Where To Stay In Hakone First Time 2024 - 6 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Hakone first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Hakone first time?
Where to stay in Hakone with kids?
Where to stay in Hakone without a car?
Where to stay in Hakone to see Mt. Fuji?
Where to stay in Hakone with private onsen?
Where to stay in Hakone on a budget?
Where to stay in Hakone with Mt. Fuji view?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Hakone
| Name of the area in Hakone | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is the gateway to Hakone and the most popular area for tourists. You can find plenty of ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels, many of which have their own hot spring baths. The area is well-connected by train and bus, making it convenient for exploring other parts of Hakone. What makes it so special: the convenience of exploring the region. *You can click on the purple or blue link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Gora is another popular area in Hakone known for its hot springs and scenic views. It’s home to several high-end ryokans and hotels with beautiful mountainside views. Gora is also a stop on the Hakone Tozan Railway, which provides access to other attractions such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Owakudani. What makes it so special: high-end resorts and ryokans with mountainside views. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Lake Ashi offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji on clear days and is a picturesque area to stay in Hakone. There are several hotels and ryokans around the lake, offering both traditional and modern accommodations. Staying near Lake Ashi also allows you to enjoy activities such as boat cruises and lakeside walks. What makes it so special: Mt. Fuji views and outdoor activities. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is located at the northern tip of Lake Ashi and is known for its historic sites, including the Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Checkpoint. Moto-Hakone offers a quieter atmosphere compared to Hakone-Yumoto and Gora, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed stay. What makes it so special: a relaxed atmosphere and its historic sites. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Sengokuhara is located in the highlands of Hakone and offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside. This area is known for its open-air museums, hiking trails, and hot spring resorts. Accommodations in Sengokuhara range from luxury ryokans to budget-friendly hotels. What makes it so special: the views, hiking trails, and hot spring resorts. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Hakone-machi offers a quiet lakeside setting with breathtaking views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains, providing a serene retreat for those seeking relaxation. It’s conveniently located near several attractions, making it an ideal choice for a well-rounded Hakone experience. What makes it so special: good location in a relaxed setting. |
Where to stay in Hakone first time
The best areas to stay in Hakone first time are Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), Moto-Hakone, Sengokuhara, and Hakone-machi.
Many tourists tend to stay in or as close as possible to Hakone-Yumoto as this is the most convenient area to explore the region.
It’s well-connected by train and bus and you can find many ryokans and hotels here.
For a more upscale experience that comes with incredible views, stay in Gora.
Lake Ashi is particularly known for its views of Mount Fuji and the great access to outdoor activities.
Moto-Hakone also has great views of the famous mountain, but also for its great access to the historic sites.
Sengokuhara is located in the highlands of Hakone and automatically is a great option for those who appreciate mountain views, hiking trails but also hot spring resorts.
Hakone-machi is known for its convenient location in a relaxed setting and also offers good views of Mount Fuji.
Where to stay in Hakone with kids
The best areas to stay in Hakone with kids are Hakone-Yumoto and Gora.
Although all six areas that we describe in this article are family-friendly, these two areas are by far the most convenient ones, especially when travelling with kids.
Hakone-Yumoto is the most popular area in Hakone in general.
You can find an abundance of hotels and ryokans here, in all budget classes and with plenty of family-friendly amenities.
It’s also well-connected to public transport, so exploring the region is a piece of cake.
Gora is a more upscale experience, and if your budget allows it, a fantastic area to stay in.
As it’s connected to the Hakone Tozan Railway, you can easily reach other attractions such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Owakudani.
If you’re planning to do plenty of outdoor activities, consider staying at Lake Ashi, although you can easily arrange these outdoor activities from either Hakone-Yumoto or Gora.
Lake Ashi does offer beautiful views, though, in a calm setting.
Where to stay in Hakone without a car
The best areas to stay in Hakone without a car are Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Lake Ashi, and Sengokuhara.
Out of these four areas, Hakone-Yumoto is the most convenient area.
For the majority of the tourists, this area is sufficient to explore the region without much hassle.
It’s well-connected by train and bus.
For a more upscale experience, stay at Gora, which is connected to the Hakone Tozan Railway.
When you appreciate the great views of Mt. Fuji and outdoor activities, consider staying at Lake Ashi. It’s well-connected by bus.
Sengokuhara is a quiet area known for its natural beauty and museums like the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
It’s also easily accessible by bus from Hakone-Yumoto.
That said, Hakone-Yumoto is for most travellers the best choice.
Where to stay in Hakone to see Mt. Fuji
The best areas to stay in Hakone to see Mt. Fuji are Sengokuhara and Hakone-Yumoto.
There are several options to see Mt. Fuji.
You can take the bus, go for a hike, or take the ropeway to properly see Japan’s most iconic mountain.
If you stay in Sengokuhara, you can take a short hike up Mt. Kintoki.
Once you reach the top, you have one of the best views of Mt. Fuji you can possibly imagine.
But it’s also possible to take the bus to Gotemba, which is at the base of Mt. Fuji.
The Hakone Ropeway also offers spectacular views.
Both the ropeway as well as the bus are best accessed via the convenient area of Hakone-Yumoto.
With that being said, it’s also possible to stay in one of the other areas, and simply take the bus to either Sengokuhara (for the hike) or Hakone-Yumoto (to take public transport).
Keep in mind that Mt. Fuji is best viewed during the winter and views are not always guaranteed due to the weather conditions.
You also have the possibility to stay in an area in Hakone with Mt. Fuji view.
Where to stay in Hakone with private onsen
The best areas to stay in Hakone with private onsen are Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), and Sengokuhara.
We’ve selected some of the best accommodations in Hakone that offer private onsens at the bottom of this article.
Where to stay in Hakone on a budget
The best areas to stay in Hakone on a budget are Hakone-Yumoto and Moto-Hakone.
Hakone-Yumoto is the most complete area in Hakone that comes with a lot of convenience.
It’s the main gateway to Hakone and offers a large variety of accommodations, including budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and hostels.
The area is for most tourists their first choice.
When travelling on a stricter budget, you can also consider staying at Moto-Hakone.
Located at the northern tip of Lake Ashi, the area offers a quieter and less touristy atmosphere compared to other parts of Hakone.
You can also find affordable accommodation options, such as guesthouses or budget-friendly ryokans while enjoying beautiful views of the lake and access to nearby attractions like Hakone Shrine, but it’s not as convenient as Hakone-Yumoto.
Areas like Gora, Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), and Sengokuhara offer more upscale accommodations, so they are less suitable for budget-conscious travelers.
Where to stay in Hakone with Mt. Fuji view
The best areas to stay in Hakone with a Mt. Fuji view are Hakone-machi, Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), and Moto-Hakone.
These areas are situated around Lake Ashi, which means that the views of Mt. Fuji are not blocked.
It’s important to note that the visibility of Mount Fuji is weather-dependent, so it’s not guaranteed to be visible at all times.
Mt. Fuji is best viewed in the winter months.
We’ve selected some of the best accommodations in Hakone with Mt. Fuji view at the bottom of this article.
1. Hakone-Yumoto
Without a doubt, Hakone-Yumoto is the most popular area to stay in Hakone.
This area serves as the main gateway to Hakone, making it easily accessible by train from Tokyo and other major cities.
It’s a also convenient starting point for exploring the Hakone region.
Many tourists travel to Hakone without a car, and most of these tourists stay in Hakone-Yumoto.
But there are many other factors why it’s such a popular area.
You can find a huge variety of accommodations, including ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), hotels, guesthouses, and hostels.
That means that it caters to every budget and type of traveller.
The area is also renowned for its hot springs (onsen), with many accommodations featuring their own hot spring baths.
We’ve handpicked a few hotels in Hakone with private onsen at the bottom of this article.
Hakone-Yumoto has a good variety of dining options, ranging from local Japanese cuisine to international fare.
There are also souvenir shops and local markets where you can shop for unique Hakone souvenirs.
Being a transportation hub within Hakone, with bus and train connections to various attractions and scenic spots, you automatically have access to all the benefits that the other recommended areas have.
So, what’s not to like about this area?
First of all, this area is the most crowded and touristy compared to all the other parts of Hakone.
Secondly, if you’re looking for accommodation with Mt. Fuji views, you should stay elsewhere.
And lastly, during peak season, prices do increase in this popular area compared to the other less touristy areas.
But other than that, for the majority of the tourists, this is the most convenient and complete area.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hakone in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Gora
Gora is nestled in the mountains and offers beautiful views over Hakone’s landscapes.
The area is particularly known for its hot springs, with many ryokans and hotels offering their own onsen facilities.
Here, you can indulge in the therapeutic benefits of soaking in natural hot spring water while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the area.
Gora is home to cultural attractions such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which features an impressive collection of sculptures and artworks set amidst beautiful gardens.
Also, you can explore the Hakone Museum of Art, showcasing traditional Japanese ceramics and paintings.
This area is an upscale area, and if your budget allows it and you love to experience the famous hot springs in Hakone, this is your best option.
Although you’re located in the mountains, you still have great access to public transport.
It’s easy to visit nearby attractions such as Sengokuhara, Lake Ashi, and Owakudani by bus or the Hakone Tazon Railway.
The latter is a scenic mountain railway renowned for its picturesque views.
We highly recommend you take this memorable train journey through the mountains, passing by charming stations and scenic views along the way.
Is there anything not to like about this area?
First of all, it’s a quiet area, so there is not much to do aside from enjoying the comforts of your hotel or ryokan, the hot springs, and the views.
Secondly, as it’s located in the mountains, expect a hilly terrain.
Lastly, you won’t find many dining options here either. In most cases, you solely rely on the food of your accommodation, unless you take the bus to another area.
But if you want to experience the famous hot springs in Hakone and your budget allows it, Gora is probably your best option!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hakone in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
One of the main reasons why Lake Ashi is a popular area is because it offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji (on clear days).
Even if you’re staying in areas like Hakone-Yumoto or Gora, you probably still visit the lake area for the views.
Another reason why people visit or stay in Lake Ashi is because of the outdoor activities it provides.
There are several hiking trails that you can explore, but you can also take a boat cruise on the lake or have a leisurely stroll next to the waters.
If you’re into recreational activities, it’s an excellent option.
For example, Lake Ashi is dotted with cultural attractions, including historic sites such as the Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Checkpoint.
You can also find several ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels that feature their own hot spring baths (onsen).
When you want to combine outdoor activities, hot springs, and Mt. Fuji views, Lake Ashi is your best option.
And as you’re well-connected by public transport, you can easily take the bus to the more bustling areas, because there are fewer dining options in this area.
Also, you completely depend on the weather if your stay will be a success.
But if the weather is good, the views will simply blow you away!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hakone in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Moto-Hakone
Moto-Hakone is located at the northern tip of Lake Ashi and is known for its historic sites, including the Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Checkpoint.
The area offers a quieter atmosphere compared to Hakone-Yumoto and Gora, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed stay.
It’s particularly known for the stunning views of Lake Ashi and its surrounding mountains.
You can easily take boat cruises as Moto-Hakone serves as a departure point.
These boat cruises are highly recommended as they offer breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Moto-Hakone is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails, which also provide spectacular views.
If you appreciate a quiet area surrounded by beautiful nature, consider staying at Moto-Hakone.
However, there are a few things that you should know about.
Moto-Hakone is a relatively small and quiet area compared to other parts of Hakone, which means that there are fewer dining and shopping options available.
There are also fewer accommodation options compared to the larger towns like Hakone-Yumoto or Gora.
If you do want to stay in this area, make sure to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Lastly, getting around Moto-Hakone is more challenging compared to the other areas as bus schedules are limited.
In return, you do stay in a beautiful, serene area with impressive views.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hakone in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Sengokuhara
Sengokuhara is known for its stunning natural landscapes.
You can enjoy scenic walks or hikes along the area’s picturesque trails, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Hakone’s countryside.
One of these trails leads to Mt. Kintoki.
From there, you have one of the best views of Mt. Fuji you can possibly imagine if the weather allows you to.
The area is also home to several open-air museums, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Hakone Lalique Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of art and sculptures amidst beautiful outdoor settings.
Sengokuhara boasts a variety of ryokans and hotels with their own hot spring baths (onsen), allowing you to relax and unwind in the therapeutic waters while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Sengokuhara is easily accessible by public transportation, with bus services connecting the area to other parts of Hakone.
But keep in mind that Sengokuhara is a remote location, which means that there are limited dining and entertainment options available.
The people who book accommodation in Sengokuhara mainly do that because of the views in combination with the onsens.
For more dining and entertainment options, you do have to take the bus to places like Hakone-Yumoto and Gora.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hakone in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Hakone-machi
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Hakone in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Accommodations in Hakone with private onsen
Having a private onsen with all the care that comes with it often doesn’t come cheap.
I did my best to handpick four different accommodations in Hakone with private onsen that suit several budget classes.
The luxurious ones come with the full treatment, including top-notch food.
But it’s still possible to find affordable accommodation in Hakone with private onsen as you can see below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Accommodations in Hakone with Mt. Fuji view
For the best Mount Fuji views, you should actually stay in Fujikawaguchiko, which lies about 60 kilometers northwest of Hakone.
However, you can still have Mount Fuji views in Hakone, if the weather allows it.
Below, you find three great options to see Mount Fuji in the backdrop while staying in Hakone.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.