Hakone is a popular onsen town not too far from Tokyo, making it a great overnight trip (one of my favourites!). You can enjoy hot springs, nature, art museums and lovely views of Mount Fuji. As it only takes around 90 minutes to get to Hakone from Tokyo, you could take a day trip, but for the best experience, you’ll want to spend at least a couple of nights here. Especially when staying at an accommodation with an onsen.
Even though Hakone isn’t very big, there are plenty of ryokan and hotels to choose from. Having stayed in Hakone myself, I’ve put together this guide with the best places to stay, including options for private onsen, people with tattoos, kaiseki dinner and more.
IMPORTANT: Most hotels and ryokans in Hakone don’t open up bookings until around 3–6 months before the date. If you can’t find any hotels with availability, you may be too early.
In a Rush? Best Places to Stay in Hakone (& Map)
If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read the full article, here are my top picks for where to stay in Hakone. I have added more info on these ryokans/hotels further down this guide.
| Hotel/Ryokan | Highlights | Book Now | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Mount Fuji Views | Hakone Green Plaza Hotel |
| Book Here |
| Best Luxury/Honeymoon | Gora Kadan |
| Book Here |
| Best Budget-Friendly | RoheN HAKONEYUMOTO |
| Book Here |
| Best Tattoo-Friendly | Gora Kansuiro |
| Book Here |
Ryokans in Hakone, especially those with good views and private onsen, book up very quickly. If you’re planning to book one of these hotels and they are still available, it’s best to lock them in as soon as possible.
Purple: Overall best place to stay & best onsen
Pink: Best access to and from Tokyo
Dark Blue: Mount Fuji views
Light Blue: Tattoo-friendly
Note on Transport in Hakone & Luggage
Hakone is not very walkable, so unless you’re staying in Yumoto or Gora (which can be reached by bus or the Touzan railway line), you will have to consider your luggage.
Most hotels don’t allow check-in until 3 pm, but may offer luggage storage before that. However, that also means you have to head to the hotel before exploring the rest of Hakone, which can be a waste of time. On top of that, dragging your oversized luggage on the local buses in Hakone isn’t easy and isn’t very considerate to locals and other travellers.
Your best bet is to use luggage transfer if you’re travelling by public transport (unless you’re staying near the station). Most luggage transfers take at least one day, so depending on the rest of your itinerary in Japan, you may want to take an overnight backpack to Hakone and send your larger luggage to the next hotel. I’ve done this before when staying in Motohakone, so we could do half the Hakone loop, stay overnight, and continue it the next day.
Or, you can use the handy same-day luggage transfer offered from Hakone-Yumoto Station. If you arrive before noon, they will drop your luggage at your hotel later that afternoon. It costs ¥1,500–¥2,500 per luggage, depending on the size and lets you travel around Hakone without any hassle. You can reserve this service online or do so at the station.
If you’re using a rental car, it’s a bit easier to get to most of the accommodation in Hakone, especially with luggage. Just make sure to check if they have parking available and if there are any extra charges to use it.
Overall Best Place to Stay in Hakone: Gora
In my opinion, Gora is the best place to stay for first-time visitors. It’s very accessible from Hakone Yumoto Station on public transport (even easier if you use the luggage transfer service I mentioned earlier), it’s on the Hakone Loop, making it perfect for sightseeing before and after your stay, and there is a lot to see and do nearby.
Despite it being a convenient place to stay in Hakone, it is still very serene and quiet. The nature is beautiful, and Gora is home to some of the best onsen in Hakone. You really cannot go wrong staying here. If you have tattoos, you can even stay in Gora Kansuiro, which is tattoo-friendly throughout (even in the public baths).
Downsides: There are some cheaper options with Gora, but many of the hotels are 4* or 5*.
Gora Kadan (4*)
- Onsen: Two large public baths (outdoor and indoor) & private onsen.
- Private Onsen Available?: Private bath and sauna can be booked for free for 40 minutes. Some rooms also come with a private onsen (different types available).
- Dinner & Breakfast: Full kaiseki dinner and breakfast are included with any stay.
- Accessibility: 6-minute walk from Chokokunomori Station (35-minute train from Hakone Yumoto Station) or a 17-minute taxi ride from Hakone Yumoto Station.
- Room Style: Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors, with both Western beds and futons.
This incredibly luxurious ryokan is one of those once-in-a-lifetime stays, especially if you go for one of the rooms with a private bath. There are quite a few to choose from, including one with a stone open-air bath or one with a Cypress bath. The public baths are even more gorgeous.
A beautifully presented multi-course kaiseki dinner and breakfast are included with your stay, giving you the full ryokan experience. They offer spa treatments, including massages.
It is a more expensive stay, but it’s perfect if you want to splurge for a special, unforgettable night away.
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu (5*)
- Onsen: Two open-air public baths with an infinity-edge.
- Private Onsen Available?: Every room comes with an open-air private bath.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Breakfast and dinner available. Dinner options include kaiseki, teppanyaki, or a buffet.
- Accessibility: 7-minute walk from the nearest bus stop (18-minute bus ride from Hakone Yumoto Station), or a 17-minute taxi drive from Hakone Yumoto Station.
- Room Style: Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors and Western beds.
Not quite like a ryokan, but more like a luxurious Japanese-style hotel. It can be a great choice for a relaxing night away. All 150 rooms come with a balcony and open-air hot spring bath, plus there are two public baths with an infinity-edge.
There are multiple dinner options available, including kaiseki and teppanyaki or a more laid-back buffet. All rooms look out over nature, making it the perfect place to wind down for a night or two.
Hakone Yutowa (4*)
- Onsen: Two large public baths and two private baths (all indoor).
- Private Onsen Available?: Two private onsen that can be reserved.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Breakfast included, dinner can be included for an additional charge (half-buffet style, main dish is ordered).
- Accessibility: 5-minute walk from Chokokunomori Station (35-minute train from Hakone Yumoto Station) or a 17-minute taxi ride from Hakone Yumoto Station.
- Room Style: Japanese-style rooms with Western beds in the “Hotel”, and more Western villas with Western beds in the “Condominium”.
One of the big advantages of Hakone Yutowa is that, despite being a 4* hotel, they have a wide range of more affordable rooms. Some of these are quite affordable. You will see later in this guide that staying overnight in Hakone can be quite expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.
The villas are more expensive, but house more people and come with a private kitchen.
There are two large public baths and two indoor baths you can reserve, all indoors. A breakfast buffet is included with your stay, but dinner is also available. It’s a half-buffet style, where you can order your main course and use the buffet for the rest.
Easiest Access from Tokyo: Hakone Yumoto & Tonosawa
Hakone Yumoto is where you’ll arrive in Hakone if you’re using public transport, and with Yonosawa just next door, these areas make for a great place to stay with easy access to and from Tokyo (and the rest of Hakone). The Haya River runs through these areas, and despite being next to the main train station in Hakone, there is a lot of nature around.
Downsides: Accommodation here can sell out quickly as it’s a popular location.
Yama No Chaya / 山の茶屋 (4*)
- Onsen: Multiple public onsen baths available.
- Private Onsen Available?: 11 of the 15 rooms have a private outdoor hot spring bath.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Kaiseki dinner and breakfast included
- Accessibility: 17-minute walk or 3-minute taxi ride from Hakone Yumoto Station, 5-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.
- Room Style: Japanese-style rooms, rooms with futon and/or Western beds available.
Surrounded by the mountains, Yama no Chaya is one of the best places to stay in Hakone. It’s only a short 3-minute taxi ride from the train station. The majority of the rooms come with a private open-air bath, and all guests have access to the multiple public baths, powered by the ryokan’s own hot spring.
The rooms are all stunning, with a mix of futon and more Western beds (check which one you’d prefer when booking a specific room!), and prices include a multi-course traditional kaiseki dinner and breakfast.
Kinnotake Tonosawa (Adults Only 4*)
- Onsen: No public onsen, but all rooms have a private open-air bath.
- Private Onsen Available?: All rooms have a private, open-air bath.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Kaiseki dinner (wagyu option available) and breakfast are included.
- Accessibility: 5-minute bus/taxi ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station, or use the hotel’s free Limousine Service (let them know three days in advance).
- Room Style: Modern Japanese, more luxurious. Mix of Western beds and futons.
This adults-only hotel is the perfect option for a romantic getaway or honeymoon stay. It’s probably the most expensive choice in this guide, but it’s also the most luxurious.
The rooms are a lot more modern compared to other ryokans, and all come with a terrace and a private, open-air bath.
The multi-course kaiseki dinner also had a wagyu option, and breakfast is also included with your stay. There is also an on-site spa (with treatments), pool, sauna, gym, bar and restaurant.
Gyokutei (4*)
- Onsen: Indoor public onsen with views of the surrounding mountains.
- Private Onsen Available?: Every room has a private onsen.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Traditional kaiseki dinner & breakfast served in guest room.
- Accessibility: 10-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
- Room Style: Japanese rooms with futon beds.
This beautiful, traditional ryokan sits only a short 10-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station. All rooms have tatami floors, futon beds and a private hot spring bath. The floor-to-ceiling windows let you look out into the Japanese garden with a koi pond.
During your stay, you’ll also have access to the public indoor baths. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay, and are served to your room in a multi-course kaiseki style.
RoheN HAKONEYUMOTO
- Onsen: No public onsen, only private onsen.
- Private Onsen Available?: Private onsen available for hire at additional cost.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Only breakfast is included.
- Accessibility: 8-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
- Room Style: Western-style private rooms, cheaper dormitory beds also available.
Most ryokans in Hakone come at a pretty high price tag, but not this one. Despite being very cheap, the hotel has a stylish look. The concrete mixed with warm wood and large windows gives it a premium feel.
There are multiple private rooms you can book. They are a bit small, but it’s great value for the low price. Plus, they are very cosy, not like the business hotels you get in the city. Breakfast is included, but you do have to pay extra to book the private onsen onsite.
For solo travellers, you can also book a very cheap single bed in a dormitory room, including breakfast. Plus, they are very cosy, not like the business hotels you get in the city. Breakfast is included, but you do have to pay extra to book the private onsen onsite.
Visiting Hakone for a couple of days? The Hakone Free Pass could save you a lot of money (including return tickets from Tokyo and free public transport inside Hakone). Check out our guide on whether the Hakone Free Pass is worth it for your trip.
Where to Stay in Hakone for Mount Fuji Views
One of the big selling points of Hakone is that you get to enjoy the beauty of Mount Fuji. Even though there are other places where you can see Mount Fuji more clearly, like Kawaguchiko, Hakone is still a great spot to see it. And what better place to see it than from an onsen or your hotel room?
Even though Mount Fuji is covered by some other mountains, depending on where you are in Hakone, there are some places that give you beautiful views of Japan’s most famous volcano. The Motohakone (around Lake Ashi) and Sengokuhara areas are best for unobstructed views. It’s one of my personal favourite spots, as my husband proposed to me in Motohakone, so it’s got a special place in my heart.
Hakone Green Plaza Hotel (4*)
- Onsen: Public onsen with beautiful Mount Fuji views.
- Private Onsen Available?: Some of the rooms have a private open-air bath with Mount Fuji views.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Dinner and breakfast are included, buffet-style.
- Accessibility: 5-minute walk from Ubako Station (halfway through the Hakone Loop), or 25-minute taxi drive from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
- Room Style: Mix of Japanese style (with futon) and more Western style (with bed).
Hakone Green Plaza Hotel gives you the best Mount Fuji views from hotels I’ve come across in Hakone. It does have a special place in my heart, as I stayed here the day I got engaged!
The views from the private onsen and the public onsen are unmatched. Mount Fuji is pretty much fully visible! They offer Western- and Japanese-style rooms, so there’s something for everyone.
When I stayed here, we went with one of the rooms that included a private onsen and was facing Mount Fuji (see my video below!), which was a bit more expensive than the other rooms, but 100% worth it.
Dinner and breakfast are included with the room rate and can be enjoyed in the restaurant area. Both dinner and breakfast are buffets, with more than enough choices of both Japanese and Western dishes. It’s not as nice as a full kaiseki dinner, but we still very much enjoyed it (especially for the much lower price!).
The location may be the only slight downside because it’s harder to get to than accommodation in Yumoto or Gora, but that’s the price you pay for the incredible views. The hotel is located pretty much on the Hakone Loop, so if you’re planning to go sightseeing in Hakone too, you can easily make it here (just use the luggage forwarding, or bring an overnight bag instead). Alternatively, you can get a 25-minute taxi ride from the station.
Rakuten Stay Fujimi Terrace (2*)
- Onsen: Private onsen in every room.
- Private Onsen Available?: All rooms come with a private semi-open-air onsen.
- Dinner & Breakfast: No on-site restaurant.
- Accessibility: 4-minute walk from the nearest bus station (30-minute bus ride from Hakone Yumoto Station), or a 19-minute taxi ride from Hakone Yumoto Station.
- Room Style: Modern apartment with Western beds.
Located at the edge of Lake Ashi, these lovely apartments give you some of the best views in Hakone, straight from your private onsen. The rooms come with a kitchen and washing machine, making it great for a mid-trip stay.
There is no restaurant on-site, and the restaurants near Lake Ashi do close very early, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Ryuguden (4*)
- Onsen: Four public baths, two indoor and two outdoor.
- Private Onsen Available?: Some rooms come with a private onsen.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Kaiseki-style multi-course dinner and Japanese set meal breakfast included in your stay.
- Accessibility: 1-minute walk from nearest bus stop (45-minute bus ride from Hakone Yumoto Station), or a 30-minute taxi ride from Hakone Yumoto Station. The ryokan also offers a free shuttle bus from Odawara Station straight to the hotel (50 minutes).
- Room Style: Japanese-style rooms with futon or Western beds.
Another beautiful ryokan on the edge of Lake Ashi (very close to Hakone Shrine), Ryugudon gives all guests a view of the lake and Mount Fuji. The higher floors have the best views. You have a choice between Western beds or futons, and some rooms also come with a private hot spring bath.
You can even book activities like yoga, kayaking or a segway tour. Dinner and breakfast are included too.
Where to Stay in Hakone with Tattoos
Most of Hakone’s onsen are not tattoo-friendly. Japan has a bit of a complicated history with tattoos, and even though they are generally more and more accepted, many ryokans and onsen still don’t allow people with visible tattoos to enter. There are exceptions, including towns like Kinosaki Onsen and Beppu that are tattoo-friendly, but Hakone isn’t.
Some ryokans and onsen in Hakone will be okay with you covering up your tattoos, but some will outright refuse you. To avoid any complications, it’s best to do your research beforehand to avoid any surprises. I have found a few ryokans in Hakone that allow tattooed guests to stay and enjoy their onsen.
Alternatively, some ryokans have a private onsen, which you can use if you have tattoos. For all the other ryokans I mentioned above, I’ve highlighted whether or not they have a private onsen available, so they can also be an option if you have tattoos.
Gora Kansuiro (4*)
- Onsen: Four hot spring baths, two indoor and two outdoor.
- Private Onsen Available?: Some rooms have a private hot spring bath.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Full kaiseki dinner and breakfast.
- Accessibility: 4-minute walk from Gora Station (35 minutes from Hakone Yumoto Station) or a 15-minute taxi ride from Hakone Yumoto Station.
- Room Style: Japanese style with futon beds.
If you’re looking for the full, luxury hot spring stay that is tattoo-friendly, Gora Kansuiro is your best bet. The four baths are public and completely tattoo-friendly. No matter how big your tattoos are, you won’t have to cover up.
The beautiful rooms are in full ryokan-style with tatami floors, shoji screens and sliding doors. Some of the rooms even come with a private hot spring.
The dinners served here are full kaiseki style, freshly made with seasonal ingredients (menu changes every two months). You’ll also get to enjoy a full Japanese breakfast in the morning.
Onsen Guest House Tsutaya (2*)
- Onsen: Four public baths, two indoor and two outdoor.
- Private Onsen Available?: No private baths available.
- Dinner & Breakfast: No dinner or breakfast.
- Accessibility: 5-minute walk from Hotel-mae bus stop (12-minute bus ride from Hakone Yumoto Station), or a 12-minute taxi ride from Hakone Yumoto Station.
- Room Style: Tatami-rooms with Western beds (available with or without private bathroom), or cheaper beds in the dormitory.
If you want to experience a public onsen even though you have visible tattoos, Onsen Guest House Tsutaya is the place to go. They have four public baths (two indoor and two outdoor), which are all tattoo-friendly throughout (no need to cover up).
There are rooms available with tatami floors and comfortable Western beds. Cheaper beds are an option in the dormitory (with shared bathroom).
There is no option for dinner or breakfast at the hotel, but for such a good price for the stay, you can easily grab food nearby instead.
Fuji-Hakone Guest House (2*)
- Onsen: Two private baths (one indoor, one outdoor).
- Private Onsen Available?: Two private baths, one indoor, one outdoor. Indoor bath is included in the room rate, outdoor bath costs an additional ¥500.
- Dinner & Breakfast: Affordable breakfast available at additional cost.
- Accessibility: One-minute walk from Senkyoro-mae bus stop, which can be reached by bus within 30 minutes from Hakone Yumoto station. Alternatively, you can get a 20-minute taxi from Hakone Yumoto station.
- Room Style: Japanese-style with futon beds.
Fuji-Hakone Guest House is one of the only places in Hakone that welcomes guests with tattoos without any restrictions. The guest house doesn’t have any public onsen, so since they’re all for private use, having tattoos is no problem.
There are two onsen, one indoor bath (which is included in the room rate) and one outdoor bath (which you can reserve at an additional ¥500).
If you don’t want to stay overnight, but just use the private baths, you can hire them at ¥1,500 per hour. Since it’s a guest house, staying here is considerably cheaper compared to a lot of other accommodations in Hakone, so it’s the perfect budget-friendly option.
Yunessun is often mentioned as a “tattoo-friendly” option in Hakone, but it’s not really the traditional onsen experience. This resort spa is more like a swimming pool, and tattoos are only allowed in the areas where you wear a swimsuit, and they are fully covered. There is an onsen area where you bathe naked, like a traditional onsen, but tattoos are not allowed here. It really is more like a swimming theme park. I wouldn’t recommend it!
Conclusion: Best Place to Stay in Hakone
There are so many options in Hakone, but one for everybody. You can really make it as cheap or expensive as you like, add kaiseki dinner, a private onsen, Mount Fuji views and more. Luckily, there are options for visitors with tattoos too!
I hope this guide helped you pick the perfect accommodation in Hakone! Also check out our guide to spending six days in Tokyo for more travel inspiration.
