Where to Stay in Hakone: Best 4 Areas & Hotels, Travel Tips

The best areas to stay in Hakone are Hakone-Yumoto and Gora. But there are other areas that can meet your specific preferences.

In this guide, you'll find a complete guide on where to stay in Hakone from our own visits.

It's more than just a list! You'll find insights into the pros and cons of each area, plus handy tips to help you choose the right area for your stay.

1. Hakone-Yumoto: Best Place for First-Timers

• Best for: first-timers, families, and those seeking convenient transportation

Hakone-Yumoto is the most chosen area for staying. It has convenient transportation, great dining and shopping options, and a wide range of hotels to choose from.

With Hakone-Yumoto Station at its center, you can easily access Hakone's main highlights. Also, being close to Odawara Station makes it simple for you to hop on the Shinkansen to reach other cities.

Of course, you can opt for the largest variety of hotels. From budget to luxury, and from Western-style rooms to traditional Japanese tatami rooms. Whatever your preferences, you'll find the perfect place to stay.

Plus, Hakone-Yumoto has the most restaurants, convenience stores, and souvenir shops.

But most restaurants close at 5 PM, I strongly recommend booking a package for one night with breakfast and dinner at your hotel. Otherwise, you might have dinner at a convenience store.

Things to know:

1) This area is quite commercialized and offers less natural scenery than other areas in Hakone.

2) Rooms with a private onsen are limited here. If you want this type of room, it's wise to book at least 6 months in advance or stay in Gora.

Recommended Hotels in Hakone-Yumoto

• Yumoto Fujiya Hotel: Located directly across from Hakone-Yumoto Station, it's just a 5-minute walk away. The hotel offers both Western-style and Japanese-style tatami rooms.
• Yoshiike Ryokan: The ryokan mainly offers tatami rooms, along with a few rooms that have private onsens. It also has a beautiful Japanese garden. It is just a 10-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station.

2. Gora: Quieter with More Ryokans with Private Onsens

• Best for: first-time visitors, couples, and travelers looking to experience high-class ryokans

If you're looking for a luxurious stay in a peaceful mountainous region, with more Japanese ryokans offering private onsens, and convenient access to other attractions, Gora is your best bet.

This area focuses on Japanese ryokans, from mid-range to luxury. Here, you can find more rooms with a private onsen compared to other areas in Hakone.

Plus, Gora is on the way for the train to reach the main scenic spots. It is closer to famous highlights like Owakudani and the Hakone Open-air Museum.

I suggest staying in Gora for 2 nights. It takes some time to get to Hakone-Yumoto Station from here. If you stay for just one night, your exploration might feel rushed.

Gora has only a few restaurant options, mainly located near Gora Station. It's best to have your breakfast and dinner at your hotel instead.

Recommended Hotels in Gora

• Gora Kansuiro: You can enjoy Japanese-style tatami rooms, some with private onsens. With only a few rooms, the ryokan hosts very few guests. So, the public onsen is often empty, creating a sense of a private bath experience.
• Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora: It features Western-style rooms, with the majority having a private hot spring. Additionally, shuttle service is provided.

3. Motohakone: Ideal for Lakeside Scenery

• Best for: travelers looking for a quieter retreat

Want a peaceful retreat with a lakeside view? Staying at Motohakone by Lake Ashi would be the perfect choice.

This area has fewer hotels compared to other parts, mostly luxury hotels. By staying here, you'll be surrounded by nature and close to Hakone Shrine.

It isn't the most convenient for transportation. It's quite far from the railway and other attractions in Hakone. You will spend more time on the road while exploring.

But that doesn't mean it's a bad place to stay. Here, you can experience a much quieter atmosphere. On a clear winter day, you might even catch a distant view of Mount Fuji from your room.

Recommended Hotel in Motohakone

Odakyu Hotel de Yama: It's a 5-star lakeside hotel with Japanese onsens. Most rooms are Western-style, and some offer views of Mount Fuji. The hotel provides a shuttle bus service. You can easily walk to Hakone Shrine in just 10 minutes.

4. Miyanoshita: A Small Town with Historic Vibe

• Best for: couples, low-pace travelers, and history lovers

If you're seeking a vintage and less crowded place to spend the night, Miyanoshita is a great pick.

This area is Hakone's most historic section. Here, you can explore one of the oldest hotels, stroll along narrow streets lined with traditional buildings, charming cafes, and bakeries.

In Miyanoshita, you'll mostly find traditional Japanese ryokans or a mix of Japanese-Western style hotels. Some offer rooms with private hot springs, though there's a more limited selection compared to Gora.

I suggest staying here if you find a particular accommodation you love. Although Miyanoshita has a station, it may not be the convenient choice because you need to transfer trains to get there.

Recommended Hotel in Miyanoshita

Fujiya Hotel: You can enjoy a blend of Japanese architecture and Western-style rooms. Opening in 1878, the hotel is still well-maintained.

Travel Tips for Your Stay in Hakone

1. Book a Package for One Night that Includes Breakfast and Dinner

Almost all hotels and ryokans in Hakone offer packages that include breakfast and dinner. Be sure to choose this option when making your reservation.

Restaurants and shops in Hakone usually close by 5 pm. If you don't book dinner in advance, you might have to buy food from a convenience store. (That's what happened to us before.)

2. Check If the Hotel Offers a Shuttle Bus Service Before Booking

Hakone, a mountainous region, boasts many hotels located on hillsides, especially in the Gora area.

It's common for hotels in Hakone to provide shuttle buses to and from the station. This can help you avoid lugging your suitcase uphill, which can be exhausting.

However, not all hotels provide shuttle bus services. Make sure to check it before making your reservation.

3. Pack a Small Suitcase with Your Essentials for Hakone

Public transportation is the main way to get around in Hakone. Carrying large luggage can be really inconvenient and exhausting, especially if your hotel doesn't offer a shuttle service.

Here's a smart move: pack an overnight essentials bag for Hakone. Then, arrange to have the rest of your luggage delivered to your next destination using a luggage service.

During our stay in Hakone, our hotel didn't have a shuttle bus, so we had to walk for 30 minutes from the station. It was very tiring lugging our suitcases up the hill.

4. Bring Some Snacks or Instant Noodles

Most accommodations in Hakone primarily offer Japanese cuisine, with few choices for Western-style food.

That's why I highly recommend bringing some snacks or instant noodles when you're in Hakone. If you're not a fan of Japanese cuisine or if Japanese food doesn't fill you up, having these on hand can be a lifesaver.

Get Ready to Plan Your Hakone Trip Now!

Just tell us your preferences, and we'll tailor your Hakone and Japan trip to fit your needs! We'll handle everything, making sure you have a stress-free journey.

Check out our two popular Japan tours that include Hakone for your inspiration:

• 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour Including Hakone Leisure
• 13-Day Japan Family Vacation with Theme Parks