Discover Hakone's Best Onsen: Top Hot Springs, Ryokan Stays, and Relaxation Tips

Hakone is one of Japan's premier hot spring resorts. It's a nature-rich area spreading across Mount Hakone, close to Mount Fuji. Due to its proximity to major urban areas like Tokyo, it has remained a highly popular resort destination beloved by Japanese people from ancient times to the present.

Hakone's most distinctive feature is its natural hot springs that flow from Mount Hakone, a rich volcanic zone. People have been visiting Hakone's hot springs for relaxation, health, and beauty benefits since ancient times.

Today, we'll introduce recommended hot spring spots that are synonymous with Hakone. We've categorized them into day-use hot spring spots, hotels with recommended private open-air baths, and hotels offering supreme hot spring experiences.

Please use this as a reference for enjoying hot springs during your Hakone visit.

Hakone is One of Japan's Premier Hot Spring Regions, Attracting Tourists from All Over Japan

Hakone is one of Japan's leading hot spring regions. Hakone's hot springs have long been considered highly effective for fatigue recovery, health promotion, and beauty enhancement. As such, it constantly attracts tourists from all over Japan who come specifically for the hot springs.

The hot springs flowing from Mount Hakone volcano are known for their rich mineral content. For example, acidic hot springs have high sterilizing power and promote skin metabolism. Additionally, alkaline waters are characterized by their mild stimulation and ability to soften skin tissue.

One of Hakone's hot spring attractions is the ability to relax while enjoying beautiful natural scenery. Open-air baths are particularly popular as they allow direct enjoyment of the surrounding nature and landscape. Looking ahead to 2025, many hakone restaurants are planning to incorporate these views into their dining experiences.

Many hotels and facilities offer private-use open-air baths and public baths that can be used without staying overnight.

3 Recommended Hakone Hot Springs Available Without Overnight Stay

Here are three carefully selected, easily accessible hot spring spots in Hakone that you can visit without staying overnight.

Hakone Yuryo

Hakone Yuryo is a large hot spring facility located at Hakone-Yumoto Station that can be used without overnight stay.

The highlight of Hakone Yuryo is access to various types of hot springs without staying overnight. There are 19 different types of private open-air baths. Each bath has slightly different designs for their tubs and terraces, so choose according to your preference. All baths use natural alkaline hot spring water from Hakone's springs.

Besides private open-air baths, facilities include public baths and saunas. The public bath area features semi-open-air baths surrounded by green trees, cold water baths, and rock baths. There's also a restaurant and a relaxation space where you can lie down on tatami mats after bathing.

Private open-air baths cost around 10,000 yen for 2 hours, while public baths cost 1,700 yen per visit. From Tokyo's Shinjuku Station, you can reach Hakone Yuryo within 2 hours using trains and buses. For those wanting to enjoy Hakone's hot springs without overnight stay, Hakone Yuryo is highly recommended.

<Store Information>
- Address: 4 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0460858411
- Business Hours: Weekdays 10:00-20:00, Weekends/Holidays 10:00-21:00　
- Official Website: https://www.hakoneyuryo.jp/

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs theme park in Hakone. It's a popular attraction proudly operated by the major Hakone resort group, Kowakien. As we approach Onsen2025, facilities like this showcase the evolution of Japan's bathing culture.

The main feature of Yunessun is that you can enjoy hot springs as entertainment. The facility includes an amusement hot spring area where swimsuits are required. Here, you can find unique baths such as wine baths and coffee baths, allowing you to enjoy a fun hot spring experience.

The amusement area also features large hot spring pools where children can swim and play, water slides, and other pool-like facilities. For adults, I recommend the foot bath with Doctor Fish that eat dead skin cells.

Beyond the swimsuit-friendly areas, there's also a traditional nude bathing area. If you want to experience authentic Japanese Hakone hot springs, you should visit this area.

This popular spot is perfect for those who want to enjoy hot springs as entertainment. It's highly recommended for families with children or friends who want to have a fun hot spring experience together.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0460824126
- Business Hours:
(Swimsuit Area) Weekdays 10:00-18:00, Weekends/Holidays 9:00-19:00　
(Hot Spring Area) 11:00-20:00　
- Official Website: https://www.yunessun.com/

Merveille Hakone Gora

Merveille Hakone Gora is a hot spring inn located near Gora Park. Day-trip bathing is available without staying overnight.

The highlight of Merveille Hakone Gora is its high-quality chloride hot spring. The chloride springs in the Gora area are known for their excellent heat retention, warming you to the core. They also have moisturizing properties that beautify the skin.

Merveille Hakone Gora features a large public bath, jacuzzi bath, and sauna where you can enjoy these quality waters. After bathing, you can relax in the special library or enjoy healthy medicinal cuisine at their restaurant bar.

Necessary amenities like towels are available, making it perfect for impromptu visits. If you want to casually experience quality Hakone hot springs without staying overnight, please drop by Merveille Hakone Gora.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1300-70 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0408
- Closed: Irregular (Day-visit bathing may be restricted on weekends due to crowding)
- Phone: 0460838209
- Business Hours: (Day-visit bathing) 13:00-18:00　
- Official Website: https://www.merveille-hakone.jp/

3 Recommended Hot Springs with Private Open-Air Baths

Here are three facilities with private open-air baths that can be reserved. These are perfect for those who prefer private bathing spaces over public baths.

Hakone Pax Yoshino

Hakone Pax Yoshino is a hot spring hotel built along the beautiful Sukumo River.

The private open-air baths at Hakone Pax Yoshino offer some of the most beautiful mountain and river views in Hakone. There are three types of private open-air baths. From the baths, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Yusaka and the beautiful Sukumo River below.

The water is natural alkaline hot spring water that dissolves sebum and makes skin smooth. The private baths are so quiet you can hear the sounds of the river and mountains. While soaking, you can enjoy viewing the stars and moon at night.

Hakone Pax Yoshino emphasizes an environment away from hustle and bustle. The entire hotel is surrounded by the river, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Some rooms come with natural hot spring baths. There's also a public bath with panoramic views and a bath made of natural rock.

This hotel is recommended for those who want to enjoy private open-air baths while being soothed by the beautiful river, mountains, and tranquility.

<Store Information>
- Address: 139-5 Yumoto Chaya, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0460858111
- Business Hours: Check-in: 15:00 Check-out: 10:00　
- Official Website: https://www.pax-yoshino.com/

Hakone Kamon - Inn with Private Hot Spring Source

Hakone Kamon is a hot spring hotel popular for its unique private open-air baths (Onsen2025 participants' favorite destination). The hotel offers two luxurious private open-air baths. The first features a ceramic bathtub with a smooth texture, complemented by a large teapot-shaped object that streams natural hot spring water.

The second open-air bath is characterized by a stone bathtub and a large swing for cooling off between soaks. Being in a private space, guests can relax without concern for others, adding to its appeal.

Both open-air baths are surrounded by deep mountain greenery in a private setting. While playful in design, they are carefully crafted to ensure comfort and luxury.

Hakone Kamon also offers more than 10 different hot spring facilities for guests, including large open-air baths, saunas, cold-water baths, and cave baths. The third floor features a foot bath where you can enjoy primarily weak alkaline waters.

For those seeking a private and unique hot spring experience, be sure to check out Hakone Kamon.

<Store Information>
- Address: 435 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0460855050
- Hours: Check-in: 15:00, Check-out: 11:00　
- Official website: https://www.hakone-kamon.jp/

Tenseien

Tenseien is a historic and beloved hotel in hakone hot springs area. The hotel's private open-air baths offer close-up views of Hakone Mountain's seasonal beauty. There are 12 different private open-air baths available for exclusive use. Each room provides immediate views of fresh greenery in spring and summer, and vibrant autumn foliage.

The water is weakly alkaline, gentle on the skin, and known to be effective for muscle and nerve pain. To use these baths, make a reservation after check-in.

Tenseien's pride lies in its Japanese garden that utilizes Hakone's natural beauty. The garden features two beautiful waterfalls known to have been beloved by prominent Japanese literary figures. After bathing, take a leisurely stroll through the garden with its uniquely Japanese natural scenery.

Additionally, Tenseien has a large 17-meter rooftop bath. Bathing in the hot springs under the open sky is exceptional. If you're comfortable with public baths, why not try both the private open-air bath and the large public bath during your stay?

<Store Information>
- Address: 682 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0460838500
- Hours: Check-in: 15:00, Check-out: 10:00　
- Official website: http://www.tenseien.co.jp/

5 Recommended Hot Spring Inns for Ultimate Experiences

Finally, here are 5 recommended hotels where hot spring enthusiasts can enjoy supreme bathing experiences. Let's explore these ultimate experiences at Hakone's finest luxury hotels.

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is part of the Kowakien Resort Group, which also operates the amusement facility Yunessun mentioned earlier. It's the group's premier luxury hotel, setting new standards for Onsen2025 experiences.

The distinguishing feature is the luxurious hot spring experience available both in private rooms and public baths. Every room comes with a natural hot spring open-air bath offering views of the beautiful deep forest and sky. Soaking in the bath while feeling the cool, crisp forest air and fragrances creates an unparalleled experience.

The 6th-floor public bath offers breathtaking views. The unobstructed vista reveals the majestic Hakone Outer Rim Mountains (hakone-gairinzan). Bathing while gazing at the mountains, vast sky, and moon above is a moment of pure bliss.

On the 5th floor, there's also an open-air bath where you can enjoy the hot springs while viewing a waterfall in the forest. The hotel features excellent dining options, including a premium shabu-shabu restaurant and the famous soba restaurant "Kihinkan."

Located just a 5-minute walk from "Yunessun," it's perfect for those who want to play at Yunessun during the day and spend a refined evening at the hakone hot springs.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 1F
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0465200260
- Hours: Check-in: 15:00, Check-out: 11:00　
- Official website: https://www.ten-yu.com/

Centurion Hakone Bettei

Centurion Hakone Bettei is a luxurious hotel located in Sengokuhara. Living up to its concept as an adult hideaway, it offers a high-level staying experience. Each guest room features a private semi-open-air bath. The rooms are designed in a Japanese modern style, creating a very stylish atmosphere. The hotel is also known for its outstanding service - for instance, staff members wait at the hotel entrance to warmly welcome guests during check-in.

In addition to the private open-air baths in guest rooms, the hotel features two types of private open-air baths and a large public bath. The water comes from the highest quality natural hakone hot springs that well up in Oobitani. The private baths are also equipped with low-temperature saunas. By alternating between the onsen and sauna, you can enjoy the hot springs for longer periods without getting cold during breaks.

What impressed me most was the profound silence throughout the hotel, surrounded by Sengokuhara's vast nature. It's a place where you can truly relax from the bottom of your heart amidst deep nature. Highly recommended for those seeking a sophisticated hotel for adults in Sengokuhara, especially with Onsen2025 approaching.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1285-389 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0460845122
- Hours: Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00　
- Official website: https://www.centurion-hotel.com/hakone/

Hakone Gora Onsen Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka

Hakone Gora Onsen Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka is an elegant Japanese-style hot spring hotel located in Gora, just a one-minute walk from Gora Station.

The highlight of Setsugetsuka is the hinoki (Japanese cypress) open-air bath in every room. Hinoki is known for its pleasant aroma and incredibly smooth texture. Due to its high relaxation effects, hinoki baths are considered a luxury in Japan.

While soaking in the hinoki bath, I felt as if I was in a forest despite being in my room. It deeply soothed both body and mind, creating an extraordinary experience.

The facility also features three types of private open-air baths and two public bathhouses. You can enjoy carbonated hot springs known for their beauty benefits. The hotel also offers free yukata rental service. Yukata is a casual kimono typically worn after bathing. Setsugetsuka offers yukata in beautiful colors and patterns. We recommend wearing yukata during your stay at the hotel.

The entire hotel interior exudes Japanese tradition and elegance with high-quality finishes. This hot spring hotel is perfect for those seeking healing in hinoki baths and those who appreciate sophisticated Japanese ambiance, making it an ideal destination before Onsen2025.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1300-34 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0408
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0460861333
- Hours: Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00　
- Official website: https://dormy-hotels.com/resort/hotels/setsugetsuka/stay/

Hotel Green Plaza Hakone

Hotel Green Plaza Hakone is a renowned hot spring hotel famous for its beautiful views of Mount Fuji from both guest rooms and onsen baths. As one of the premier hakone hot springs destinations leading up to Onsen2025, it offers an exceptional experience for visitors.

A major highlight of Hotel Green Plaza Hakone is its abundance of family-friendly onsen services. Special guest rooms come with private open-air baths, making them extremely popular among families with small children who can relax and bathe in privacy. The hotel also provides yukatas (special bathing kimonos) in children's sizes.

The hotel restaurant features a buffet-style dining system that children will enjoy, with an impressive selection of desserts being another major attraction. Additionally, there's a convenient luggage carrying service from Hakone-Yumoto Station that delivers your bags directly to the hotel - a highly recommended service for families traveling with lots of luggage.

The hotel also features a large public bath with Mount Fuji views and an English-style garden where you can admire beautiful flowers.

By taking advantage of these comprehensive services, even families with small children can fully enjoy the onsen experience. If you're looking for the ultimate family hot spring vacation, Hotel Green Plaza is definitely worth considering.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1244-2 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0460848611
- Hours: Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00　
- Official website: https://www.hgp.co.jp/hakone/

Hakone Hotel Kowakien

Hakone Hotel Kowakien is part of the Kowakien Resort Group, which includes Yunessun. The hotel is located right next to Yunessun and Ten-yu, making it another excellent addition to the hakone hot springs scene as we approach Onsen2025.

The hotel's main attraction is unlimited access to Yunessun, which is just a few minutes' walk away, when booking a standard plan. You can spend the day playing in your swimsuit at Yunessun, then enjoy the hotel's rooftop open-air bath at night - a full day of hot spring enjoyment.

The hotel features a rooftop open-air bath overlooking green mountains and private baths available by reservation. It also offers excellent dining facilities including a buffet restaurant and bar. The large playroom for children is particularly popular among families.

Having just reopened after renovation in 2023, both the facilities and guest rooms are new and pristine. For hot spring enthusiasts, consider staying at Hakone Hotel Kowakien and planning a fun-filled visit to Yunessun.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 1F
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0465225489
- Hours: Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 10:00　
- Official website: https://www.hakone-hotelkowakien.jp/