Discover Kowakudani, Hakone: Your Ultimate Guide to Hot Springs, Ryokan, and Attractions
Hakone is one of the leading hot spring areas in the Kanto region, accessible as a day trip from Tokyo, making it busy with tourists both on weekdays and holidays. Surrounded by mountains, its nature-rich environment allows visitors to escape from urban noise and relax. Due to its high altitude, it also serves as a summer retreat.
Since Hakone is a popular tourist area, you might know about its scattered attractions like museums and sightseeing cruises. Today, I'll introduce "Kowakudani," an essential area to check before visiting Hakone, from a guide's perspective.
What is Kowakudani?
Kowakudani is a spot where you can experience nature throughout the seasons - cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, and autumn foliage. Originally called "Shoujigoku" (Small Hell) due to its volcanic activity, it was renamed Kowakudani as "hell" was considered an ominous name.
The Kowakudani hot spring, with over 100 years of history, is famous as one of the "Hakone Seventeen Hot Springs" (collective name for springs throughout Hakone) and has hosted many notable visitors. Hotels in Kowakudani are popular for their open-air hot spring baths, attracting tourists with spectacular views while bathing.
With its rich nature, hot springs, and tourist attractions, it's an area enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
Recommended as a Base for Hakone Tourism
Kowakudani features various attractions including Okada Museum of Art, Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, Morinoyu, and Hakone Kowakien Houraien where you can enjoy seasonal changes. It's also recommended as a base for Hakone sightseeing, with easy access to the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Glass Forest Museum.
Spend your day exploring tourist spots, then rejuvenate your body and mind in the hot springs back at your hotel!
Detailed Genre-by-Genre Guide to Kowakudani's Appeal by an Experienced Hakone Visitor
From here, I'll provide a detailed explanation of Kowakudani's charm, one of Hakone's representative tourist spots, as someone who has visited Hakone multiple times.
Tourist Attractions in Kowakudani
Okada Museum of Art
Source:Official website
The Okada Museum of Art permanently displays about 450 art pieces from ancient to modern times, including Japanese and East Asian paintings and pottery. Located in Kowakudani, Hakone, it boasts the region's largest exhibition space of approximately 5,000 square meters - too vast to fully explore in one day.
The highlight is the massive mural "Wind and Time" (Kaze-Toki) depicting Fujin and Raijin, created by renowned Japanese artist Etaro Fukui over five years. The artwork, measuring about 12m high and 30m wide, is truly overwhelming. You can view it from inside the museum and from the outdoor foot bath café, where you can soak your feet while remaining fully clothed.
Beyond the art collection, visitors can stroll through gardens, dine at the renovated Showa-era Japanese house restaurant "Kaikate," or relax at the foot bath café.
Address: 493-1 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Dec 31, Jan 1, and irregular holidays
Phone: 0460-87-3931
Official website: https://www.okada-museum.com/
Hakone Kowakien Horaien Garden
Source:Hakone Zenzan
This 5,000-tsubo garden was established in the Taisho era by the founder of the historic Mikawaya Ryokan. The garden showcases seasonal changes: cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas and satsuki in early summer, and autumn foliage.
The garden features 30,000 azalea bushes blooming in pink, red, and white in early May, creating a breathtaking scenery against the fresh green backdrop. The spacious grounds offer a less crowded alternative to other tourist spots.
Address: 503 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 0465-43-8541
Chitsujo Falls
Source:Hakone Zenzan
Located upstream of the Jakotsu River in Kowakudani, the Chitsujo Falls earned its name from its thousand thread-like water streams. Though modest at 25m wide and 3m high, its delicate cascading waters offer a refreshing atmosphere.
The falls serve as a junction for various Hakone hiking trails. Unlike conventional waterfalls, its multiple gentle streams and soothing sounds provide perfect relaxation for tired hikers.
Visitors can enjoy maple foliage in autumn and fireflies in July, creating a magical nighttime spectacle.
Address: 507 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 24 hours
Kowakudani Hot Springs
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Source: Official website
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is an all-season hot spring amusement park that can be enjoyed indoors regardless of weather conditions.
There are 7 main areas:
- Gods' Aegean Sea
- Bozappy's Bath Play Plaza
- Flowing Pools (Bozappy River・Pony Lagoon)
- Sake Bath
- Wine Bath
- Authentic Coffee Bath
- Dr. Fish
The flowing pool area is most popular. Using a float, you can naturally swim with the current while enjoying conversation with family and friends. I experienced Japan's first authentic coffee bath, where you can soak in rough-ground nel drip coffee extracted at low temperatures. The pitch-black appearance is just like coffee itself, and bathing while surrounded by coffee's distinct aroma was very relaxing.
With rest areas, restaurants and shops, it's a facility you can enjoy all day. Recommended for those wanting to fully experience pools and hot springs in Hakone.
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa
Hours: Weekdays 10:00-18:00, Weekends/Holidays 9:00-19:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 0460-82-4126
Official Website: https://www.yunessun.com/
Hakone Kowakien Mori no Yu
Source:Hakone Zenzan
Hakone Kowakien Mori no Yu is an authentic hot spring facility famous for its garden open-air bath where you can soak while viewing Hakone's mountains and trees.
Their proud baths include 5 types (including seasonal):
- Indoor Bath
- Open-air Bath
- Ceramic Bath
- Reclining Bath
- Tepid Bath (summer only)
They also have saunas, private baths, and rest areas.
The open-air bath left the strongest impression on me. Bathing while gazing at Hakone's majestic mountains was exceptional - I lost track of time soaking. At night it's illuminated, offering a different scenic experience. Private baths include small attached rest rooms, perfect for families or groups. You can refresh both body and mind without worrying about others.
Recommended for those seeking healing hot springs with spectacular views.
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:00-20:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 0460-82-4126
Official Website: https://www.yunessun.com/morinoyu/
Kowakudani Ryokan
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Source: Official website
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu opened in 2017 with the concept of "hospitality through nature and Japanese tradition." All rooms feature private hot spring open-air baths for enjoying Hakone's natural surroundings at your leisure.
Three room types are available:
- Standard Rooms
- Top Floor Rooms
- Special Rooms
I stayed in the Sengokubara, one of six themed special rooms. Sengokubara features simple, calming design with traditional patterns inspired by pampas grass. Besides the bedroom, it includes a 9-tatami mat room, offering twice the usual space for a relaxing stay.
The facility hosts "Ten-yu Music Concerts" featuring live jazz, classical, and movie music performances. The superb live music helped release daily stress and restore energy. Check the website for schedules.
Recommended for those seeking a relaxing stay in a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: 0460-20-0260
Official Website: https://www.ten-yu.com/
Yumoto Fujiya Hotel
Source: Official website
Founded in 1878, Yumoto Fujiya Hotel reopened in 2020 after renovations that preserved its tradition while modernizing amenities. The classical lobby, a defining feature, creates an experience like stepping into a movie scene.
I booked a day-use plan featuring afternoon tea in a room with 100% natural hot spring. The experience included a three-tiered afternoon tea set with sandwiches, scones, and seasonal sweets, followed by relaxation in the private natural onsen. The exceptional staff service and atmosphere were so inviting that I was tempted to extend my stay.
Five buildings of the hotel are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties, making it a popular tourist destination. It's perfect for those wanting to experience Japanese history firsthand, particularly those interested in visiting the nearby Kowakudani area in Hakone.
Address: 359 Miyanoshita, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-82-2210
Official Website: https://www.fujiyahotel.jp/
Hakone Hotel Kowakien
Source:PR TIMES
Hakone Hotel Kowakien is a resort hotel offering comprehensive experiences of hot springs, dining, and Hakone's natural beauty. The facilities include main guest rooms, large bathrooms with open-air baths, a lobby with spectacular views, bars, restaurants, and spa facilities. From the terrace, guests can enjoy complimentary welcome drinks while overlooking the meticulously maintained gardens.
The hotel's main attraction is guest access to Yunessun, an indoor hot spring amusement park, and Mori no Yu, both extensively renovated in 2023. These facilities are available before check-in and after check-out.
At Yunessun, towels and indoor wear are provided free of charge, making it convenient for visitors. I spent an active day there from morning until night, storing my luggage at the hotel.
Recommended for those planning to visit Yunessun or Mori no Yu, this hotel offers easy access to the Kowakudani area's famous hot springs.
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-82-4111
Official Website: https://www.hakone-hotelkowakien.jp/
Kowakudani Restaurants
Soba Kihinkan
Source:Official website
Soba Kihinkan is a restaurant serving authentic soba in a building designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. A key attraction is the view of the manicured gardens and Hakone's lush nature from the historic interior.
I ordered the Hakone-sanzen set, which includes soba, tempura, and dessert. The homemade soba, using Hokuryu buckwheat flour from Hokkaido, is characterized by its smooth texture and strong buckwheat flavor. The tempura set comes with various vegetables and two large shrimp, offering more volume than expected.
The restaurant includes an art gallery called "Geijutsu-gura," featuring Japanese paintings by famous artists including Togo Seiji. Don't miss visiting after your meal.
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30-15:00
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
Phone: 0460-82-8050
Official Website: https://www.ten-yu.com/kihinkan.html
Restaurant Cascade
Source: Official website
Restaurant Cascade is a Western-style restaurant with a retro atmosphere in the iconic Fujiya Hotel in Hakone. It's restored from the former banquet hall "Cascade" built in 1920, preserving the original stained glass and sculptures.
My favorite dish is the beef curry. Made with a consommé base, the curry incorporates vegetable umami with a distinctive spiciness and rich sweetness. The generously cut beef is slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender! Side dishes include fried onions, fukujinzuke pickles, and pickled scallions, allowing flavor customization.
Recommended for those seeking excellent Western cuisine in a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere.
Address: 359 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30-15:00, 17:30-21:30
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 0460-82-2211
Official Website: https://www.fujiyahotel.jp/meal/cascade/index.html
