Hakone was one of my favourite stops in Japan, and very easy to reach from Tokyo, but hotel choices can feel overwhelming: different areas, less restaurant options and you need to decide whether you get a private onsen or not.
My guide helps you choose the area to stay that’s right for you, explores some beautiful hotels across different budgets and explains some of the harder choices you might have to make. In my opinion Hakone is one of the nicest areas in Japan to choose a traditional ryokan and there are options for everyone.
More of my Japan guides to plan around your Hakone trip
- Where to stay in Osaka — Best bases for day trips, including Namba vs Umeda.
- Perfect Hakone Loop — What to do and how to get around when you are in Hakone
- Tokyo 3 day itinerary — A guide to the best sights and hidden gems.
- Kyoto in 2 Days — A guide to everything you will want to do in Kyoto
- Japan Two-Week Itinerary — How Hakone fits into a wider route without backtracking.
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TL;DR Quick Picks: The Best Ryokan in Hakone
Best Overall – Gora Kadan
A classic ryokan on the grounds of the former Kan’in-no-miya Imperial villa, with polished service, refined kaiseki, and beautiful gardens a short trip from Gora Station. Choose room types that explicitly say “open-air bath/rotenburo” for a guaranteed in-room onsen; the communal baths are also nice and draw free-flowing spring water.
Cost ¥152,000–¥285,000 / £800–£1500
Best Value with Private In-Room Onsen – Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
A resort-style ryokan where every room has a private open-air onsen bath; the big hillside public baths are a highlight and breakfast is generous. Handy access via the Kowakien bus stop; if you’re heading in fall for the leaves book well ahead.
Cost ¥47,500–¥85,500 / £250–£450
Best for Families – Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
Lakeside base with Western beds and relaxed buffet dining; selected rooms have open-air baths. If privacy matters, you can book one of the two rentable private half-open-air baths (40 min slots).
Cost ¥41,800–¥79,800 / £220–£420
My Top Tip: I recommend booking dinner-included ryokan in Gora and some of the smaller areas like motohakone to avoid the evening restaurant hunt. For me it’s also part of the whole experience, as well as convenient!
Map of the best Hakone ryokan
How to Choose a Ryokan in Hakone
What area you should pick based on what you like
- Hakone-Yumoto: Easiest arrival (Romancecar). Ideal with luggage or late trains.
- Gora: Centre of the loop (cable car/ropeway). Fewer restaurants; dinner-included hotels help.
- Sengokuhara: Quieter, modern suites and villas; lots of options for private baths.
- Miyanoshita: Historic area near the Tozan line; classic architecture.
- Motohakone / Lake Ashi: Scenery and boats; the home of the famous Torii on the water (Heiwa no Torii), slower to get to with big bags.
Bath types in Ryokan
Look for these exact words in the room name/description to make sure you are not disappointed:
- “Open-air bath” / “rotenburo” – a hot-spring bath on a terrace.
- “Private open-air bath” – confirms the bath is in your room, not shared.
- “Indoor hot-spring bath” – private, indoors; still onsen water.
- “Kashikiri private bath” – not in your room; it’s a rentable slot elsewhere.
- “Communal baths” – Gender-separated public baths.
How to get to Hakone: Travel time & passes (from Tokyo)
- Romancecar (Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto): about 80–85 mins, reserved seats, one-seat ride.
- Shinkansen (Tokyo/Shinagawa → Odawara) + local: ~35 mins + 15–25 mins onward.
- Hakone Freepass (2–3 days): Covers most local transport (not Shinkansen/Romancecar). 2-day from Shinjuku ¥7,100; 3-day ¥7,500 (from 1 Oct 2025). Romancecar requires a separate limited-express ticket. You can also buy it in advance and save money
Note: Freepass from Odawara excludes Shinjuku–Odawara. - Guided Tours: Hakone is very doable yourself, but if you want to remove any stress, or are travelling as a bigger group, a private tour can often save time and effort and are good value.
My Top Tip: The Hakone freepass is a must in my opinion, you will definitely save money if you are planning on the perfect Hakone loop itinerary
TOP TIP! Make sure you are fully prepared with my “First time visitor to Japan starter kit”
BREAK DOWN THE LANGUAGE BARRIER: The key phrases to learn and technology to use to make your first trip to Japan easy
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED ON THE GO: The cheapest data and easiest way to make sure you can access everything you need
HOW TO AVOID CURRENCY FEES LIKE A PRO: The best cards for travel and withdrawing cash
22 SMARTPHONE APPS TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EASIER: The ultimate FREE apps to download before you go
SAVE 30-90 MINUTES AT CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION : The simple and FREE QR code to speed you through the airport
ETIQUETTE DO’S AND DON’TS FOR TOURISTS : What you need to be aware of on your first time in Japan
Best Hakone Ryokan by Category
Luxury options
Gora Kadan
Historic villa setting with haute kaiseki; expect meticulous service, landscaped grounds, and a calm, traditional aesthetic. Pick room categories that explicitly include an “open-air bath/rotenburo” if you want an in-room soak; the setting near Gora Park makes transfers simple.
Cost ¥152,000–¥285,000 / £800–£1500
Hakone Ginyu (Miyanoshita)
Every guest room has a terrace with a private open-air bath facing a dramatic valley; meals are beautifully paced and staff can tailor timings if you arrive late afternoon. A good choice if views are high on your list.
Cost ¥133,000–¥228,000 / £700–£1200
Private In-Room Onsen
Byakudan (Sengokuhara)
All 16 rooms come with private open-air hot-spring baths fed from the property’s own source; the low-rise layout, woodland setting, and intimate dining room suit couples who value quiet and are after a romantic escape.
Cost ¥114,000–¥190,000 / £600–£1000
FUFU Hakone (Gora area)
All 39 rooms include private hot-spring baths; design mixes stone, wood, and subtle lighting. Dinner is regularly changing and seasonal and staff can cater for dietary preferences in advance; spa fans can pair this with their sister property Suishoen.
Cost ¥133,000–¥209,000 / £700–£1100
Gora Hanaougi (Gora)
Tatami-lined corridors lead to suites with open-air hot-spring baths in-room and a traditional irori-accented lobby; quiet and polished, with meticulous detail. Close to Gora transport yet tucked away from all the crowds.
Cost ¥133,000–¥228,000 / £700–£1200
Hakone Suishoen (Kowakudani)
All-suite, small-luxury feel; each suite features a private outdoor bath, and dining offers a choice between kaiseki and teppanyaki in a restored Taishō-era villa on the grounds.
Cost ¥114,000–¥190,000 / £600–£1000
Adults-Only Ryokan
Kinnotake Sengokuhara
Boutique, adults-only hideaway with just nine room types and open-air onsen in every room (famouse for Owakudani’s milky waters). Dinner is creative kaiseki; good for a quiet, no-kids weekend.
Cost ¥95,000–¥171,000 / £500–£900
Retreat Hakone Villa (villa 1/f, Sengokuhara)
Forest villas with semi-open-air baths and kitchenettes; marketed as adult-oriented and very tranquil, though age policy can vary by plan—check before booking.
Cost ¥66,500–¥114,000 / £350–£600
Family-Friendly
Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
Lakeside, Western beds in many rooms, buffet meals and two rentable private baths if you don’t have one in-room. The ropeway and lake boats are close for easy day-two loops.
Cost ¥41,800–¥79,800 / £220–£420
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
Larger rooms than the average ryokan and private open-air onsen in every room; big public baths and breakfast that suits mixed tastes. Handy for Yunessun and Kowakien attractions.
Cost ¥47,500–¥85,500 / £250–£450
The best Fuji-Views
Ryuguden (Motohakone)
Classic lakeside ryokan where all rooms face Lake Ashi and Mt Fuji (visibility obviosuly weather-dependent, winter is often the best time). A smart pick for winter skies and easy Hakone Shrine access.
Cost ¥47,500–¥95,000 / £250–£500
Hakone Ginyu
Elevated terraces from select suites look out over the mountains; the opportunity for a sunrise soak is spectacular. Dinner and breakfast are excellent and relaxed, which fits the view-led pace.
Cost ¥133,000–¥228,000 / £700–£1200
Great Kashikiri Alternatives (private rentable baths)
Tensui Saryo (Gora)
Stylish stay with rentable private baths (free, reserve on check-in) and some rooms offering open-air tubs; restaurant serves seasonal Japanese meals. Good when in-room onsen categories sell out.
Cost ¥47,500–¥85,500 / £250–£450
Area-by-Area Picks
Hakone-Yumoto
Yumoto Fujiya Hotel
Steps from the station, multiple dining options, and easy private-bath booking for staying guests; good if you want minimal transfers after the Romancecar.
Cost ¥34,200–¥66,500 / £180–£350
Yama no Chaya (Tonosawa)
Traditional riverside ryokan across a footbridge; some rooms offer open-air baths and there are lots of stairs (no lift), so keep luggage light and not one to choose for anyone with mobility challenges.
Cost ¥66,500–¥123,500 / £350–£650
Hakone Airu
Japanese-modern, walkable from Hakone-Yumoto; all rooms include private open-air baths. Expect a steep ~10-minute walk or a 2-minute taxi.
Cost ¥34,200–¥66,500 / £180–£350
Gora
Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka
All rooms include a cypress tub on the balcony (not hot-spring water); the public baths are true onsen, and you’re one minute from Gora Station.
Cost ¥47,500–¥85,500 / £250–£450
Refined but relaxed; add a complimentary kashikiri session if your room lacks a bath. Close to Gora Park and the cable car.
Sengokuhara
Adults-only suites with private baths using Owakudani waters; quiet nights and easy parking.
Hakone Hisui
Spacious, calmer base; a traditional look with large public baths. Check room categories if you want a private tub.
Cost ¥57,000–¥104,500 / £300–£550
Miyanoshita
Musashino Bekkan
Classic ryokan a short ride from Miyanoshita Station; dinner-included plans keep evenings simple in a quieter enclave.
Cost ¥57,000–¥114,000 / £300–£600
Motohakone / Lake Ashi
On the shore of Lake Ashi with Mt Fuji-facing rooms; great for morning views when the air is clear.
My Top Tip: I strongly recommend booking dinner-included ryokan in Gora/Miyanoshita/Motohakone. If you are choosing Yumoto, you can go room only if you prefer as there are more restaurant options.
Options to consider if availability is tight
Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara (Sengokuhara)
Art-led stay; all rooms with private outdoor baths on the terrace.
Cost ¥76,000–¥152,000 / £400–£800
Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika (Gora)
Selected rooms with private baths; dog-friendly options available.
Cost ¥34,200–¥60,800 / £180–£320
Large garden, rental private baths, and some rooms with private open-air baths; short walk from the station.
Cost ¥34,200–¥66,500 / £180–£350
Policies & Practicalities to Check Before You Book
- Tattoos: Communal baths may restrict tattoos; in-room onsen or kashikiri are no problem.
- Children & beds: Age limits vary; confirm Western beds if futons are difficult.
- Accessibility: Lifts and step-free access aren’t universal; older properties can have many stairs.
- Meals: In-room vs restaurant dining; flag dietary requirements when you book.
- Shuttles & parking: Some ryokan run limited-hour shuttles; check when you book.
- Pets: A few properties have pet-friendly rooms (often a separate wing); check fees, rules, and whether those rooms include private baths.
- Luggage forwarding: Use same-day/overnight forwarding (Tokyo/Odawara → ryokan) to skip stairs and queues; arrange at hotel counters or convenience stores. Hakone-Yumoto Station also has a baggage desk.
If You Can’t Stay Overnight: Day-Use Onsen Options
Tenzan (Yumoto)
Forested baths with a relaxed vibe; tattooed guests are admitted solo only under clear conditions (cover tattoos when moving around). Go early on weekends.
Cost about ¥2,280–¥3,420 / about £12–£18
Hakone Yuryo (near Gora)
Day-use complex with 19 private open-air rooms plus big communal baths; private rooms can be booked up to a month in advance (or same-day at the desk if free).
Cost about ¥4,750–¥8,550 / about £25–£45
How to book a private room at Yuryo (quick guide)
- Reserve a kashikiri room time slot online or by phone (weekends fill early).
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before your slot; bring ID and cash/card.
- If you plan to eat, book the restaurant separately—onsen reservations don’t include dining.
How far in advance to book your ryokan and what to consider
- When: Weekends and autumn foliage sell out months ahead; private-bath rooms go first.
- Save: Weeknights are cheaper; room-only can be better value if restaurants are nearby.
- Weather: Ropeway pauses for wind, as can the pirate ship; keep the lake day flexible.
FAQ about Ryokans in Hakone
What is a ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms, onsen baths (communal, private, or in-room), and seasonal multi-course kaiseki meals. Expect set mealtimes, slippers indoors, and calm, low-noise spaces.
How many nights is good in Hakone?
One night fits the Hakone Loop plus dinner and a soak. Two nights adds museums (Open-Air, Pola), slower pacing, and less transit fatigue. Arrive by late morning on day one for the best value.
What are the best things to do in Hakone, Japan?
Do the Hakone Loop (Tozan train, cable car, ropeway over Ōwakudani, Lake Ashi boat), visit Hakone Shrine, and see the Open-Air Museum. Add one art museum (Pola or Okada), a soak (ryokan or day-use), and the Old Tōkaidō cedar avenue.
What do I wear in an onsen?
Communal onsen are naked, no swimsuits. Wash first, keep your hair tied, and keep towels out of the water. Private/kashikiri or in-room baths are your choice; many still bathe without swimwear.
How do meals work in a ryokan if they are included?
Dinner is set-time kaiseki served in-room or in a dining room; last starts are often around 19:00–19:30. Breakfast is a set (Japanese or mixed). Tell the ryokan dietary needs before arrival; drinks are usually extra. Yukata is fine for meals, you will normally be provided this and slippers.
