Where to Stay in Hakone

Hot springs, Mt. Fuji views, and traditional ryokan. Just 90 minutes from Tokyo for the quintessential Japanese getaway.

Quick Picks

First-time Hakone: Gora

Central hub, easy loop access

Budget onsen: Hakone-Yumoto

Cheapest area, easy access

Mt. Fuji views: Lake Ashi

Best photo opportunities

Romantic splurge: Lake Ashi

Luxury ryokan, scenic

Art focus: Gora/Sengokuhara

Open Air + Pola museums

Hakone Areas

Spread across volcanic highlands. The famous loop connects all areas by train, cable car, ropeway, and boat.

Hakone-Yumoto

Gateway town, accessible onsen

Best for: Day trippers, easy access, budget onsen

Pros: Closest to Tokyo, Easy train access, Many budget options, Souvenir shopping

Cons: Most touristy, Less scenic than higher areas, Crowded weekends

Station: Hakone-Yumoto Station (Romancecar terminus)

Nearby: Souvenir shops, day-use onsen, Hayakawa River walks

Price Range

Budget:¥8,000-15,000

Mid-range:¥15,000-30,000

Luxury:¥35,000+

Gora

Highland hub, art & nature

Best for: Open Air Museum visitors, cable car access, central base

Pros: Central Hakone location, Open Air Museum nearby, Cable car to Owakudani, Mix of ryokan and hotels

Cons: Limited restaurants, Need transport for lake, Can feel quiet

Station: Gora Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)

Nearby: Hakone Open Air Museum, Gora Park, cable car station

Price Range

Budget:¥10,000-18,000

Mid-range:¥18,000-40,000

Luxury:¥50,000+

Sounzan / Owakudani

Volcanic highlands, dramatic scenery

Best for: Nature lovers, ropeway views, adventure seekers

Pros: Volcanic landscape, Black egg experience, Mt. Fuji views (clear days), Unique atmosphere

Cons: Very limited lodging, Can close due to volcanic activity, Remote

Station: Sounzan Station (cable car) or Owakudani ropeway

Nearby: Owakudani hot springs, black eggs, sulfur vents

Price Range

Budget:¥12,000-20,000

Mid-range:¥20,000-45,000

Luxury:¥55,000+

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)

Lakeside luxury, Mt. Fuji views

Best for: Romantics, photographers, luxury seekers

Pros: Stunning lake views, Pirate ship cruises, Best Fuji photo ops, Premium ryokan

Cons: Far from station, Expensive area, Need transport, Fog can obscure views

Station: Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi (bus)

Nearby: Hakone Shrine torii, pirate ships, Onshi Hakone Park, lakeside walks

Price Range

Budget:¥12,000-22,000

Mid-range:¥22,000-50,000

Luxury:¥60,000-150,000+

Sengokuhara

Highland meadows, art focus

Best for: Museum lovers, quiet retreats, pampas grass season

Pros: Pola Museum nearby, Susuki grass in autumn, Quiet highland feel, Good value ryokan

Cons: Need bus/car, Few restaurants, Remote location

Station: Sengokuhara bus stop

Nearby: Pola Museum of Art, Lalique Museum, susuki fields (autumn)

Price Range

Budget:¥10,000-18,000

Mid-range:¥18,000-38,000

Luxury:¥45,000+

Hakone Tips

Hakone Free Pass is worth it

2-day pass (¥6,100 from Shinjuku) covers Romancecar, buses, boats, cable cars. Do the full loop.

Ryokan rates include meals

Most prices include kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Factor this into comparisons with hotels.

Mt. Fuji isn't guaranteed

Only visible on clear days (best Nov-Feb). Summer often has clouds. Don't plan entire trip around Fuji views.

Weekdays are dramatically cheaper

Ryokan can be 30-50% less on weekdays. Weekend prices surge, especially with holiday Mondays.

Plan Your Hakone Escape

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