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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot spring theme park located in Hakone Town (Ashigarashimo District), Kanagawa Prefecture. Since opening in 1994, it has gained popularity as a "fun hot spring facility" that expands the ways to enjoy hot springs. In addition to the traditional open-air and indoor baths, it also features unique "various baths" such as wine baths, coffee baths, and green tea baths, as well as water slides and indoor and outdoor pool zones, making it a place that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, including families, couples, and groups of friends.
The facility is roughly divided into "Yunessun (hot spring theme park/swimsuit area)" and "nude bath area (natural hot spring spa) including Tennen Spa and the traditional large baths of Kowakien." The appeal is that you can choose how you want to use the facility depending on whether you want to have fun or relax.
Highlights
- Unique baths: There are many themed baths, such as a wine bath, coffee bath, green tea bath, and sake bath. They are also great for taking photos.
- Spa Zone (Yunessun): A group of attractions where you can enjoy hot springs and water play, including indoor and outdoor pools, a flowing water pool, and water slides.
- Natural hot spring (nude bath) area: Enjoy authentic hot spring bathing in a traditional open-air bath or indoor bath using natural hot spring water (swimsuits not permitted here, separate fee applies).
- Family-friendly facilities: Children's pool, rest area, restaurant, souvenir shop, etc.
- Seasonal events: There are seasonal events such as water play events in the summer and hot spring events in the winter.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: It is convenient to take a bus from Kowakidani Station, Gora Station, or Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway.
- Train + bus (general route)
- Hakone-Yumoto Station → Take the Hakone Tozan Bus (towards Gora) and get off at "Kowakien" or "Yunessun-mae" (approximately 20 minutes).
- Odawara Station → Take the Hakone Tozan bus or train via Hakone-Yumoto (travel time varies depending on the departure point, approximately 40-60 minutes).
- By car: Head towards Hakone via the Tomei Expressway Atsugi IC or the Odawara Atsugi Road. There is a paid parking lot at the facility (number of spaces is limited, and the lot may be full during peak hours).
- Direct bus/shuttle: Direct tourist buses and hotel shuttles may operate depending on the season and your plan, so it is useful to check in advance.
- Note: The roads within Hakone are winding, so it is best to use a bus or taxi. Access times may vary depending on traffic conditions and the season.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Yunessun (Swimsuit Zone) only: Approximately 2-3 hours (3 hours or more if you want to enjoy multiple attractions).
- If you include the natural hot springs (nude baths): Approximately 3 to 5 hours (including leisurely baths and breaks).
- If you are combining accommodation with sightseeing in the surrounding area: We recommend spending half a day to a full day at Yunessun and combining it with other tourist attractions.
Nearby spots
- Hakone Open-Air Museum (close to the Hakone Tozan Railway, accessible by foot or bus) — Featuring outdoor sculptures and expansive gardens.
- Gora Park — Enjoy the flower garden and craft experiences.
- Hakone Tozan Railway (mountain train) — Highlights include the scenery from the train window and the switchbacks.
- Lake Ashi (Hakone Shrine, sightseeing boat) - Hakone's most popular tourist spot (accessible by car or bus).
- Owakudani (volcanic eruption area) - Restrictions apply depending on volcanic activity. Please check in advance.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded on weekends, consecutive holidays (Golden Week, Obon, New Year's), and during the summer holidays. There is a high chance of waiting to enter or the parking lot being full, so we recommend arriving early or visiting on a weekday.
- What to wear and bring: Swimsuits and rash guards are required at Yunessun. Towels can be brought or rented (for a fee). Swimsuits are not permitted in the nude bath (natural hot spring) area, so if you wish to use it, you will need to pay an additional fee and prepare to change into clothes.
- Tattoos: Rules vary by facility. You may be refused entry to nude bathing areas in particular, so be sure to check the official website or front desk beforehand.
- Health precautions: If you have just drunk alcohol, have heart disease or a serious chronic illness, or are pregnant, refrain from bathing or consult your doctor. Avoid prolonged use of the hot bath and be sure to drink plenty of water.
- Bringing children: Although it has a strong theme park feel, some of the special baths contain alcohol or other irritating ingredients, so please be careful with small children. Please keep an eye on them.
- Weather and season: In winter, take precautions against the cold (when changing clothes outdoors and moving around), and in summer, take precautions against crowds and heatstroke. Sightseeing in the surrounding area, such as Owakudani, may be restricted due to volcanic activity or bad weather.
- Opening hours and fees: These may change depending on the season and day of the week, so please check the official website in advance for the latest information (opening hours, admission fees, event information).
