Overwhelmed from hitting the pavement of the hectic, fast-paced streets of Tokyo and dreaming of partaking in some of the traditional Japanese rest and rejuvenation you’ve heard so much about? Hakone awaits!
An enjoyable 90-minute journey from Tokyo, Hakone is a breathtaking mountain region nestled within the Kanagawa prefecture. And Hakone delivers an unforgettable visitor experience that is unique only to this region of Japan.
I recently returned from an unbelievable fortnight in Japan, and during my trip I was lucky enough to spend some quality time in Hakone. I’ll never forget it. After all, it’s where I fell in love…with the onsen life.
The rejuvenating and therapeutic hot spring baths are just one of Hakone’s many drawcards, with visitors arriving year-round, eager to unwind from the busy streets of the concrete jungle in stunning surroundings. In between hot spring soaks, Hakone offers a smorgasbord of visitor activities and experiences. Leafy parks and gardens and rolling green hills greet you in the warmer months, while snow-capped tree canopies and generous dustings of white powder create a magical wonderland during winter.
No matter the season, the Hakone region – composed of many distinctly different towns and villages – is the best short trip from Japan. There are museums showcasing historically significant items, restored castles, majestic lakes, iconic relics of the samurai age, skilled craftsmen producing cultural creations for you to take home as mementos, and fantastic restaurants and bars serving up the mouth-watering local fare (and copious amounts of sake!)
And that’s just the beginning.
I’m sure you can’t wait to plan your visit to Hakone, and my list of the 15 best places to stay in Hakone is the ultimate go-to guide for the best hotels, ryokans, guesthouses and villas in the region. Chosen to suit a range of budgets, travel styles and locations around Hakone, I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for on my shortlist. A couple even come with my own personal recommendation!
Before the list however, I’ve included a helpful guide to the main towns, villages and neighborhoods in Hakone. If you’re keen to read about my recent trip and browse through my personal recommendations of unmissable experiences in the region, be sure to check out The 17 Best Things To Do In Hakone, Japan | The Best Day Trip From Tokyo.
Now, let’s jet to Hakone together!
“I didn’t choose the onsen life. The onsen life chose me.” – Dave, Jones Around The World
Hakone Neighborhood Guide
The Hakone region has so many diverse towns and villages, all offering their own distinct taste of local Japanese culture. Before we jump into my shortlist of the best places to stay in Hakone, I thought it would be wise to provide you with a helpful guide to the different areas of Hakone. Not only will this help you to narrow down where you’d like to stay during your visit, but it will also give you a lot of local landmarks to check out while you’re exploring the region.
Gora
One of Hakone’s newest areas, the central town of Gora is renowned for being one of the best hot springs destinations in the entire region. The water here comes in a range of unique colors and appearances, ensuring a regular stream of tourists hoping for the perfect photoshoot. Gora Park is a picturesque park with a teahouse, fountains and immaculately maintained gardens.
Gora Park, Hakone.
Motohakone
Leafy Motohakone is located right next to picturesque Lake Ashi and its serene natural beauty draws visitors here year-round. The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise is highly recommended, as is the Komagatake Ropeway, which will transport you up one of the highest peaks in Hakone for unparalleled views of Mt Fuji. Other historical sites in Motohakone are the Hakone Checkpoint, which will give you a first-hand glimpse into the country’s Edo period, and the Imperial Summer Palace.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise.
Kowakudani
The beautiful hillside town of Kowakudani boasts a range of cultural and historical attractions that are worth paying a visit to. Visit the Okada Museum of Art, displaying relics from history including ceramics and artwork, head over to Horaien Gardens or take a tranquil wander through the forest trails of the area. Don’t miss some quiet and contemplative time by Chisuji Falls.
Tonosawa
The riverside town of Tonosawa is a relaxed and slow-paced oasis – ideal for travelers who are looking to kick back and regenerate in the heart of hot springs territory. Tonosawa is renowned for its onsens and charming traditional Japanese wood houses. Head to Tonosawa for a bit of R&R – Hakone style!
Sengokuhara
Nestled just north of Hakone, Sengokuhara offers so much to see and do whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or in a group or family unit. The vistas here are breathtaking and the natural landscape is offset by the unique Suzuki Grass of the area. The peaceful destination is quieter than other neighboring areas. Don’t miss a visit to Pola Museum of Art, Hakone Botanic Garden and Choanji Temple.
Sengokuhara, Hakone.
Hakone Yumoto
A smaller resort town of the Hakone region, Hakone Yumoto offers a range of visitor-friendly attractions, including temples, shrines and museums. And the town has the same jawdropping landscape you’ll become accustomed to while traveling around Hakone. Take some time by Tamadere Falls or head over to the Ajisai Bridge for one of the best locations to get snap-happy. The views are to die for!
Hakone-Yumato.
Odawara
Odawara is a popular destination in Japan, mostly due to the 15th century (recently reconstructed) Odawara Castle and its surrounding parks and gardens, and the ruins of Ishigakiyama Castle. History buffs will also love checking out the dinosaur fossils at Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History. While it is a bit further outside of Hakone’s major attractions, it’s a must-visit during your trip!
Now let’s dive into my list of the best places to stay in Hakone.
Regardless of your budget, you can expect superior Japanese quality and hospitality every step of the way during your time in this intoxicating part of the world.
1) Hotel Hatsuhana
Traditional beauty with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths
Accommodation style: Ryokan
Location: Sukumogawa, Hakone
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hatsuhana.en-gb.html
A first class treat for the senses awaits you at Hotel Hatsuhana, Hakone. This incredible ryokan is simplistically stylish – in true Japanese form – and features indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, unrivalled mountain views, a sauna room with wellness treatments for female guests, a karaoke room and a restaurant. Some rooms even come with their own open air hot springs baths – a private treat for solo travelers to soak their cares away in or cozy couples to unwind in together. Lake Ashinoko is a 20-minute drive away.
This earns the top spot on my list, because this ryokan was my favorite accommodation from my entire journey through Japan!
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My deluxe “Hot Spring Type” room at Hotel Hatsuhana, Hakone.
2) Hakone Yutowa
A brand new, world class Hakone hotel experience
Accommodation style: Hotel
Location: Gora, Hakone
Price: $150+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/xiang-gen-yutowa.en-gb.html
This brand new hotel in the hot springs heavy Hakone area of Gora, Hakone Yutowa is sleek, stylish and oh so zen. Just a couple of minutes walk from the beautiful Gora Park, the hotel features spacious, well-equipped rooms, a restaurant, lounge and terrace. Take a dip in the hotel’s luxe public hot springs bath or reserve one of their spaciously clean private onsen and you’ll be in absolute heaven. There’s also a picturesque library where you can sit and read while enjoying a wide variety of complimentary beverages.
I stayed here during my second night in Hakone, and loved every single minute of it! The beds were extremely comfortable, I loved the location, and the amenities were top-notch!
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3) Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
A hot springs oasis with breathtaking lakefront views
Accommodation style: Ryokan
Location: Motohakone Togendai, Hakone
Price: $300+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hakone-ashinoko-hanaori.en-gb.html
With the majestic backdrop of Lake Ashi to enjoy from its large terrace, a stay at Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori is all about reinvigorating the soul. The highly-rated Hakone ryokan is equipped with spacious rooms with scenic views, and there is a hot spring bath and sauna on-site for soothing aching muscles after a day of exploring this stunning region on foot. For travelers keen to check out the Hakone Ropeway, this ryokan is located just two minutes from a nearest railway station.
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4) Hakone Villa with Private Onsen, Ryokan Style
Stay in one of Hakone’s most highly-rated AirBNBs
Accommodation style: Airbnb
Location: Hakone-Yumoto
Airbnb Superhost: Yes
Price: $250+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21375234
Japanese hospitality is some of the world’s best, and this private villa is arguably the most popular and highly rated AirBNB in Hakone. The two bedroom villa is nestled in a leafy locale just 20 minutes by local bus from Hakone-Yumoto. This home blends Japanese minimalism with modern comfort perfectly, and features a beautiful therapeutic onsen and a Japanese garden.
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5) Onsen Guesthouse HAKONE TENT
Affordable and impeccable Hakone lodgings
Accommodation style: Guesthouse / hostel
Location: Gora, Hakone
Price: $70+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hakone-tent.en-gb.html
Explore the tranquil hot springs region of Gora from this neat and simple, budget-friendly guesthouse. Onsen Guesthouse – which also acts as a hostel (for those backpackers in Japan) – features a hot spring bath, comfortable rooms with both air conditioning and heating, a bar and a shared kitchen should you wish to prepare your own meals. This fancy-free Hakone guesthouse is located just two minutes walk from Gora Station, making it ideal for backpackers or intrepid travelers. The Hakone Open Air Museum is also just five minutes drive away.
While I didn’t stay here during my visit, I did grab a birthday beer at the bar, and the atmosphere is fantastic!
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6) Ashinoko Port Villa MIRAHAKONE
Views of Mt Fuji over breakfast await
Accommodation style: Villas
Location: Motohakone, Hakone
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/ashinoko-port-villa-mirahakone.en-gb.html
Perfectly positioned just 3km from the magnificent Lake Ashi, Ashinoko Port Villa Mirahakone offers roomy villa units that are modern and stylish. Each unit is equipped with a bed area, living room, private bathroom and kitchen. There is an on-site restaurant and views of the lake, and the must-see Hakone Shrine is less than 1km away. Hakone Checkpoint – another historic landmark – is less than 20 minutes on foot. If you’re looking for a superior location and attractive lodgings in Hakone, this is the place to be!
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7) Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika
Lake views with Hakone landmarks right nearby
Accommodation style: Hotel
Location: Gora, Hakone
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/laforet-club-gora-hakone-yunosumika.en-gb.html
A stay in the Hakone hot springs town of Gora promises a restorative and rejuvenating experience, and Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika is the place to beat. Expect warm and welcoming modern rooms – some available with their own private open air baths and majestic mountain views. There’s also shared natural hot springs baths on-site, and a range of hiking and outdoor activities around the property. Gora Park is just two minutes walk away, and the nearest cable car station is just five minutes by foot.
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8)【Hakone Yumoto Area.】New open★2BD/6ppl/free wifi♪
Budget-friendly, clean and friendly lodgings
Accommodation style: Airbnb
Location: Hakone Machi
Superhost: Yes
Price: $100+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34126489
Warm, rustic and light-filled, this two bedroom Hakone townhouse is located in downtown Hakone-Yumoto, which many consider the gateway to the entire Hakone region. The cozy and clean abode has three floors, and is located in a tourist-friendly area that is brimming with tours to join and local souvenir shops to browse through. Walk to a range of onsen experiences or jump on the train, which is in very close proximity.
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9) Hakone Tokinoshizuku
Harmonious design, first-class experience
Accommodation style: Ryokan
Location: Miyanoshita, Hakone
Price: $500+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hakone-tokinoshizuku.en-gb.html
Once you spend a night at a traditional ryokan, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with it like I did. And if you stay at Hakone Tokinoshizuku, I’m sure you’ll never want to leave at all! This five star Hakone ryokan is a first-class demonstration in service and execution. The rooms are elegant and upmarket, and the hotel features a fantastic restaurant, leafy garden and well-stocked bar to enjoy. For true relaxation, enjoy the luxurious hot springs bath, spa and wellness centre and massage services on offer. Gora Park, the Venetian Glass Museum and Hakone Open-Air Museum are all in close proximity.
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10) Hakone Villa Bizan
Balcony views from a super central location
Location: Motohakone, Hakone
Accommodation style: Hotel
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/xiang-gen-vuitura-bizan.en-gb.html
Warm, earthy and traditional, Hakone Villa Bizan is a family-friendly Hakone hotel in a great location. The hotel features a restaurant, bar and shared lounge, plus spacious rooms that are available in a range of sizes. Just minutes drive away is the magnificent Lake Ashi, as well as a range of fascinating museums and other visitor attractions.
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11) Hakone Retreat Villa 1/f
A treat of a retreat in Hakone
Accommodation style: Villas
Location: Sengokuhara, Hakone
Price: $250+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hyosekikaku-sengokuhara.en-gb.html
Surrounded by thick forest, this Hakone villa is a retreat in the truest sense of the word. The self-contained villa is furnished with everything you could possibly need for a stellar stay, including a bathroom with hot tub and a spacious patio with superior mountain views. Hike around the local area and enjoy the tranquility of this perfect pocket of the globe, or play a round at the nearby golf course. Visit many major region museums and galleries locally, then come home and soak your cares away in a hot spring bath before ordering an in-room massage. Bliss!
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12) Kinnotake Tonosawa (Adult Only)
Soak in your own luxury open air hot spring bath
Accommodation style: Ryokan
Location: Tonosawa, Hakone
Price: $600+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/kinnotake-tonosawa.en-gb.html
Guest after guest have used words like “heavenly” and “brilliant” to describe their experience staying at Kinnotake Tonosawa, and the ryokan indeed sets the benchmark high for service, style and substance. Rooms are available in a range of styles and sizes, including luxury rooms with private open air onsens, beautiful views and even an iPad and coffee machine. The ryokan also has a shared hot springs bath, lounge and authentic Japanese restaurant. This is a great central place to stay in Hakone, as it is just 10 minutes by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and a breezy 90 minute drive from Tokyo Haneda Airport.
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13) Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
A global hotel leader comes to Hakone
Accommodation style: Hotel
Location: Goura Hakone
Price: $400+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hyatt-regency-hakone-resort-and-spa.en-gb.html
You can’t really expect less than a perfect stay from the Hyatt Regency, and the Hakone location of the leading hotel brand doesn’t let the name down. The luxury Hakone hotel has it all. Huge rooms – many with balconies or terraces with epic views – the region’s largest spa, a wellness centre, elegant restaurant, two indoor hot spring baths, a courtyard and an indoor log fireplace. Oh – and free drinks. The hotel is located in the Hakone town of Gora, and offers free shuttle services to most of the area’s major attractions and to the local train station.
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14) Yamaguchi House Annex in Ohiradai, Hakone
A modern homeshare close to Hakone
Accommodation style: AirBNB / Hut
Location: Ohiradai
Superhost: Yes
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/36121213
Blending minimalist Scandinavian interior design with traditional Japanese style, this one bedroom house annexe is ideal for a duo backpacking through the Hakone region. The self-contained space is comfortable and tidy and has a private bathroom with onsen. There is a day spa right next door and the local railway station is just two minutes away by foot. From the charming town of Ohiradai, it’s just 10 minutes by car to Hakone-Yumoto or 20 minutes by train.
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15) Gora Kadan
Splurge on the ryokan experience of a lifetime
Accommodation style: Ryokan
Location: Gora, Hakone
Price: $1000+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/gora-kadan.en-gb.html
If money is no object during your dream Japan vacation, head to Hakone and splurge on a stay at Gora Kadan. The five star ryokan doesn’t miss even the tiniest detail in ensuring its guests are delivered world class service. There’s a hot spring bath, spa and wellness centre, expansive indoor swimming pool, gym, restaurant, plus concierge and shuttle services. The traditional luxury ryokan is located just five minutes walk from Gora Station, and is walking distance to Gora Park and Hakone Open-Air Museum. Beautiful Lake Ashi is just 25 minutes drive away. Exceptional in every way.
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Need a little more Hakone travel inspiration?
Luckily for you, this list of places to stay in Hakone is just one part of my Hakone blog series! After my recent trip to the region, I was inspired to compile the ultimate visitor guide to Hakone, so be sure to head over now and read about The 17 Best Things To Do In Hakone, Japan | The Best Day Trip From Tokyo. It’s full of essential Hakone travel information and provides a more in-depth guide to the best things to see in Hakone. Enjoy!
A few final thoughts on places to stay in Hakone…
Whether your own traveling style is cheap and cheerful or lavish and luxurious, Hakone has something for you. As this is the heart of hot spring culture in Japan, I do urge you to spend at least some of your visit staying at a hotel, ryokan or villa that has either a shared or private onsen.
Lastly, enjoy your time in Hakone. This scenic slice of Japan is all about the enjoyment of life in all its forms, and offers many unique chances to rest and rejuvenate yourself! You deserve it!
