Where to Stay in Hakone (2026): Best Areas, Ryokans & Hotels for Every Budget

Hakone is one of Japan’s favorite vacation spots. Its location just outside of Tokyo makes it a perfect destination for day trips or short weekends away from the city. Between its onsens, ryokan, mountain vistas, and views of Mt. Fuji, Hakone draws millions of tourists annually. However, visitors new to Hakone make the mistake of thinking Hakone is one town with every attraction just a walk away.

Hakone actually consists of several neighborhoods dispersed throughout the mountains. Each area has a vastly different feel. Some are busy transport centers packed with shops and restaurants. Others are secluded villages tucked into forests with high-end ryokan. Picking the ideal area to stay will save you hours of transit time and will make or break your Hakone experience.

Our Top 3 Hakone Hotel Picks

When my wife and I began planning our Hakone trip, we discovered there was no one “best” area of Hakone. Rather, there were the best areas to stay depending on what kind of vacation you wanted. Couples wanting to relax in a romantic ryokan with a private onsen will likely choose Hakone differently than families with kids. Visitors who are only spending one night in Hakone before continuing on to Kyoto or Osaka will have different needs than most travelers.

With that in mind, I’ve put together this guide to figure out exactly where you should stay in Hakone. I’ll go over what each area is best known for and what traveling there will be like. I’ll then recommend some of the best hotels and ryokan in each neighborhood so you can hit the ground running when planning your trip.

Quick Answer: Which Area Should You Stay in Hakone?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary of the best areas in Hakone.

If you’re visiting Hakone for the first time, it’s difficult to go wrong with either Hakone-Yumoto or Gora. Both areas offer excellent transport connections and make it easy to explore the region without renting a car.

Understanding Hakone Before Booking Your Hotel

Hakone is different from most other cities in Japan in that it doesn’t really have a downtown area. Kyoto, Osaka – they have central business districts, but Hakone doesn’t. Visitor attractions are instead located throughout Hakone, which is a mountainous national park linked by trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and sightseeing boats.

Fortunately, transportation is very easy once you’ve purchased the Hakone Free Pass, which allows you to ride pretty much every public transit line in Hakone. This makes hopping between major attractions like Owakudani, Lake Ashi, the Hakone Open- Air Museum, and Hakone Shrine as simple as stepping on and off a train without needing to purchase additional tickets.

The majority of tourists visit Hakone from Tokyo via Odakyu Romancecar, which stops at Hakone- Yumoto Station before the Hakone Tozan Railway ascends into the mountains towards Gora, linking up with the cable car and ropeway which loop downwards towards Lake Ashi.

Visiting Hakone attractions take place along this loop. Therefore, where you stay depends on which attractions you want to visit the most, and will make your stay much more comfortable. If you envision your perfect vacation as soaking in natural hot springs and indulging in multi-course kaiseki meals, you’ll likely want to stay in Gora. If you prefer convenience and restaurants, Hakone- Yumoto will likely suit your needs better.

Hakone-Yumoto – Best Area for First-Time Visitors

For travelers new to Hakone, Hakone- Yumoto may offer the best of both worlds. Convenient, with a friendly atmosphere and easy access to local attractions. Train from Tokyo station arrive here. Many buses to other parts of Hakone depart from Hakone-Yumoto as well. Staying within walking distance of Hakone-Yumoto Station is as convenient as it gets if you’re spending one or two nights in Hakone.

Daytime in Hakone- Yumoto is active, unlike other quiet mountain villages higher up. Along the main shopping street leading away from the station are souvenir shops, traditional Japanese sweet shops, cafés, bakeries and local specialty restaurants. Take a stroll around before you check into your hotel. Nighttime in Hakone- Yumoto is peaceful as day trippers have mostly retreated back to Tokyo for the night.

This area serves as Hakone’s transportation center, but that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the traditional onsens travelers expect to experience in Hakone. There are several ryokan lining the banks of the Hayakawa River with outdoor hot spring baths surrounded by nature. Many have been family-run for generations, offering traditional Japanese hospitality with modern amenities.

Because you can access buses and trains so easily from this area, you’ll have the flexibility to see what you want to see. Hop on the Hakone Ropeway, take a cruise on Lake Ashi, or visit the Hakone Open- Air Museum. You won’t have to deal with inconveniently long transfers or lug around your luggage through multiple train stations. For families and first-time visitors to Hakone, staying close to Hakone-Yumoto Station is ideal.

Recommended hotels in Hakone-YumotoCheck prices

• Hotel Okada
• Yoshiike Ryokan
• Aura Tachibana
• Hakone Suishoen

Gora – Best Area for Luxury Ryokan and Onsen

While Hakone-Yumoto is often considered the entrance to Hakone, the mountain town of Gora is without question Hakone’s luxury district. Here you’ll find many of Hakone’s most recognizable ryokan serving up top-notch Japanese hospitality, forest-view natural hot springs, and sublime kaiseki dining.

Rooms in Gora are entirely a world apart from Hakone-Yumoto. Everything about your stay moves at a slower pace. From the quieter setting to prioritizing downtime over sightseeing, many guests spend their afternoons relaxing in their private outdoor baths before indulging in multi-course dinners featuring seasonal ingredients from around Japan. For some travelers, this ryokan experience can make their trip to Japan truly unforgettable.

Gora is also one of the most convenient areas for Hakone sightseeing. The Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Cable Car, and Hakone Ropeway all start from Gora, making stops like Owakudani’s famous sulfuric hot springs valley, Lake Ashi, and throughout Hakone quick and easy. The Hakone Open- Air Museum, one of Japan’s top museums, is only one stop away by Hakone Tozan Railway. There’s also the Gora Park botanical gardens within walking distance from many of the area’s hotels.

Hotels and Ryokan in Gora tend to be slightly pricier than other areas in Hakone, especially during peak seasons like autumn foliage and cherry blossoms. However, most luxury ryokan come with breakfast, dinner, and access to private or semi-private onsen. For those travelers looking for a truly unforgettable experience instead of just a place to sleep, you’ll find great value while staying in Gora.

Honeymooners, couples celebrating an anniversary, or anyone looking to experience the pinnacle of Japanese hospitality should consider staying in Gora.

Top Hotels in Gora

• Hakone Ginyu
• Gora Kadan
• Gora Byakudan
• Hakone Yutowa

Lake Ashi (Moto-Hakone) – Best for Couples and Scenic Views

Do you want amazing views of lakeside scenery when you wake up each morning? Stay near Lake Ashi, particularly around Moto-Hakone. Moto-Hakone has a quieter atmosphere than Hakone-Yumoto and Gora, which makes it especially popular with couples.

Lake Ashi is without question the most photographed spot in Hakone. If you wake up early on a clear morning, you’ll be greeted with quintessential Japan postcard scenery – Mount Fuji towering above Lake Ashi. This is especially true from autumn through winter. The chance to see Mount Fuji will depend on the weather as the peak is not visible year round. However, staying overnight will significantly increase your chances of seeing Mount Fuji in the early morning hours before the clouds arrive.

You’ll also find some of Hakone’s most popular attractions in Moto-Hakone. Hakone Shrine is a short walk away. This shrine is well known for its massive red torii gate that stands out in the lake. Sightseeing pirate ships will depart frequently throughout the day. You can take a scenic boat ride to travel between Moto-Hakone and Togendai overlooking the mountains.

Lakeview Hotels range from simple hotels by the lake to nice resorts with private onsens. Expect to pay a little bit more for hotels and guesthouses around Lake Ashi than in Hakone- Yumoto. However, most guests find it quieter and more beautiful than Hakone- Yumoto, making it worth the price.

Unlike Hakone- Yumoto, restaurants and eateries become scarce after nightfall. Most visitors end up booking hotels that provide both breakfast and dinner so that they can enjoy the serene environment.

Need a place to stay near Lake Ashi? Check out our recommendations below.

• Hotel de Yama Hakone
• Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
• The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
• Ryuguden

Sengokuhara – Best for Nature Lovers and Peaceful Escapes

Nestled on the northern plateau of Hakone is Sengokuhara, another side to Hakone entirely. Forget crowded train stations and overrun tourist traps. Here you’ll find gently rolling grasslands, peaceful forests, art museums, and stylish ryokan nestled amongst quiet nature. If you’re looking to slow down during your travels, Sengokuhara is the Hakone region for you.

The biggest draw to Sengokuhara is the Sengokuhara Susuki Grass Fields, thousands of swaying silver pampas grasses that blanket the area every autumn. This is one of Hakone’s most picturesque sights and attracts photographers from all over Japan during grass season.

A number of fantastic museums can also be found in Sengokuhara including the Pola Museum of Art, Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, and the Lalique Museum Hakone. With so many quality sights to keep you busy, you could easily spend all day exploring without ever having to travel too far.

Sengokuhara doesn’t have any train stations of its own but buses run back and forth from Gora and Lake Ashi frequently, so sightseeing is never too difficult. In fact, many visitors find the slower pace a welcome reprieve after spending a few busy days in Tokyo.

Lastly, Sengokuhara is home to a number of stylish accommodations that put more emphasis on relaxing away from it all rather than being conveniently located. Expect classy ryokan, boutique hotels, and private villas that all seamlessly merge in with the natural landscape. If your idea of a vacation consists of soaking in an onsen, indulging in seasonal local eats, and waking up to birds chirping rather than cameras flashing, then you will not be let down by Sengokuhara.

Recommended Sengokuhara hotels:

• Mount View Hakone
• Hakone Retreat
• Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
• Centurion Hakone Bettei

Kowakudani – Best for Families

Kowakudani is centrally located and offers easy access to some of Hakone’s largest attractions, making it one of Hakone’s most family-friendly areas.

Kowakudani sits right in the middle of Hakone- Yumoto and Gora on the Hakone Tozan Railway, making it extremely convenient if you’ll be spending most of your time exploring Hakone’s many attractions.

At the center of Kowakudani is Hakone Kowakien Yunessun. This indoor hot spring theme park is full of whimsical baths made to look like wine, coffee, and green tea among large pools and water slides. Yunessun is great fun for kids and is an excellent alternative to visiting an onsen if your children are too young to fully enjoy the serenity of a traditional ryokan.

Across the street from Yunessun is the Hakone Open- Air Museum, one of Japan’s premier sculpture parks. Along with giant sculptures you can walk through and play with, the museum boasts beautiful scenery and many kid-friendly exhibits.

As mentioned above, hotels in Kowakudani tend to have bigger rooms than your typical ryokan. Couple this with the family friendly attractions and you have yourself a prime location for families with small children. Kowakudani is also extremely convenient as the train and buses will take you to popular spots like Gora, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi.

Kowakudani is ideal for families who want the comfort of a nice hotel with conveniences nearby that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Hotels in Kowakudani:

• Hakone Kowakien Hotel
• Mizunoto
• Hakone Kowakien Tenyu

Miyanoshita – Best for History and Classic Luxury

Historic or heritage-focused travellers will love Miyanoshita. Established towards the end of the 19th century, Miyanoshita is one of Hakone’s original resort towns, and still feels traditional even today.

Of course, the highlight is Hakone’s most iconic hotel: the Fujiya Hotel. Enjoying over 100 years of guests ranging from royalty to politicians to movie stars, this gorgeous restored hotel is worth popping into even if you aren’t staying there.

Miyanoshita is quieter and more residential-feeling than Hakone-Yumoto or Gora. It’s perfect if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a slower pace with your significant other.

With fewer hotel options than other parts of Hakone, Miyanoshita makes up for it in style. If you’re looking for a traditional feel with some luxury, Miyanoshita has got you covered.

Ryokan or Hotel: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between staying in a ryokan versus a hotel is one of the largest decisions you will make when booking your accommodations in Hakone.

If you’ve never stayed in a ryokan, Hakone is one of the best places to visit in Japan to try it. A ryokan offers you much more than a place to sleep. When you stay in a ryokan your every need is graciously attended to, you sleep on plush futon bedding atop tatami floors, and dine on multi-course kaiseki dinners made from fresh, seasonal local ingredients. Many ryokan feature onsen, too, with naturally heated hot spring baths. You will often find private open-air onsens that attach directly to rooms as well.

Hotel rooms tend to appeal more to guests wanting convenient locations, larger rooms, or Western style beds. Hotels will also be cheaper, if budget is a concern, especially for families or groups.

If you can splurge on it, I recommend staying in a ryokan at least one night. It is an experience completely different from that of a typical hotel stay, and is usually among the highlights of any visitor’s trip to Japan.

Is a Private Onsen Worth It?

A lot of visitors will hunt high and low for a Hakone ryokan that offers a private onsen, and having stayed at one myself now, I totally get it.

Private baths mean…. privacy! Couples and families can soak together without having to worry about onsen etiquette and customising public baths. Private onsens are also great if you have tattoos, as some public baths won’t allow guests with ink to enter.

Rooms with onsens attached will be on the pricier side, but may be worth the treat for honeymooners, anniversaries, or other celebrations. Think of dipping your tired feet into hot, bubbly water infused with minerals while overlooking forests and mountains, accompanied only by the chirping of birds and cool mountain air.

If you’re new to Hakone, I would highly recommend staying at a ryokan with a private outdoor bath, budget permitting. You won’t regret it!

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hakone

Wherever you decide to stay in Hakone depends on your preferences. If you’re visiting Hakone for the first time and want access to great transportation options, Hakone-Yumoto is the easiest place to settle in. If you’re interested in staying at a luxury ryokan and taking in some of Hakone’s most memorable onsens, Gora is the spot for you.

If you’re visiting Hakone as a couple and want beautiful views, head for the Lake Ashi area. Enjoy relaxing views of the lake with your partner and maybe even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. For more nature-seeking crowds, spend your days in Sengokuhara as it’s a quieter area. If you’re traveling with kids, check out the Hakone towns around Kowakudani. They offer family-friendly attractions and larger resorts. If you enjoy historical areas with classic hotels, head to Miyanoshita.

Take your time when you visit Hakone. Whether that means soaking in an onsen or enjoying a kaiseki dinner. Hakone is a place to relax in the mountains and enjoy some of Japan’s top hospitality. Combine that with amazing mountain views and onsens and you’ve got one of Japan’s most memorable travel destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I spend one night in Hakone?

Yes. One night is enough to experience staying in a ryokan as well as visiting one or two major attractions. However, if you plan on enjoying the onsen and want to visit Lake Ashi, Owakudani and Hakone Open- Air Museum at your own pace without rushing, two nights are recommended.

If I’ve never been to Hakone before, which area should I stay in?

Most visitors find Hakone- Yumoto the easiest place to stay due to great transport links, plentiful hotels and restaurants, as well as convenient access to the rest of Hakone.

Which area has the best luxury ryokan?

The area around Gora is known to have Hakone’s best luxury ryokan. You’ll find some of the finest ryokan in Japan with private onsen and top notch kaiseki meals.

Do I need a car to travel around Hakone?

No need at all. Hakone has one of the best public transport systems in Japan and most visitors use nothing but trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and sightseeing boats.

When is the best time to visit Hakone?

Hakone is gorgeous any time of the year. Spring offers cherry blossoms, autumn brings vibrant foliage, summer is cool in the mountains, and winter often provides visitors with Hakone’s snow-free views of Mount Fuji.