TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Hakone Yumoto Onsen (Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a long-established hot spring resort located at the gateway to Hakone tourism. As the starting point of the Hakone Road linking Odawara and Mount Hakone, it has been popular with travelers and pilgrims. The hot spring town is lined with shopping streets and inns that run from the station, and there are also many casual foot baths and day-trip hot spring facilities, so you can enjoy the hot spring feeling even in a short time. The hot spring water is mainly weakly alkaline simple hot spring water, which is gentle on the skin and is also known as "water for beautiful skin."
Highlights
- The hot spring town in front of Hakone-Yumoto Station: A strolling area lined with souvenir shops and restaurants. You can enjoy Hakone souvenirs and local delicacies (hot spring manju, soba noodles, etc.).
- Footbath spots: There are public footbaths in front of stations and shopping districts where you can easily soak your feet and take a break.
- Day-trip hot spring facilities: At popular facilities such as Tenzan Tojikyo and Hakone Yuryo, you can use large public baths, open-air baths, and bedrock baths.
- Long-established inns and a wide variety of accommodation options: From historic Japanese-style inns to family-friendly hotels, there are plenty of options. Meals at hot spring inns and large public baths are appealing.
- The atmosphere of the Hakone Tozan Railway: The tracks and surrounding mountain scenery are photogenic, and traveling by train itself becomes part of the sightseeing.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Hakone-Yumoto Station (direct access to Hakone Tozan Railway, Izu Hakone Railway, and Odakyu)
- From Shinjuku: Approximately 85-90 minutes by direct Odakyu Romancecar (travel time varies depending on the train)
- From Tokyo Station/Shinagawa: Approximately 35 minutes on the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara Station, then approximately 15 minutes on the Hakone Tozan Railway
- From Odawara: A short journey via JR or private railways, or by car via National Route 1 or Hakone Shindo (but traffic jams can occur on weekends)
- Note for those travelling by car: Parking is available at inns and public facilities, but it is recommended to check and make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up during the tourist season.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip + foot bath/light meal: 2-4 hours
- Day trip to the hot springs and sightseeing in the surrounding area (separate travel to Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, etc.): 1 day (including travel time if touring the entire Hakone area)
- Relaxing with a stay at the hot springs and sightseeing: 2 days and 1 night is the standard. If you want to have time to visit the tourist spots, we recommend staying 2 nights or more.
Nearby spots
- Hakone Yumoto Onsen Town (Walking and Shopping)
- A stroll along the Hakone Tozan Railway (picturesque mountain scenery)
- Hakone Yuryo and Tenzan Tojikyo (bathing facilities)
- Gora, Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine (travel by car, mountain train, or bus)
- Hakone Open-Air Museum and Pola Museum of Art (accessible by car, easy to incorporate into sightseeing routes)
- Odawara Castle (near Odawara Station, accessible by car or train)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Weekends, public holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, and the New Year's holiday period are extremely crowded. In particular, the area around Hakone-Yumoto Station, major roads, and tourist facilities are prone to congestion and full parking, so we recommend arriving early and making reservations in advance.
- Onsen etiquette: Please follow the general rules of hot springs, such as pouring water over yourself and washing your body before bathing, not putting towels in the bath, and not shouting. Many facilities will refuse entry to those with tattoos, so if necessary, cover them with a sticker or check with the facility in advance.
- Facility usage: Opening hours and available times for day-trip bathing vary by facility. Please inquire in advance, especially if you plan to use the large public bath at an inn for day-trip use.
- Seasonal notes: In winter, there is a possibility of cold weather, snow accumulation, and frozen roads, so if you are traveling by car, be sure to bring winter gear (tires, etc.) and check road information. In spring and autumn, the number of tourists increases, so make sure to book accommodation and trains early.
- Volcanic Activity Information: The Hakone area is sometimes affected by volcanic activity, which may result in access restrictions around Owakudani and the suspension of ropeway services. Please check the latest information at tourist information centers or the official website.
Hakone Yumoto is a hot spring resort that is attractive for its easy access and the convenience of its hot spring town.You can enjoy the hot springs and strolls even for a short time, and it is also a convenient base for sightseeing in Hakone, so try visiting for a day trip or overnight stay depending on your purpose.
