Best Places to Stay in Hakone, Japan: Where to Sleep for Onsen, Views, and Easy Transport
Hakone is one of those rare destinations that works for almost every kind of traveler. Want a classic ryokan with a multi-course kaiseki dinner and steaming hot springs? Hakone delivers. Prefer a stylish hotel with lake views, a private bath, and easy access to the Hakone Ropeway? Also doable. Traveling with family, friends, or a bigger budget? There are spacious resorts, cozy guesthouses, and modern serviced stays that make the area surprisingly flexible.
But here’s the catch: Hakone isn’t one compact town. It’s a collection of small areas spread across mountains, valleys, and a lake. Where you stay changes your whole trip—your commute time, the vibe around you at night, what you see from your room, and how easy it is to reach the famous attractions like Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and the Open-Air Museum.
This guide breaks down the best places to stay in Hakone by neighborhood and travel style, then dives into the types of accommodations you’ll find—from traditional ryokan to modern hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses. It’s written for real trip planning: what feels convenient, what feels special, and what’s worth paying extra for.
Quick Overview: The Best Areas to Stay in Hakone
If you’re searching “where to stay in Hakone,” you’ll usually see the same place names pop up. The difference is knowing why you’d choose one over another. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Hakone-Yumoto – Best for first-timers, quick access from Tokyo, lots of ryokan and restaurants, and easy transport connections.
- Gora – Best for onsen + sightseeing, close to the ropeway and museums, with a calm mountain resort feel.
- Lake Ashi (Moto-Hakone / Hakone-machi) – Best for iconic views, lake walks, and a quieter, scenic atmosphere.
- Sengokuhara – Best for nature lovers, open landscapes, pampas grass fields, and a more “highlands” vibe.
- Miyanoshita – Best for history and classic hotel charm, with a slower pace and beautiful old architecture.
Not sure? If you only have one night and want easy logistics, stay in Hakone-Yumoto. If you want the “full Hakone loop” experience and plan to ride the ropeway, stay in Gora. If you’re coming for views and a relaxing pace, stay near Lake Ashi.
What Type of Stay Fits Your Hakone Trip?
Before picking a neighborhood, decide what kind of accommodation you actually want. Hakone is famous for ryokan—traditional inns with tatami rooms, futons, and onsen baths—but you’ll also find plenty of Western-style hotels, minimalist boutique stays, and casual guesthouses.
Ryokan: The “Hakone Classic” (Onsen + Kaiseki)
If you want the cultural experience, choose a ryokan for at least one night. A typical ryokan stay includes dinner and breakfast (often a highlight), and you’ll usually be asked to follow simple etiquette like removing shoes, wearing the provided yukata, and keeping noise low in common areas. Many ryokan have shared baths; some have private baths you can reserve, and higher-end rooms may include an in-room open-air bath.
Hotels and Resorts: Comfort, Views, and Predictable Convenience
Modern hotels in Hakone are ideal if you prefer standard beds, bigger lobbies, English-friendly service, or amenities like gyms, lounges, and buffet breakfasts. Resorts often come with stunning viewpoints, shuttles to transport hubs, and large communal onsen areas that feel more spa-like.
Guesthouses and Budget Stays: Great for One-Night Trips
Hakone can be pricey, especially on weekends and peak seasons. Guesthouses and simpler inns are a smart pick for travelers who plan to spend most of the day sightseeing and only need a clean, comfortable base. Some budget stays still offer access to onsen—just without the elaborate dinners and premium design.
Best Places to Stay in Hakone by Area
Hakone-Yumoto: Best for First-Timers and Easy Access from Tokyo
Hakone-Yumoto is the main gateway into Hakone. If you’re arriving from Tokyo via Odakyu (especially on the Romancecar), you’ll probably start here. The area is lively by Hakone standards: you’ll find souvenir streets, cafes, convenience stores, and lots of accommodation choices within walking distance of the station.
This is the easiest base if you’re doing a short trip, traveling with luggage, or arriving later in the day and want dinner options nearby. It’s also a great choice if you want a ryokan experience without needing to navigate multiple transfers deeper into the mountains.
- Best for: first-time visitors, short stays, families, travelers arriving late
- Vibe: convenient, slightly busy, classic Hakone gateway energy
- Transport: excellent; easiest place to stay without relying on buses
Stay tips: If you’re booking a ryokan here, prioritize ones within a 10–15 minute walk from the station if you don’t want to rely on taxis. Many properties look close on a map but are uphill—check elevation and walking directions.
Gora: Best for Onsen + Ropeway Access and Museum-Hopping
Gora sits higher in the mountains and feels like a calm resort town. It’s popular because it’s close to major attractions: the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the ropeway route toward Owakudani, and scenic rail connections.
If your dream Hakone day includes riding the ropeway, trying black egg snacks at Owakudani, and soaking in a hot bath afterward, Gora is a top pick. The area tends to be quieter at night, with less street life than Hakone-Yumoto, but the accommodation quality can be excellent—especially for boutique ryokan and stylish hotels.
- Best for: onsen lovers, couples, scenic transport, activity-focused itineraries
- Vibe: mountain resort, peaceful, fresh air, slower evenings
- Transport: strong, but expect hills and occasional bus/taxi help
Stay tips: Choose a stay with shuttle service if you’re carrying heavy bags. Also, if you want a private onsen, Gora has many options—book early, especially during autumn foliage season and weekends.
Lake Ashi: Best for Iconic Hakone Views and a Relaxing, Scenic Pace
Staying near Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is about atmosphere: misty mornings, lakeside walks, and postcard-style scenes that feel extra magical before the day-trippers arrive. The lake area is also a smart choice if you want easy access to the sightseeing cruise route and lakefront attractions.
The two main areas are Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi. Both have a calm, scenic vibe with a handful of restaurants, cafes, and lake-facing viewpoints. Accommodations here often emphasize views, quiet relaxation, and that “I can’t believe I’m here” feeling when you open the curtains.
- Best for: scenic travelers, slow itineraries, photographers, couples
- Vibe: lakeside calm, elegant, early mornings and quiet nights
- Transport: good, but more bus-dependent than Hakone-Yumoto
Stay tips: If the view matters to you, confirm what “lake view” actually means. Some rooms are partial views or angled views. It’s worth paying for a truly front-facing lake room if you’re staying more than one night.
Sengokuhara: Best for Nature, Open Landscapes, and a Quieter Hakone
Sengokuhara feels different from the rest of Hakone. It’s more open, with highland scenery and a calmer, less tourist-saturated atmosphere. Many travelers come for the famous pampas grass fields in autumn, but even outside of fall, the area has a soft, spacious feeling that’s ideal if you’re craving nature.
Accommodations in Sengokuhara range from countryside-style inns to small hotels with a relaxed rhythm. It’s also a great area for travelers who prioritize hiking, art museums, or simply having more breathing room than the lakefront hotspots.
- Best for: nature lovers, repeat visitors, quiet retreats, slower travel
- Vibe: highlands, open air, less crowded
- Transport: bus-friendly, but not as central; plan routes thoughtfully
Stay tips: This is a wonderful area for longer stays, but if you’re only in Hakone for one night, you may spend more time commuting unless you plan a Sengokuhara-focused itinerary.
Miyanoshita: Best for Historic Charm and Classic Hotel Culture
Miyanoshita is for travelers who love atmosphere: old bridges, classic buildings, and the sense of stepping into a more nostalgic side of Japanese travel culture. It’s close enough to major sights to be convenient, but it feels quieter than Hakone-Yumoto.
This area is also well-suited to travelers who enjoy classic hotels and history. You may find properties that lean more Western-style, with long hallways, big windows, and a “grand hotel” mood that pairs well with a slow, indulgent getaway.
- Best for: history lovers, couples, travelers who want classic vibes
- Vibe: nostalgic, calm, slightly romantic
- Transport: decent; you’ll likely mix trains and buses
Stay tips: Miyanoshita is a great middle ground if you want convenience without the busier station-centered feel of Hakone-Yumoto.
Best Places to Stay in Hakone by Travel Style
Best Ryokan Experience in Hakone (Traditional + Memorable)
For many travelers, Hakone is the place to splurge on a ryokan. You’re paying for more than a room: you’re paying for the rhythm of the stay—tea on arrival, calm hallways, quiet onsen time, and a dinner that feels like a performance of local flavors.
When choosing a ryokan, decide what matters most:
- Onsen style: shared bath, reservable private bath, or in-room open-air bath
- Meal plan: half board (dinner + breakfast) vs. room-only
- Room type: tatami/futon, hybrid rooms, or Western beds
- Atmosphere: intimate and traditional vs. large ryokan resort
My recommendation: If it’s your first time in a ryokan, book one night with meals included. You can always do a second night in a simpler hotel if you want to balance the budget.
Best Luxury Stays in Hakone (Private Baths, Views, and Quiet)
Luxury in Hakone often looks like privacy. Instead of flashy design, the real upgrade is having a room with its own bath, a terrace facing the mountains or the lake, and enough space to slow down. Many higher-end properties also have curated dining, excellent service, and small details—like thoughtful lighting, comfortable robes, and the kind of silence that makes you sleep deeper than usual.
Where to focus: Gora and the Lake Ashi area tend to have the strongest luxury experience, especially for travelers who prioritize views and premium onsen facilities.
Best Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Hakone (Still Comfortable)
Hakone isn’t the cheapest region, but budget travel is possible if you plan smart. The key is to compromise on either location or included meals. Many budget stays won’t include kaiseki dinners, and some won’t have onsen facilities—but you can still enjoy Hakone’s public baths and day-use onsen while keeping accommodation costs reasonable.
Where to look: Hakone-Yumoto typically has the most variety across price ranges, while Sengokuhara sometimes offers quieter stays that feel good value if you’re okay with bus travel.
Best Places to Stay in Hakone for Couples (Romantic, Quiet, and Scenic)
For couples, Hakone is at its best when you pick a stay that reduces friction: a private bath, a scenic view, and a peaceful environment where the evenings feel special. A lakeside stay can feel romantic in a “walk by the water” way, while Gora can feel romantic in a “hide out in the mountains” way.
Couples tip: If you’re choosing between a nicer room and a longer stay, pick the nicer room for one night. Hakone is the kind of place where the accommodation is part of the experience, not just a place to sleep.
Best Places to Stay in Hakone for Families (Space and Convenience)
Families often do best with convenience—near transport hubs, with bigger rooms, and with fewer complicated transfers. Hakone-Yumoto works well for this. Some resorts also cater to families with larger rooms, flexible meal options, and facilities that make it easier to relax after a full day out.
Family tip: If you’re staying in a ryokan with kids, check meal policies and room setups. Traditional futon rooms can be great for families, but some children sleep better in Western beds—choose what actually works for your crew.
How to Choose the Best Place to Stay in Hakone (Practical Booking Tips)
1) Decide if You Want to Do the “Hakone Loop” or a Relaxing Base
A lot of visitors try to fit everything into one day: the ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, shrines, museums, and maybe a quick onsen soak. If that’s you, staying in Gora or Hakone-Yumoto can reduce transit stress. If you prefer a slower trip centered around scenery and relaxation, consider Lake Ashi or Sengokuhara.
2) Be Honest About Your Onsen Preferences
Some travelers love communal baths. Others feel uncomfortable with the idea, especially if they’re not used to nude bathing culture. Neither is “wrong.” If you want privacy, search specifically for:
- Rooms with private open-air baths (often labeled “rotenburo”)
- Ryokan with reservable private baths (“kashikiri”)
- Hotels with private onsen options or family baths
If you’re okay with shared baths, you’ll have far more choices and often better value for the overall experience.
3) Watch Out for Hidden Transit Time
Hakone transit is scenic—but it can be slow. A place that looks close on a map might be a long bus ride with waiting time. When you book, check:
- Walking distance to the nearest station or bus stop
- Whether your accommodation provides a shuttle (huge quality-of-life upgrade)
- What time you plan to arrive (late arrivals reduce transport options)
4) Book Early for Peak Seasons
Hakone gets busy during cherry blossom season, autumn foliage season, weekends, and Japanese holiday periods. The most sought-after rooms—especially those with private baths and great views—can disappear well in advance. If your dates are fixed, book as early as you can and choose a property with reasonable cancellation terms.
5) Consider Splitting Your Stay
One of my favorite strategies in Hakone is to split the trip into two styles of nights:
- Night 1: a ryokan with dinner + breakfast (the full cultural experience)
- Night 2: a simpler hotel/guesthouse for flexibility and budget balance
This approach gives you the “Hakone magic” without turning the whole trip into a high-cost splurge.
Suggested Hakone Stay Itineraries Based on Where You Sleep
If You Stay in Hakone-Yumoto (1–2 Nights)
Arrive from Tokyo, drop your bags, explore the local shops and snack streets, then enjoy an onsen soak before dinner. The next day, head out early to do the main attractions loop and return for a calm evening. This is an efficient plan if you want to see a lot and keep transit simple.
If You Stay in Gora (1–2 Nights)
Start with museums or scenic rail rides, then do the ropeway and Owakudani when the weather is clear. Gora is also great if you love the idea of a long, slow bath at night and a quiet morning with mountain air.
If You Stay by Lake Ashi (2 Nights)
Plan for early mornings by the water and late afternoons when the crowds fade. Mix in a shrine visit, a lake cruise, and long scenic walks. This is the option that feels most like a retreat rather than a checklist.
If You Stay in Sengokuhara (2–3 Nights)
Build your days around nature and art: open landscapes, hiking routes, museums, and slower meals. Sengokuhara is the choice when you want to breathe, not rush.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Hakone
Is it better to stay in Hakone-Yumoto or Gora?
Hakone-Yumoto is better for convenience and quick access from Tokyo. Gora is better for a resort-like feel and access to the ropeway route and museums. If it’s your first trip and you’re short on time, Hakone-Yumoto is the easiest. If you want the “classic Hakone sightseeing + onsen” combo, Gora is a strong choice.
How many nights should I stay in Hakone?
One night is enough for a taste—especially if you’re mainly coming for a ryokan and onsen. Two nights is better if you want to explore without rushing and actually enjoy the slow pace Hakone is famous for.
Do I need a ryokan in Hakone?
You don’t need one, but it’s one of the best places in Japan to try it. If you’re curious, do at least one night in a ryokan with meals included. If you’re not into set dinners or traditional rooms, a hotel can still be a great base while you enjoy onsen through day-use facilities.
What’s the best area for views?
Lake Ashi wins for iconic scenery, especially if your room faces the water. Gora offers mountain views and a cozy “in the hills” feeling. In reality, the best views depend on the exact property and room category—so confirm what you’re booking.
