Mountains and volcanoes surround Hakone, a place near Tokyo, Japan. It has always been a go-to for its relaxing onsens (hot springs).
In Japan, bathing in an onsen was only a healing practice, but now it's a must-do for tourists.Also, the unique Japanese bath customs practiced at these places make this experience even more enjoyable.
Hakone has so many hot springs that choosing one might be challenging. Before you pack your best travel towel, read this blog first to learn more about its best onsens.
1. Kappa Tengoku
Kappa Tengoku is a good option if you want to take a hot spring bath near Hakone-Yumoto Station. It's just a short walk up the stairs from the station, and it has simple facilities you'd expect in a hot spring. Great for a quick soak before or after your train ride!
With a super affordable price of 800 yen per session, it's a great pick for travelers on a budget. Plus, they've got a more casual foot bath option for those not comfortable with full nudity.
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Hot springs bath and foot bath
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On-site restaurant, breakfast service
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Shared lounge area for socializing or relaxation
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Non-smoking rooms
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Terrific views of the city, including the Hakone Tozan Railway
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Easily accessible, just 3 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station
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Rooms fully equipped with private or shared bathrooms, free toiletries, and hairdryers.
Kappa Tengoku:Image Source: https://www.kappa1059.co.jp/
2. Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone is a great spot known for its open-air hot spring baths and amazing Mount Fuji views. It's close to Ubako Station on the Hakone Ropeway - just a 3-minute walk.
Perfect for people who want to chill, explore Hakone easily, and have an amazing time soaking in a hot spring with a stunning view.
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Open-air hot spring baths with Mount Fuji views
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Modern, air-conditioned rooms
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Traditional tatami (woven-straw) floor seating areas
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Convenient access to local attractions, such as Lake Ashi and Pola Art Museum
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On-site shops and 24-hour front desk
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Massage and spa services
3. Hakone Yuryo
Hakone Yuryo is a cozy hot spring place near Hakone Yumoto, where you can take a break from your busy life. They have different baths like indoor, outdoor, and pottery baths. It's easy to get there – just a short walk or a free shuttle bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto station.
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Free shuttle bus service provided
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Private baths available (need to be booked in advance)
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Sauna and massage services on sight
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Resort's restaurant offering hearth-cooked cuisine
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Tattoos not allowed
Hakone Yuryo: Image Source: https://www.hakoneyuryo.jp/english/
4. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a unique hot spring leisure facility in the heart of Hakone, known for its hot spring theme park. This enjoyable place has many baths to choose from, for both groups of friends and families. It has areas where you can wear clothes or be without clothes, which makes everyone feel comfortable.
It is easily accessible from Tokyo by taking the JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Station, and then the Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu-Hakone Bus to Kowakien bus stop.
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Has swimwear rentals
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Guests with tattoos can enter if their tattoos are covered
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Wine Bath and Coffee Bath use actual wine and coffee.
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Doctor Fish Footbath involves small fish gently nibbling at your feet
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Rodeo Mountain is a thrilling water slide with hot water rapids. Guests over 110cm can ride all three slides.
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Image Source:https://www.yunessun.com/global/en/
5. Ryuguden Onsen
Ryuguden Hotel by Lake Ashi boasts a stunning view of Mount Fuji from its luxurious Ryuguden Main Building. The renovated hot springs provide an excellent place for relaxation. People from nearby and other countries like staying here for a peaceful time in Hakone-machi.
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Air-conditioned rooms equipped with a refrigerator and a desk.
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Free Wi-Fi availability.
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Access to a 24-hour front desk, room service, and baggage storage.
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Free parking for guests.
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The on-site Fuji restaurant serves exquisite Japanese cuisine, with the lunch menu's popular item being the Hakone Hime no Mizu Steamed Tofu.
Ryuguden Onsen: Image Source: https://www.princehotels.com/ryuguden/
6. Tenzan Onsen
Tenzan Onsen is a Japanese hot spring place not far from Hakone-Yumoto Station. It's like a traditional spa surrounded by nature. They have different baths, inside and outside, surrounded by trees and vines, making it a calm place to relax. You can also enjoy a sauna, massages, and a chill-out area.
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Opening Hours: 9:00 – 23:00 (Mon – Sun). Note that reception operates only until 22:00.
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Accessible by: K Line Bus (about 8 mins from Hakone-Yumoto Station) or a 30-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
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Surrounded by forests, presenting a natural and serene environment.
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Offers various bath types including a multi-level bath, a cedar bath, a cave bath, and a milky bath advantageous for skin health.
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Tattoo-friendly.
7. Yunosato Okada
Yunosato Okada is a quiet place in the big mountains of Hakone. Its friendly staff and changing decor based on the seasons make you feel good and take away tiredness. This establishment promotes good health by using five hot springs from Yusaka Mountain to offer 17 different types of baths surrounded by nature.
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Walkable (about 20 min) or take an A course bus from Hakone Yumoto station (5 min ride)
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No Wi-fi
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Possibility of private onsen rental with reservation
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Over 270 liters of hot spring water flow from Yusaka Mountain per minute
Yunosato Okada: Image Source: https://yunosato-y.jp/
8. Hakone Kamon
Hakone Kamon has 20 indoor and outdoor baths for a special bath experience. It's a nice place with beautiful stone and wood floors, a sauna to relax in, and comfy rooms to stay in afterward, where you can sip a lovely cup of tea.
It's a hotel with 16 rooms that all have Wi-Fi. Also, it's located close to some popular spots like the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Kanagawa Museum of Natural History
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Wheelchair-friendly facilities.
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Free car park available.
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The hotel is near dining options such as the Chimoto Takidori Honten.
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The hotel blends traditional charm (e.g., kotatsu/low tables in rooms) with modern amenities including wireless internet access and shuttle service.
Hakone Kamon: Image Source: https://kamon.hakonehotelspage.com/en/
9. Yajikitanoyu
Located at the center of Hakone, Yajikitanoyu is just a short 5-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto station. It provides a modern bath experience with six different types of baths, including a sauna. Just remember, there are no restaurants on site, so you need to make your meal plans somewhere else.
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Allows private bathing for 2,000 yen per hour.
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Operational from 10:00 to 21:00 and closed on Thursdays.
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Entrance Fees: On weekdays it costs 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. On weekends and holidays, it's 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children.
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Offers a unique dog spa for your furry companion.
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Includes facilities like a vending machine and car park.
10. Tenseien Onsen
Tenseien Onsen is a popular hot spring facility in Hakone that's been around for about 70 years. It's part of a larger hotel but is open to everyone. The facility is known for its stunning rooftop open-air communal baths, natural waterfalls, and shrine.
It's just a 4-minute drive from Hakone Yumoto Station. Besides the amazing baths, there's a lot to enjoy here including a garden, beauty salon, karaoke rooms, massages, and souvenir shops.
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Non-smoking rooms, Private Parking, Hot spring bath, Free WiFi, Spa, Restaurant, 24-hour front desk, Breakfast all available.
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Pet-friendly annex building.
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Open to everyone, not just hotel guests.
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Very close to notable attractions like Odawara Castle, Hakone Shrine, Owakudani Valley, and Lake Ashino-ko.
Tenseien Onsen Image Source: https://www.tenseien.co.jp/
Final Words
If you're on the lookout for an ideal travel companion during your journey in Japan, take a moment to explore the top-notch Imabari towels from Japarcana. These premium towels are guaranteed to enhance your onsen experience. They offer an additional layer of luxury to your adventure!