Complete Guide to Hakone Yumoto: Gateway to Hakone's Hot Springs and Culture
Hakone Yumoto, known as the gateway to Hakone, is a special place where you can fully enjoy Japanese hot spring culture, blending the charm of a historic hot spring town with modern tourist facilities.
From my perspective, having visited Hakone for 10 years, the attractions of Hakone Yumoto are endless. This town, where you can experience everything from hot spring streets that have continued since the Edo period to waterfalls popular as power spots and the latest activity facilities, is an excellent opportunity for foreign tourists to experience Japanese hot spring culture.
Certainly, it can get crowded during tourist seasons, and those seeking a quiet hot spring experience might find it a bit noisy. Also, some might be concerned about the budget for some of the high-end ryokans.
However, even these small concerns seem trivial in the face of Hakone Yumoto's diverse attractions. The nature that changes with the seasons, the warm hospitality, and the unique atmosphere woven by Japanese tradition and modernity continue to fascinate visitors.
Now, let's embark on a journey to this charming Hakone Yumoto!
Table of Contents
・Basic Information about Hakone Yumoto
・How to Access Hakone Yumoto
・Must-See Spots in Hakone Yumoto
・Frequently Asked Questions about Hakone Yumoto
Basic Information about Hakone Yumoto
Hakone Yumoto, located at an altitude of about 100 meters, has long welcomed many tourists as the gateway to Hakone. When I first visited this place 10 years ago, the hot spring atmosphere that remains unchanged is still carefully preserved today.
Known as one of the seven hot springs of Hakone, this hot spring town conveys the history and tradition that has continued since the Edo period to the present day.
It also functions as a major terminal for the Odakyu Romance Car and the Hakone Tozan Railway, bustling with domestic and international tourists throughout the year. As you walk through the town, you can enjoy the unique scenery where traditional hot spring ryokans coexist with modern facilities.
How to Access Hakone Yumoto
Access to Hakone Yumoto is very convenient from central Tokyo. I usually use the Odakyu Line's Romance Car from Shinjuku Station. It takes about 85 minutes, and the view from the train window is also one of the pleasures of the journey.
There are also direct buses from Shinjuku, and if you're visiting by car, using the Tomei Expressway or Odawara-Atsugi Road is convenient.
If you take a taxi from Odawara Station, it takes about 15 minutes to arrive. With these various access methods, travelers can choose their mode of transportation according to their schedule and preferences.
Must-See Spots in Hakone Yumoto
Hakone Yumoto has various tourist spots, from historic temples to the latest activity facilities. From my 10 years of experience visiting, I'll introduce especially recommended spots.
Souun Temple
Souun Temple is a historic temple known as the burial place of the five generations of the Hojo clan. What particularly impressed me was the majestic appearance of the Souun forest, which is several hundred years old. The dry landscape garden created by Hojo Gen'an shows the beauty of Japanese gardens in a condensed form.
Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and autumn leaves color the temple grounds. Also, the copper bell associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi is a valuable cultural property that conveys the history of that time to the present. It's located about a 15-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station, and I recommend visiting while taking a stroll.
Access: About a 15-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station
Tamadare Falls & Hien Falls
The two waterfalls representing Hakone Yumoto are also popular as power spots. Tamadare Falls, 8 meters high and 11 meters wide, and Hien Falls, 20 meters high and 10 meters wide, are beautiful waterfalls that show different expressions.
What I particularly like is the scenery during the autumn foliage season. The autumn leaves coloring around the waterfalls are exceptional, and many photography enthusiasts visit.
Also, nearby is the Tamadare Shrine, known for matchmaking, and I recommend visiting it along with the waterfall tour. It's easily accessible, about a 12-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station.
Access: About a 12-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station
Forest Adventure Hakone
Source: Google Map
For those who want to enjoy activities in nature, I especially recommend Forest Adventure Hakone. It's a large athletic facility using standing trees, where you can experience 35-40 different activities on the standard course.
I was a bit nervous when I first visited, but skilled instructors thoroughly manage safety, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind. The difficulty-level-based course settings that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced users are also attractive. Another great feature is that you can enjoy the hot springs at the adjacent "Hakone Yuryo" facility after the activities.
Access: About a 12-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station. Or about 3 minutes by free shuttle bus from in front of the station.
Website: https://foret-aventure.jp/en/
Hakone Yuryo
Source: Google Map
Hakone Yuryo is a day-trip hot spring facility that I regularly visit. Particularly popular are the private outdoor baths where you can enjoy Hakone's hot springs in a private space. With amenities fully provided, you can visit with peace of mind even if you come empty-handed.
The "beautifying hot spring" with flowing spring water is reputed to make your skin smooth. After the hot spring, you can enjoy local flavors at the dining area where you can enjoy irori (hearth) cuisine. Free shuttle buses are also available, making access convenient.
Access: About 3 minutes by free shuttle bus from Hakone Yumoto Station. Or about a 5-minute walk from Tonosawa Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Website: https://www.hakoneyuryo.jp/english/
Hatsuhana Soba Main Store
Source: Google Map
When it comes to dining in Hakone Yumoto, the first place I recommend is Hatsuhana Soba Main Store. Their signature soba using Japanese yam conveys the traditional taste that has been passed down since the store's founding.
The combination with tempura is especially excellent, and I always end up ordering tempura soba. Its good location within walking distance from Hakone Yumoto Station is also an attractive point for tourists.
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station
Website: https://hatsuhana.co.jp/
Hakone Tiramisu
Source: Google Map
If you want to discover new charms of Hakone, I recommend Hakone Tiramisu.
The original tiramisu created in collaboration with a local coffee shop is a dish where you can enjoy a perfect harmony of Japanese and Western flavors. The Instagram-worthy interior design is also attractive, and my friends always take photos.
The takeout menu is also rich, and the original soft-serve ice cream is a popular menu item that can be enjoyed while walking through the hot spring town. As a new face of the hot spring town, it's gaining popularity, especially among young tourists.
Access: 2-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station
Website: https://www.hakone-teramisu.com/
Frequently Asked Questions about Hakone Yumoto
From my experience of visiting Hakone Yumoto for 10 years, I'll answer questions frequently asked by tourists.
What's the Best Season for Sightseeing?
Hakone Yumoto is full of charm in every season. My recommendation is the cherry blossom season from late March to early April. The cherry blossom avenue around Souun Temple is spectacular, and the combination of hot springs and cherry blossoms is exceptional.
In May, the fresh greenery is beautiful, and you can enjoy strolling while feeling the pleasant breeze. It's also wise to choose the cool period from September to October, avoiding the hot summer.
November is the autumn foliage season, and the autumn leaves around Tamadare Falls are particularly magnificent. From January to February, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery created by the snowy landscape and hot springs.
What's the Average Cost of Accommodation?
Accommodation facilities in Hakone Yumoto cater to various budgets. At a general hot spring ryokan, prices start from 15,000 yen per night with two meals included. My favorite high-end ryokan starts from 30,000 yen per night with two meals included, but it's well worth the price.
Rooms with private outdoor baths start from 40,000 yen, but you can have a special experience enjoying hot springs in a private space. Also, it's possible to stay at a budget-friendly guesthouse for as low as 5,000 yen without meals.
Is a Day Trip Possible?
Hakone Yumoto has good access from Shinjuku, making it ideal for day trips. I often visit for day trips on holidays too. There are plenty of day-trip hot spring facilities like Hakone Yuryo, and you can not only enjoy the hot springs but also tour the main tourist spots in 2-3 hours.
Dining and shopping options are plentiful, and with the last train running until around 10:00 PM, you can enjoy sightseeing until evening. My recommendation is to depart early in the morning and leisurely enjoy hot springs, sightseeing, and meals.
Hakone Yumoto is an attractive tourist destination where traditional hot spring culture and modern facilities are beautifully harmonized. For me, who has been visiting for 10 years, its charm is endless. The nature that changes with the seasons, warm hospitality, and the unique atmosphere woven by tradition and modernity will surely leave a deep impression on your heart.
Why not create your own special memories in Hakone Yumoto, where you can enjoy various experiences from day trips to long stays? I hope you can fully enjoy Japanese hot spring culture in this relaxed hot spring town atmosphere!