Experience Hakone Kowakien Yunessun: Japan's Unique Hot Spring Theme Park
Hakone is one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations, offering numerous scenic spots with views of Mt. Fuji. With excellent access from Tokyo, Japan's capital, it attracts many domestic and international tourists daily.
The area around Hakone's hot springs is also known as a resort destination, featuring entertainment facilities including art museums, parks surrounded by rich nature, and aquariums.
Hakone is a town where both adults and children can enjoy themselves, offering healing spots like hot springs and nature for adults, as well as leisure facilities where children can be physically active, taking advantage of the vast land.
Today, we'll introduce Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a unique hot spring facility in Japan that combines elements of hot springs and theme parks.
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Hakone Kowakien Yunessun: The Only Hot Spring Theme Park in Hakone for All Ages
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is the only hot spring theme park in Hakone, one of Japan's premier hot spring regions.
In addition to traditional relaxing baths, Hakone Kowakien Yunessun features unique hot springs where you can swim as in a pool. It's extremely popular among families and couples as it caters to both children and adults.
The facility also offers booths for casual camping in Hakone's natural surroundings, restaurants serving representative Japanese cuisine, and souvenir shops - providing so many attractions that even a full day isn't enough to experience everything.
What is Hakone Kowakien Yunessun? Features and Attractions by Area
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a complex hot spring theme park where you can enjoy hot springs, dining, and shopping all at once.
The hot spring area is divided into two main sections: the "Yunessun area" where you wear swimsuits and enjoy it like a pool, and the "Mori no Yu area" where you can experience traditional Japanese-style bathing.
The Yunessun area offers unique ways to enjoy hot springs, unlike traditional ones, such as swimming or floating with swim rings.
Yunessun Area: A Theme Park-Style Area Where You Can Play in Swimwear
The Yunessun area features flowing pools and children's water slides, allowing visitors to enjoy hot springs like a pool while wearing swimsuits.
One attractive point is that the water temperature is adjusted seasonally - cooler in hot summers and warmer in cold winters - ensuring comfort year-round.
Moreover, photography and video recording are permitted in the Yunessun area. Capturing fun moments with family or partners will surely create unforgettable memories of your Japan trip.
Hours: [Weekends/Holidays] 9:00-19:00 (Last entry 18:00)
[Weekdays] 10:00-18:00 (Last entry 17:00)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Aegean Sea of Gods
Source:Official website
The "Aegean Sea of Gods" is the main attraction at Hakone Kowakien Yunessan, ranking as the #1 spot among children. This area welcomes visitors with a bright, open space designed to evoke the Mediterranean's warm climate and beautiful seas. With a depth of about 90m, visitors can swim and use inner tubes when it's not crowded, making it enjoyable for both children and adults like a regular pool.
Despite its pool-like appearance, it contains actual hot spring water. Experience this unique sensation at Hakone Kowakien Yunessan, where you can have fun while being soothed by one of Japan's finest hot springs.
The Flowing Pool
Source:Official website
The Flowing Pool, created during Hakone Kowakien Yunessan's major renovation in 2023, features an 80-meter oval donut-shaped pool where hot spring water continuously flows in one direction. Floating in the pool creates a fascinating sensation of being carried by the current. Try riding an inner tube - it takes about 3 minutes to complete one lap, offering a luxurious relaxation time as you gently sway in the hot spring waters.
Kids Pool (Pony Lagoon)
Source:Official website
Located in the center of the Flowing Pool is a kids' pool with a 30cm depth. With shallow water and dedicated observation areas for adults, it's safe for small children. The pool features a 1-meter-high water slide made of soft, inflatable material, ensuring safety while maintaining fun. The Flowing Pool zone is perfect for families wanting to enjoy different activities in the same space.
*Note: The Kids Pool is currently under maintenance (as of January 2025).
BOXAPPY's Splish-Splash Pool
Source:Official website
This area features playful decorations of Hakone Kowakien Yunessan's mascot character "BOXAPPY" (BOX cat is HAPPY) and friends. With a shallow 30cm depth, it's safe for young children. Its location adjacent to the Aegean Sea of Gods allows easy access between both areas, making it ideal for families with different preferences.
Wine Bath
Source:Official website
At Hakone Kowakien Yunessan, the Wine Bath offers a luxurious experience where wine-colored hot spring water flows from a giant wine bottle sculpture. The translucent, vibrant purple water emanates authentic wine fragrance, creating an immersive experience as if bathing in real wine.
Surprisingly, this bath actually contains real red wine. The wine's components are known for their skin-beautifying properties, making it popular as a "rejuvenating bath."
The Wine Bath is also one of the most photogenic spots in Hakone Kowakien Yunessan. Don't forget to capture your unique experience of soaking in this aromatic wine bath.
Authentic Coffee Bath
Source:Official website
The Authentic Coffee Bath provides a unique experience of bathing in what appears to be real coffee. Real coffee beans are cold-brewed in Hakone's hot spring water, delivering an authentic coffee color and aroma during your bath.
If timing allows, visitors can witness the special moment when freshly dripped coffee is poured into the bath - an exclusive experience only available here.
Coffee is known for its fatigue-recovery, relaxation, and skin-beautifying properties. Why not try this healthy combination of hot springs and coffee to rejuvenate both body and mind?
Mori-no-Yu Area for Traditional Japanese Onsen
Source:Official website
The Mori-no-Yu area offers traditional Japanese hot spring bathing. Unlike the Yunessan area, swimsuits are not worn here.
This area features various bath types including spacious indoor baths, pottery baths made with traditional Shigaraki ware, and relaxing lie-down baths. The open-air baths, surrounded by Hakone's magnificent nature, offer a luxurious experience of stargazing while bathing.
Consider unwinding in these authentic hot springs after enjoying the Yunessan area.
Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
Closed: Irregular holidays *Closed March 17-19, 2025
Private Baths for Families and Couples
Source:Official website
Eight private baths are available, ranging from cozy rooms perfect for couples to spacious ones ideal for families. These natural flowing hot spring baths feature traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and baths made with wood or marble.
All necessary amenities like shampoo and body soap are provided.
Reservations are possible in advance. For weekends and holidays, early booking is recommended due to high demand.
Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
Closed: Irregular holidays *Partially closed March 17-19, 2025
Enjoy camping without preparation “Sound of the Mountains”
Source:Official website
The "Yama no Ne" (Mountain Sound) area at Hakone Kowakien Yunessan offers camping activities like barbecue and bonfires in Hakone's crisp mountain air. All essential camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, fire pits, and grills are provided, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy without bringing their own gear.
For barbecue ingredients, visitors can bring their own or add them as an option when making a reservation. The camping plan includes unlimited access to Hakone Kowakien Yunessan's hot springs. After enjoying camping, treat yourself to this unique hot spring theme park experience.
Hours: Check-in 15:00-17:00 / Check-out 10:00
Closed: Winter season *Closed from November 30, 2024, reopening planned for April 2025
"Tamate Bako" Area - Restaurants, Cafes, and Souvenir Shops
Source:Official website
The "Tamate Bako" (Treasure Box) area features restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. Restaurants offer Japanese cuisine including sushi, buckwheat noodles, and premium Hakone wagyu beef. This wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine is one of Hakone Kowakien Yunessan's strengths.
Cafes serve treats like soft-serve ice cream and pancakes, perfect for snack breaks. The souvenir shops sell exclusive Hakone Kowakien Yunessan merchandise and popular Hakone regional specialties.
Hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store (many closed Tuesday-Thursday)
Access to Hakone Kowakien Yunessan
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Access:
- 20 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus from Hakone Yumoto Station to Kowakien stop
- 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus from Odawara Station to Kowakien stop
Phone: 0460-82-4126
Official website: https://www.yunessun.com/
Stay at Hakone Hotel Kowakien to Fully Enjoy Yunessan
Source: PR TIMES
Hakone Hotel Kowakien is located opposite Hakone Kowakien Yunessan. Hotel guests enjoy unlimited access to Yunessan's hot springs. The hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Yunessan.
Opened in 1959, Hakone Hotel Kowakien was rebuilt and reopened in July 2023 alongside Yunessan's major renovation. The new rooms feature a calm wooden interior design with large windows overlooking Hakone's majestic nature.
The rooftop open-air bath offers views of a century-old Japanese garden. Staying at Hakone Hotel Kowakien allows visitors to fully enjoy Yunessan without worrying about return transportation.
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00
Closed: Irregular (only for facility maintenance)
Phone: 0465-22-5489
Official website: https://www.hakone-hotelkowakien.jp/