Hakone is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resort towns, known for its stunning mountain scenery, relaxing onsen (hot springs), and traditional ryokan accommodations. A stay in a ryokan in Hakone offers a perfect escape from the city, allowing you to experience Japanese hospitality (omotenashi), indulge in kaiseki cuisine, and soak in natural hot springs with views of Mount Fuji.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about staying in a Hakone ryokan, from how to choose the right one to the best experiences to enjoy during your stay.
Why Stay in a Ryokan in Hakone?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a unique blend of Japanese culture, comfort, and relaxation. In Hakone, ryokan stays are particularly special because of their onsen baths fed by the region’s natural volcanic hot springs.
What Makes a Hakone Ryokan Special?
- Tatami rooms & futon bedding for an authentic Japanese stay
- Private or public onsen baths, many with views of Mount Fuji
- Multi-course kaiseki dinners featuring seasonal ingredients
- Serene mountain and lake views for ultimate relaxation
- Traditional yukata robes provided for guests
Hakone is the perfect destination for a ryokan stay, whether you’re visiting as a couple, solo traveler, or family.
Best Areas to Stay in a Hakone Ryokan
Hakone has several distinct areas, each offering unique experiences. Depending on your preference for scenery, accessibility, and ryokan amenities, here are the best places to stay:
1. Hakone-Yumoto – Easy Access & Classic Onsen Ryokan
Hakone-Yumoto is the most accessible area, located near Hakone’s entrance. It’s ideal for first-time visitors and those looking for a traditional onsen experience without long travel times.
🔹 Best For: First-time visitors, convenience, classic ryokan experience
🔹 Recommended Ryokan:
- Yoshiike Ryokan – Private onsen, beautiful garden views
- Tenseien – Large open-air baths, close to Hakone-Yumoto Station
2. Gora – Luxury Ryokan & Private Onsen
Gora is known for its upscale ryokan with private onsen baths and gourmet kaiseki dining. It’s a great choice for luxury travelers and couples.
🔹 Best For: Luxury experiences, couples, gourmet food
🔹 Recommended Ryokan:
- Gora Kadan – A former imperial retreat, ultra-luxurious onsen ryokan
- Hakone Ginyu – Private open-air baths with stunning mountain views
3. Lake Ashi – Ryokan with Mount Fuji Views
For breathtaking lake and Mount Fuji views, staying near Lake Ashi is a fantastic option. Many ryokan here offer boat cruises and nature trails nearby.
🔹 Best For: Scenic beauty, views of Mount Fuji, nature lovers
🔹 Recommended Ryokan:
- Hananoyado Fukuya – Small, intimate, with stunning lake views
- Ryuguden – Overlooks Lake Ashi, with Fuji views from its onsen
What to Expect During a Ryokan Stay in Hakone
1. Arriving at Your Ryokan
Upon arrival, staff will greet you with warm hospitality, offering you a cup of matcha tea while they prepare your room. You’ll be given a yukata robe, which you can wear throughout your stay.
2. Enjoying the Onsen (Hot Spring Bath)
Many Hakone ryokan feature private and public onsen baths with mineral-rich waters that promote relaxation and healing. Some even have open-air rotenburo baths with breathtaking mountain views.
📌 Onsen Etiquette Tip: Wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath and avoid bringing towels into the water.
3. Dining – A Kaiseki Experience
Dinner at a ryokan is a multi-course kaiseki meal, featuring beautifully prepared seasonal dishes such as:
- Fresh sashimi and grilled fish
- Local Hakone tofu and tempura
- Wagyu beef or seasonal hot pots
In the morning, you’ll enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with rice, miso soup, and grilled fish.
4. Sleeping in a Tatami Room
Your room will feature a tatami-mat floor and a futon bed, which staff will set up for you after dinner. The minimalist yet cozy setting ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.
How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo
Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo via train or bus. The best way to travel is using the Hakone Free Pass, which covers transportation and sightseeing.
🚆 By Train:
- Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station (85 minutes) to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
🚌 By Bus:
- Take the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus from Tokyo (about 2 hours).
For easy travel between different ryokan areas, use the Hakone Tozan Train and Hakone Ropeway.
If you love staying in a Hakone ryokan, you may also enjoy exploring traditional ryokan in Nagano, another famous onsen region. Nagano ryokan offer a more snowy, mountainous experience, perfect for winter travelers.
👉 Read our full guide to staying in a Nagano Ryokan here!
Best Time to Stay in a Hakone Ryokan
- Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms and mild weather 🌸
- Summer (June–August): Green mountain landscapes ☀️
- Autumn (September–November): Stunning autumn foliage 🍁
- Winter (December–February): Snowy onsen experience ❄️
Each season offers a different but equally relaxing ryokan stay in Hakone.
Conclusion
A stay in a ryokan in Hakone is the perfect way to experience Japan’s traditional hospitality and onsen culture. Whether you choose a luxurious private onsen ryokan in Gora or a scenic lakeside retreat by Lake Ashi, your time in Hakone will be unforgettable.
📌 Ready to plan your Hakone stay? Book a ryokan in Hakone today and experience the ultimate Japanese relaxation!