Instagram Linkedin Threads
Onsen in hotel - Sleep in Hakone

Where to stay in Hakone: Ryokans, Hotels & Best Areas

Where to Stay in Hakone?
It’s a real question when you start planning—there are plenty of areas to choose from, a wide variety of accommodations, and prices that can sometimes be steep. Before my trip, I spent a good amount of time comparing the options (traditional ryokan, stylish hotels with onsen, or budget-friendly guesthouses) before finally settling on a place that ticked (almost) all the boxes.

In this article, I share the outcome of that research: practical advice to help you choose the right accommodation in the right location, plus a few recommendations I picked up along the way. Perfect for enjoying Hakone’s highlights with a 5-day itinerary.

The Best Areas to Stay in Hakone (and Their Vibe)

Hakone isn’t a single compact city but a mountain region connected by trains, cable cars, and buses. Each area comes with its own charm, advantages—and a few trade-offs. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best base for your travel style.

Neighborhood Vibe Why Stay Here
Hakone-Yumoto
Convenient & Lively
Direct access from Tokyo, plenty of shops, and a wide range of hotels to suit every budget.
Gora
Cultural & Thermal – Convenient
Museums, hot springs, and traditional ryokan. Ideally located on the Hakone Free Pass loop.
Miyanoshita
Retro & Elegant
Vintage charm, small historic hotels, and a calm mountain atmosphere.
Motohakone / Lake Ashi
Spiritual & Peaceful
Lake views, the iconic torii gate, and Hakone-jinja Shrine nearby. More remote.
Sengokuhara
Nature & Tranquility
Pampas grass fields, walking trails, and art museums. Less central, but wonderfully relaxing.

In short: If you’re only staying one night, Hakone-Yumoto is the most practical, especially if you’re arriving by train from Tokyo. For a more traditional atmosphere, Gora is perfect with its museums and hot spring ryokan. Craving nature or spirituality? Motohakone and Sengokuhara offer a calmer vibe, especially on weekdays.

Why the Hakone Free Pass Is a Must (and Why You’ll Want One)
Here’s Why
Allées du Parc Onshi pour dormir au calme à Motohakone

What Kind of Accommodation Should You Choose in Hakone?

From a traditional ryokan to a modern hotel or a budget-friendly guesthouse, the type of stay you choose in Hakone really depends on the experience you’re looking for (and let’s be honest, a bit on your budget too). Here are the main options, each with their own feel:

Type Vibe Best For / Why
Traditional Ryokan
Authentic, Peaceful
For a true Japanese immersion: tatami mats, futon beds, kaiseki dinners, and hot spring baths. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind night.
Modern Hotel
Western Comfort
For those who prefer practicality (regular beds), often with onsen or private baths.
Guesthouse / Hostel
Friendly, Budget-Friendly
Perfect for solo travelers or young couples. Relaxed vibe, fewer services.
Room with Private Onsen
Intimate, High-End
For a private soak alone or as a couple, without sharing the bath. Often part of luxury ryokan.

But if you’re staying longer or prefer the comfort you’re used to, modern hotels or hybrid ryokan-style hotels are a great choice. And for travelers on a tighter budget, some guesthouses (especially around Gora and Yumoto) do the job perfectly.

5 Perfect Days in Hakone?
See My Itinerary
Fumeroles, Mont Fuji et Paysage volcanique d’Owakudani

How Much Should You Budget for a Stay in Hakone?

Accommodation in Hakone can get pricey—especially if you’re looking at a ryokan stay with onsen and a kaiseki dinner. Still, there are more affordable options if you’re willing to trade a little comfort or travel off-season. Here’s an idea of average prices to help you plan:

Type of Stay Price (per night / per person) What’s Usually Included
Ryokan with kaiseki + onsen
$220–550
Dinner + breakfast, futon, hot spring bath — the full experience.
3–4 star hotel with onsen
$110–270
Modern room, public baths, sometimes breakfast included.
Guesthouse / Hostel
$55–110
Simple room (sometimes shared), shared bathroom, no meals.
Room with private onsen
From $200
In-room bath, usually in a luxury ryokan or hotel. Perfect for couples.

Tried-and-Noted Stays in Hakone

I didn’t test a dozen places, but I did spend quite a bit of time comparing options, checking reviews, and noting down the stays that looked genuinely interesting. Here’s an honest, varied selection—one I stayed at myself, plus others I carefully shortlisted for their location, value, or atmosphere.

GuestHouse Azito – Hakone Yumoto

GuestHouse Azito sleep in Hakone

GuestHouse Azito

A small, stylish yet budget-friendly spot that mixes private rooms with dorms. Warm atmosphere, a cool wood-and-concrete design, and a little bar on site.

It made my shortlist for its “local hidden gem” vibe and handy location right when arriving from Tokyo.

Chojuyu Hakone – Between Gora and Kowakudani

Chojuyu Hakone

A discreet family-run ryokan with indoor/outdoor onsen and simple Japanese-style rooms. Known for its warm welcome and peaceful setting.

I flagged it for being authentic, affordable, and a bit tucked away—just a short walk from the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Couleurs de la nature - dormir à Hakone pour en profiter

Hakone Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath Toka

Hakone Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath Toka

Hakone Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath Toka

A small independent stay with a private outdoor onsen and a pretty terrace surrounded by greenery. Perfect for couples or travelers looking to enjoy Hakone in peace and on their own terms.

I saved it as a favorite for the idea of having a hot spring bath all to yourself in a natural setting.

Kinnotake Tonosawa – Private Onsen & Privacy

Kinnotake Tonosawa - Hotel with Onsen Hakone

Kinnotake Tonosawa

Elegant, minimalist rooms with private balcony baths and attentive service. Highly rated for romantic getaways.

High-end, but the experience matches the price: a personal onsen with a nature view, meals served in-room. I’d recommend it for couples rather than solo travelers.

Top things to do in Hakone

Emblem Flow Hakone – Gora (Budget Pick)

Emblem Flow Hakone - sleep in Gora

Emblem Flow Hakone

A well-thought-out guesthouse with a youthful, social vibe, plus a small onsen and café on site. Central location and relaxed atmosphere.

Perfect for budget travelers or solo visitors wanting a social, well-located base.

Ryuguden Hotel – Motohakone (Lake Ashi Views)

Ryuguden Hotel - dormir à Motohakone

Ryuguden Hotel

Right on the lakefront, this ryokan-hotel offers stunning views of the floating torii gate and Mount Fuji on clear days. Onsen with lake views and Japanese-style rooms.

Best for a contemplative, spiritual stay close to Hakone-jinja Shrine.

My Choice: Marroad Hakone Hotel – Gora

I ultimately booked the Marroad Hakone, a simple, well-located hotel. Meals aren’t included, but plenty of thoughtful extras made it stand out: free drinks all day (including alcohol), afternoon snacks, a microwave, massage chairs, and a comfy lounge with vending machines and a big screen.

For relaxation, the gender-separated onsen includes a traditional indoor bath, an outdoor bath overlooking the garden and mountains, and a small sauna. 

Marroad Hakone Hotel

Room highlights: spacious, modern, and recently renovated, with a large window facing the hotel’s courtyard and greenery beyond. Big bathroom with separate toilet, a small sitting area with a table and armchair, plus a fridge and kettle.

A comfortable, no-frills stay: functional, restful, reasonably priced, and perfectly located for exploring Hakone stress-free.

The hotel also handles luggage forwarding and offers shuttle service to and from Gora Station throughout your stay.

Vues du parc de Gora à découvrir à Hakone

Practical Tips for Booking Your Stay in Hakone

A few things to keep in mind before booking—so you can avoid surprises and logistical headaches.

Book Early Whenever You Can

Hakone is a popular destination, especially on weekends and during peak seasons like cherry blossom (sakura) and autumn leaves (momiji). Ryokan with private onsen or Mount Fuji views sell out fast—reserve as soon as you know your dates.

Check Meal Times

If you’re staying in a ryokan with a kaiseki dinner included, keep in mind that dinner is often served early (around 6:30 pm). If you arrive late, you might miss it. Same goes for check-in: some places are quite strict.

Think About Logistics (and the Hakone Free Pass)

Before falling for a charming-looking stay, make sure it’s easily accessible by public transport. The Hakone Free Pass covers trains, cable cars, buses, and boats—it’s super practical for getting around, but you’ll need at least a bus or train station nearby your accommodation.

Utiliser le Hakone Free Pass ? Indispensable !
Je t'explique pourquoi

Double-Check the Onsen Details

Not all stays in Hakone have hot springs. Some only offer shared baths. If having your own onsen matters, check the photos and descriptions carefully (and filter for private onsens right from the start).

For Digital Nomads: Wi-Fi & Workspace

If you’re traveling as a digital nomad (or just need to squeeze in a work call between soaks), make sure your place has reliable internet. It’s not guaranteed everywhere, but usually mentioned in the listing or reviews.
Also check if there’s a desk in the room or a common space where you can work comfortably. If not, scout a few nearby cafés with Wi-Fi—though they’re fairly rare in Hakone.

Don’t Overlook Simple or Out-of-the-Way Stays

Some guesthouses or Airbnb further from the center can be great finds—if you’re organized about transport. For a balanced budget, it’s often better to go for a well-thought-out simple stay than splurge on an overpriced ryokan that doesn’t live up to expectations.

Where to Stay in Hakone – Final Thoughts

Whether you’re after zen vibes, lake views, or a neatly folded futon at the foot of Mount Fuji, Hakone has everything you need for a memorable night. The hardest part, really, is choosing.

For a full immersion into Japanese tradition, nothing beats a stay in a ryokan with onsen and a kaiseki dinner.

If your trip is more about sightseeing and you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors, a well-located and comfortable stay—around Gora or Hakone-Yumoto—is the perfect fit.

You can also check out my 5 must-sees in Hakone to help plan your discoveries on the ground.

Top of Gora funicular view

FAQ – Staying in Hakone: Common Questions

Do you have to stay in a ryokan in Hakone?

No, it’s not a must! If you want a traditional Japanese experience, a ryokan is an excellent choice. But you can just as easily stay in a modern hotel or a guesthouse—the main thing is to pick a place that’s well located and fits your budget.

Yes, if you book early and avoid weekends and Japanese holidays. Guesthouses, hostels, and some Airbnbs offer stays for under $100 a night, sometimes even less. Comfort is simpler, but perfectly fine for a short trip.

Yes, but you’ll need to look ahead. Some ryokan and hotels have private in-room baths, or time slots you can book for a private soak. They’re especially popular with couples, shy bathers, or travelers with tattoos.

Gora is one of the best options: it’s central, well-connected by train, funicular, and ropeway, and close to many highlights. Hakone-Yumoto is ideal for arriving from Tokyo, while Motohakone is perfect for lake views and a calmer atmosphere.

Yes, but you’ll need to choose your accommodation carefully. Check the Wi-Fi quality and whether there’s a desk or workspace. There are very few “coworking-friendly” cafés in Hakone, so it’s best to plan ahead. Some hotels offer comfortable common areas where you can work.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links: if you book through them, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It helps keep this blog running—thank you!

Table of Contents

Explore Hakone
  • All Posts
  • Coliving
  • Destinations
  • Non classé
  • Récits de voyage
    •   Back
    •   Back
Explore Japan
  • All Posts
  • Coliving
  • Destinations
  • Non classé
  • Récits de voyage
    •   Back
    •   Back
Follow me - Digital nomad's log
Follow me
Instagram Linkedin Threads

© 2025 Voyages & Co — A digital nomad’s travel log