services, it will be hard to leave the hotel to go out and visit places! Enjoy a lazy morning on the terrace of a hotel in Hakone, admiring the views of Lake Ashi, and then you can try one of the massage treatments at the spa center! And to get the full ryokan experience, order some tea in your room and sit on the tatami mats while you drink it! The accommodation also offers hot spring baths for their guests and buffet breakfast!

Frequently asked questions about Hakone

Conclusion

What an adventurous trip! I just love when I get the chance to learn about new cultures. I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Hakone, Japan, and which luxury, mid-range, or budget hotel to pick!

There are many options in this post but here are my top 2 favorite ones both located in Hakone-Yumoto & Tonosawa:

All you’ve got to do now is choose one! Make sure you book your favorite in advance, that way you’ll be able to get your hand on the best offers!

Go on adventures on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, enjoy the views of Mount Hakone and explore all the natural areas around Lake Ashi and near Gora Park! You’re going to feel so much younger after this holiday! And I really want to hear all about it, so leave me a comment below if you want.

Safe Travels,

Victoria