Are you wondering where to stay in Hakone? We have visited Japan and Hakone many times over the years and wanted to share our experience with you and help you find the best place to stay in Hakone based on your interest and travel style.
For first time visitors, we recommend staying in Gora. You are right in the heart of Hakone, have access to plenty of hot springs and excellent hotels known for their Japanese hospitality. You’re also close to public transport to access all the rest of the main attractions in Hakone.
In this guide, we’ll go over which area is the best to stay in Hakone and why, and include our favourite hotels which have exceptional reviews and prices.
Table of Contents
- Where to Stay in Hakone? – Summary
- Where to stay in Hakone for first-time visitors?
- Gora
- Stay in Gora for hot springs
- Where to stay in Gora
- Hakone Yumoto
- Stay in Hakone Yumoto for easy access
- Where to stay in Hakone Yumoto
- Motohakone
- Stay in Motohakone for luxury and romance
- Where to stay in Motohakone
- Sengokuhara
- Stay in Sengokuhara for family accommodation
- Where to stay in Sengokuhara
- Miyanoshita
- Stay in Miyanoshita for hikes and nature
- Where to stay in Miyanoshita
- Kowakudani
- Stay in Kowakudani for culture
- Where to stay in Kowakudani
- More tips on Japan
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay in Hakone? – Summary
- Gora – Best area to stay in Hakone for first timers and onsen
- Hakone-Yumoto – Best area to stay in Hakone for easy access
- Motohakone – Best area to stay in Hakone for couples
- Sengokuhara – Best area to stay in Hakone for family accommodation
- Miyanoshita – Best area to stay in Hakone for nature
- Kowakudani – Best area to stay in Hakone for local culture
| ❤️ Best Area for first-timers: | Gora |
| 💎 Best luxury 5* hotel: | Kinnotake Tonosawa |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Hakone Villa Bizan |
| 🛏️ Best budget hotel: | Emblem Flow Hakone |
Where to stay in Hakone for first-time visitors?
Hakone is divided into several areas, each with its own unique appeal for different types of travellers. Hakone is a popular tourist destination in Japan which offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget home stays to traditional ryokans and luxurious hotels.
One of the best areas to stay in Hakone is Gora because of its central location and many hot springs in the area. Gora is close to public transport and easily reachable from Tokyo or Kyoto. A great location is close to the Gora station from which you can take the cable car or the train.
While hotel prices can be a bit higher in Gora, there are some budget-friendly options available too. Prices range from around $200 to $500 for 1-2 nights. Hakone is very popular, so please make sure to book your accommodation well in advance. Rooms book up for months in advance!
Gora
Stay in Gora for hot springs
Gora is a newly developed area of Hakone nestled on a hillside and full of wonderful onsen. It’s the ideal place to stay if you’re after marvellous hotels with hot spring facilities. Gora is easy to reach from Tokyo via train. Take the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station, which takes about 80 minutes on the local train. From Odawara Station, Gora Station is another hour via the Hakone Tozan Railway.
Gora is the top destination for hot springs in Hakone, owing to its many types of spring waters, each with distinct colours and therapeutic properties. There are five different kinds of hot springs at Hakone Gora Hot Spring.
Being located right in the centre of Hakone, Gora is ideal for a ryokan stay. From Gora you can easily get to various attractions in Hakone including the beautiful French-style Gora Park with fountains, rose gardens and greenhouses.
For Ryokan stays, remember that the check-in time starts at 3pm. But there are plenty of activities in the area to keep you occupied. Visit the famed Owakudani valley, just 3.6 km from Hakone Gora Park.
Where to stay in Gora
Gora has a variety of hotels and ryokans which offer traditional kaiseki style dinner, as well as superb amenities. Gora is a little on the expensive side, with many hotels offering half board options as well as private hot spring baths for a more intimate experience. There are some affordable luxury options and mid-range hotels too.
Gora Kadan is a luxurious ryokan located just a 5-minute walk from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Line, offering a hot spring bath, massage treatments and karaoke sessions. Guests have access to the indoor pool and fitness centre. All rooms offer mountain views and are equipped with a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, fridge and private bathroom
The Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa in Gora offers spacious rooms with marble baths, 24-hour front desk service, and balconies with views of Hakone’s natural beauty. The hotel has a large spa, two indoor hot-spring baths and rooms with panoramic windows.
Click here for prices and book Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
Nagominoyado Hanagokoro features 8 private hot-spring baths with drink service, a rock sauna and traditional Kaiseki dinners. Sleep in either a Western Style room or in a traditional Japanese room with tatami and Japanese futon bedding.
Forest Villa Hakone is a holiday home located in the Gora Onsen just 350 yards from Hakone Gora Park. The holiday home is air-conditioned and offers free WiFi and private parking on site. It features a TV and a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop, as well as free toiletries.
Click here for prices and book Forest Villa Hakone – Vacation STAY 05424v
Hakone Yumoto
Stay in Hakone Yumoto for easy access
For first-time visitors, Hakone Yumoto is the ideal base to explore the rest of the attractions in Hakone. This is because it’s the easiest to reach, via Odakyu Romance Car directly from Shinjuku, Tokyo. Hakone Yumoto station is really well connected to the rest of Hakone’s main attractions, and accommodation in Hakone Yumoto is often more affordable.
The front of Hakone Yumoto station is lined with shops, perfect for finding your unique Japanese souvenirs. You’ll find many restaurants in the area, including authentic Izakayas, an Italian for your pizza fix and a traditional tofu restaurant Yubadon Naokichi, if you’re after a veggie option.
To explore the rest of the region, take the Hakone Tozan Railway for mountain scenery, hot springs, the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Hakone Gora Park. Take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani for the local speciality, black eggs boiled in hot springs.
Where to stay in Hakone Yumoto
Hakone Yumoto is known to offer more budget friendly accommodation options. While it’s a great base for exploring the rest of Hakone, most accommodation here doesn’t come with private hot springs or luxury amenities. It’s a great place to score a deal on your stay.
Stay in a delightful room with open air bath for your own privacy and enjoyment. The room rate comes with breakfast and dinner included.
A superb Japanese ryokan with Japanese and Western-style rooms and a Japanese garden. The Japanese-style room is fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and feature traditional futon bedding. Soak in the private and public baths.
The lodging comes with air conditioning and a well-equipped kitchen featuring a dining area. It also includes a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Additionally, a refrigerator, microwave, stove, and kettle are provided.
Motohakone
Stay in Motohakone for luxury and romance
For couples looking for luxury and special ryokans, Motohakone is the ideal place to stay in Hakone. Motohakone is home to many high-end ryokans, which offer traditional Japanese hospitality, fantastic service, and gorgeous Japanese-style rooms with tatami. Some rooms come with half board, with delicious breakfast and dinner included. Hotels usually have their own private onsen, but if you prefer, you can book a room with your own private hot spring and views of Mount Fuji.
Motohakone is the perfect romantic destination. Enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Ashi, and see the iconic Mount Fuji. It’s such a perfect experience, especially during sunset or sunrise. Take a stroll around the lake or book a romantic boat ride to take you on Lake Ashi.
Return to your ryokan and soak in the mineral-rich waters while marvelling at the stunning scenery.
Motohakone is great for couples who love natural beauty, historical attractions and want to enjoy kaiseki style meals in their luxury ryokan. It’s the perfect place to experience a traditional Japanese style hot spring bath while surrounded by the most romantic vistas.
Where to stay in Motohakone
Motohakone has hotels and accommodations known for their luxury private balconies with private onsen overlooking Lake Aishi and the stunning Mount Fuji. You can expect to pay a little more for a room here but the experience it’s well worth it.
Prince Hakone Hotel Lake Ashinoko offers spacious rooms with lake and nature views. The hotel is located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko and features hot-spring baths, gardens with views of Mount Fuji, and a spa that offers various massages and beauty treatments.
Click here for prices and book The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
Ryuguden in Hakone offers Japanese-style guest rooms with tatami flooring and futon bedding. The property is located next to Lake Ashi and features natural hot spring baths. Hakone-En Ropeway Station is a 5-minute walk away and takes guests up to the observatory at the top of the mountain.
Hakone Hotel offers hot spring baths, free WiFi, and restaurants serving French and Teppanyaki cuisine. It is located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko and the rooms have a seating area and private bathroom
Odakyu Hotel de Yama offers beautiful Japanese gardens with various flowers, natural hot spring baths. Rooms provide views of the gardens and Lake Ashi. Relax in the hot spring baths, enjoy singing in the karaoke room, or receive rejuvenating massage treatments at the on-site spa.
A stunning holiday home ideal for a group that needs a superb self catering option. The house can accommodate up to 9 people and it features a wonderful kitchen.
Sengokuhara
Stay in Sengokuhara for family accommodation
Sengokuhara is nestled in the northern part of the Hakone and spans over 22 km² of breathtaking natural beauty. This district is a part of the world-renowned Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. You’ll find many types of accommodation options here, including cosy cottages ideal for families, luxury hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans. Many of the rooms are often spacious with family-friendly amenities, which are perfect for families with kids.
Sengokuhara is great for outdoorsy people, with lots of activities to be enjoyed by the whole family. Take one of the forest trails of the Hakone Open-Air Museum, or hike up to the summit of Mount Kintoki to enjoy panoramic views. Don’t miss the Pola Museum of Art, which offers family-friendly art workshops and exhibitions.
Visit the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum for the perfect souvenir and take part in one of the glassblowing workshops to learn how the collections are made. I highly recommend the Owakudani volcanic valley to eat one of the famed black eggs and the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands.
Where to stay in Sengokuhara
Because of its slightly more remote location, Sengokuhara comes with luxury hotels at a more affordable price point. Rooms tend to be larger and more spacious ideal for families with kids. There are plenty of budget options in the area too. Some hotels come with private onsen and stunning views of Mount Fuji for a fraction of the price of anywhere else in Hakone.
A super Japanese style ryokan with tatami rooms with breakfast and dinner included. Guestrooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and Japanese futon bedding, and come with a seating area and flat-screen TV. The en suite bathroom features a private bath and shower, with free toiletries and a hairdryer provided. Some rooms come with a private open-air bath.
Wonderful self-catering accommodation with mountain views, well fitted kitchen and living area. Ideal for families looking for a spacious accommodation option.
Each room features a seating area with a coffee table on tatami (woven-straw) flooring. From the property, Onshihakone Park facing Lake Ashinoko is just a 15-minute walk to the north. Owakudani Volcanic Valley is 10 minutes’ drive away. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.
Miyanoshita
Stay in Miyanoshita for hikes and nature
Miyanoshita is famous thanks to the Miyanoshita Hot Spring, which has been a popular destination for hundreds of years, going back to the beginning of the Edo period. During his historic tour of Japan in 1873, the revered Emperor Meiji himself chose to stay at one of the town’s luxurious hotels, cementing Miyanoshita’s reputation as a destination fit for royalty.
Miyanoshita is ideal if you’re like me and want to enjoy hikes and a peaceful retreat in nature. Miyanoshita is surrounded by towering trees, lush hills and stunning landscapes.
It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to hiking trails in the Hakone Mountains. Make sure to visit the Chisuji Falls and Hiryu Falls. Take the cable car to the summit of Mount Hakone to admire the most surreal panoramic views of Hakone.
Where to stay in Miyanoshita
Miyanoshita has mainly villas, guest houses and self catering options. This is the ideal place for those who like larger houses and holiday homes, while being close to nature. Prices in Miyanoshita are slightly lower than in Gora, making it even better for larger groups who want to share a multi-room Japanese villa.
Fujiya Hotel, established in 1878, features Meiji Era architecture in the beautiful surroundings of Hakone. It offers indoor and outdoor pools, spa, and a restaurant inside Kikka-so Inn, a converted Imperial Villa. Rooms have bathtubs with natural hot-spring water and are available in five different buildings with varying styles and decors, constructed between 1891 and 1960. The hotel is just 550 yards away from Miyanoshita Station.
This is the ideal holiday home for a larger group of people. It features up to 7 beds if you’re after an apartment or a larger 2 bed holiday home for up to 10 guests.
Built in 1911, the property is within 2.2 miles of Hakone Gora Park, Owakudani Valley and Pola Museum. The ryokan has a hot spring bath and luggage storage space. The 3 on-site natural hot spring baths can be reserved for private use.
Kowakudani
Stay in Kowakudani for culture
Kowakudani is the perfect place to stay in Hakone if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. This area is a lot more residential than other parts of Hakone, giving it a more authentic, local feel.
There are some stunning ryokans here, especially close to Chisuji Falls and Kowakidani Horaien Gardens. Kowakudani offers an exceptional cultural experience with the renowned Okada Museum of Art, which showcases Edo-era paintings, as well as a fascinating collection of East Asian ceramics, earthenware, and lacquer work.
Don’t miss the Hakone Open-Air Museum which is one of the top things to do in Hakone. The museum offers a unique art experience, deeply connected with the nature around. Walk around the 70,000 square meters of space, and marvel at the outdoor sculpture gallery. My favourite piece is The Kiss (1908) by the Romanian sculptor: Constantin Brâncuși.
Where to stay in Kowakudani
Many residents live here, so Kowakudani is not known for its lavishing hotels, but rather simple and clean accommodation. You can expect to find mid-range hotels here, close to hiking trails and museums.
Hakone Hotel Kowakien is located in Hakone, offering a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. It also features a restaurant, a terrace, a sauna and a hot spring bath
Stay in a superb superior room with open air onsen. All rooms come with breakfast and dinner included for a wonderful traditional ryokan experience in Hakone.
Mizunoto features modern, bright rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as a garden and an open-air hot spring bath.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our guide and recommendations for where to stay in Hakone. There are lots of accommodation options for all types of travellers and for a wide range of budgets. Hakone is an amazing destination in Japan which we loved so much and I’m certain you are going to love it too. For more tips on how to plan the perfect trip to Japan, please see more recommendations and useful articles below.
More tips on Japan
- Japan: 7 days in Japan, 2 weeks in Japan, 3 weeks in Japan, Things to do in Japan, Best places to visit in Japan, Prepare for your visit to Japan, Cost to visit Japan
- Tokyo: Where to stay in Tokyo, Tokyo itinerary, Things to do in Tokyo
- Kyoto: Where to stay in Kyoto, Kyoto itinerary, Things to do in Kyoto
- Osaka: Where to stay in Osaka, Osaka itinerary, Things to do in Osaka
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- More tips: Things to do in Yokohoma, Things to do in Nagano, Guide to Yanaka Ginza, Rent a car in Japan, How to dress in Japan, What to pack for Japan and the Best time to visit Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area of Hakone to stay in?
Hakone is a popular tourist destination in Japan known for its hot springs, stunning natural beauty, and views of Mount Fuji. When deciding where to stay in Hakone, it depends on your preferences and the purpose of your visit. Here are some areas in Hakone I think you should consider:
Hakone-Yumoto: This is the gateway to Hakone and a convenient area to stay in. Hakone-Yumoto is a transportation hub with direct access to the Hakone Tozan Line, buses, and the Hakone Ropeway. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including traditional ryokans and hotels.
Gora: Located along the Hakone Tozan Cablecar route, Gora is known for its hot springs and beautiful scenery. It is a peaceful and relaxing area with several ryokans and hotels. Gora Park and the Hakone Museum of Art are popular attractions here.
Moto-Hakone: Situated on the shores of Lake Ashi, Moto-Hakone offers picturesque views of the lake and Mount Fuji. This area is known for its historic Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Checkpoint, a reconstructed Edo-era checkpoint. It is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone.
Sengokuhara: Located in the northern part of Hakone, Sengokuhara is a quieter area surrounded by mountains and forests. It is known for its open-air sculpture museum, the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, and the Pola Museum of Art. Sengokuhara offers a more tranquil and secluded atmosphere.
Hakone-Machi: This area is situated on the southern shores of Lake Ashi and is known for its scenic boat rides on the lake. Hakone-Machi is a charming town with traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants. It offers a mix of accommodation options and allows for easy access to the lake and nearby attractions.
Consider the proximity to transportation, the attractions you wish to visit, and the type of atmosphere you prefer when choosing the area to stay in Hakone.
Please remember to book your accommodation at least 3-4 months in advance, as Hakone is a very popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Is it worth staying in Hakone?
Yes, Hakone is definitely worth staying for many reasons. Hakone features stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi, with many hiking trails and lush hills. There are many traditional ryokans with kaiseki-style cuisine, tatami floors and hot springs. Hakone is home to many attractions too, including the Hakone Open Air Museum, the Owakudani Hell Valley and Hakone Checkpoint.
How many days should I stay in Hakone?
I recommend staying at least 2-3 days in Hakone to have enough time to enjoy all the region’s highlights. You’ll visit the main attractions, enjoy the local cuisine and also get time to soak in the mineral rich hot springs in your ryokan.
You can also do day trips from Tokyo to Hakone. The train ride from Shinjuku is about 90 mins. This was, you save on accommodation that can be pricy, especially during peak season.
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