Where to Stay in Hakone
Japan
|Pop. 11K
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Sean Oulashin / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Gora is the best neighbourhood to stay in Hakone. A charming mountain resort town known for its art museums and hot springs. Ideal for culture, couples, families. Budget travellers can get by on JPY 8000/day.
Areas to Avoid in Hakone
Safety rated "safe". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gora | A charming mountain resort town known for its art museums and hot springs. | Mid-range | culture, couples | Generally very safe; stick to well-lit p... |
| Hakone-Yumoto | The bustling gateway to Hakone, offering a mix of souvenir shops, restaurants, and onsen. | Budget | first-timers, budget | Safe during the day; some areas can be d... |
| Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) | A picturesque caldera lake offering stunning views of Mount Fuji and iconic pirate ship cruises. | Luxury | couples, families | Very safe; well-trafficked areas. Be cau... |
Gora
Mid-rangeA charming mountain resort town known for its art museums and hot springs.
Generally very safe; stick to well-lit paths at night.
Hakone-Yumoto
BudgetThe bustling gateway to Hakone, offering a mix of souvenir shops, restaurants, and onsen.
Safe during the day; some areas can be dimly lit and quiet at night, be aware of...
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
LuxuryA picturesque caldera lake offering stunning views of Mount Fuji and iconic pirate ship cruises.
Very safe; well-trafficked areas. Be cautious near the water's edge.
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Hakone
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Gora
A charming mountain resort town known for its art museums and hot springs.
Our top picks in Gora
Offers spacious rooms, a beautiful spa, and excellent dining options.
Book NowHakone-Yumoto
The bustling gateway to Hakone, offering a mix of souvenir shops, restaurants, and onsen.
Our top picks in Hakone-Yumoto
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
A picturesque caldera lake offering stunning views of Mount Fuji and iconic pirate ship cruises.
Our top picks in Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
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Things to Do in Hakone
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
๐ถWalking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
๐ฝ๏ธFood Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
๐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
๐๏ธMuseum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
๐Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
โตBoat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
๐จโ๐ณCooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
๐Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
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Hakone at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Hakone
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Purchase the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited use of most transport in the area (trains, buses, ropeway, cruise) and discounts on attractions; it often pays for itself within two days.
Getting Around
Utilize the Hakone Free Pass and plan your route using the various modes of transport to maximize efficiency and enjoyment.
Watch Out For
Overpriced souvenirs in tourist-heavy areas.
Solo Female Travel
Hakone is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night are sufficient.
Hidden Gems in Hakone
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Hakone Museum of Art
This serene museum showcases Japanese ceramics and pottery set within a stunning moss garden. It's a tranquil escape that offers a deep dive into local artistic traditions.
Hatsuhana
A beloved local soba noodle restaurant known for its exquisite handmade noodles and delicate dipping broths. It's a perfect spot to savor authentic Japanese cuisine away from the crowds.
Chisuji Falls
FREEThese beautiful, narrow waterfalls are famous for their curtain-like appearance as the water cascades down the rocks. It's a peaceful and picturesque spot perfect for a quiet moment of reflection.
Hakone Gora Park
While a park, this is a French-style landscaped garden with a beautiful glass house and a charming craft house. It offers lovely views and a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll.
Kanazuki no Sato Museum
This unique museum displays a fascinating collection of traditional Japanese lanterns and wind chimes. It's a charming and slightly whimsical spot that offers a different perspective on Japanese folk art.
Ashinoko Skyline Drive
This scenic driving route offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset. It's a less crowded alternative to the usual viewpoints around the lake.
Things to Do in Hakone
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
๐ถWalking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
๐ฝ๏ธFood Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
๐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
๐๏ธMuseum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
๐Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
โตBoat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
๐จโ๐ณCooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
๐Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Hakone tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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What It Costs in Hakone
Daily budget per person in JPY
๐ก69% cheaper than London
JPY 8000/day
JPY 15000/day
JPY 30000/day
Where to Stay in Hakone
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Hakone Open-Air Museum15 min
- Gora Park10 min
- Hakone Museum of Art20 min
Pros
- +Excellent access to museums and galleries
- +Abundant onsen (hot springs) facilities
- +Beautiful mountain scenery
Cons
- -Can feel crowded during peak season
- -Limited dining options outside of hotels
Top stays in Gora
Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
$$$Offers spacious rooms, a beautiful spa, and excellent dining options.
Gora Kadan
$$$A luxurious traditional Japanese inn with private onsen baths.
Hakone Gora Tensui
$$Features modern rooms and a relaxing onsen with mountain views.
Gora Hanaougi
$$Offers a serene atmosphere and tatami rooms with private outdoor baths.
Best for
Walk to
- Hakone Tozan Railway Station5 min
- Hatsuhana10 min
- Hakone Yumoto Onsen Street15 min
Pros
- +Most convenient for arrival and departure
- +Wide range of accommodation and dining choices
- +Good starting point for day trips
Cons
- -Can be very touristy and crowded
- -Less scenic and tranquil than higher elevations
Top stays in Hakone-Yumoto
Hotel Okada
$$A large hotel with extensive onsen facilities and a variety of dining options.
Hakone Yumoto Onsen Tenseien
$$Features a large open-air bath with impressive views and direct access to the river.
Yumoto Fujiya Hotel
$$Conveniently located near the station, offering comfortable rooms and a pleasant onsen.
Guesthouse Azito
$A budget-friendly option with a friendly atmosphere and shared kitchen facilities.
Best for
Walk to
- Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Pier10 min
- Hakone Shrine30 min
- Old Tokaido Road Cedar Avenue45 min
Pros
- +Iconic views of Mount Fuji
- +Relaxing lake activities
- +Proximity to Hakone Shrine
Cons
- -Accommodation can be pricier
- -Transportation between points of interest can be time-consuming
Top stays in Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
Areas to be cautious
- Areas far from main transport hubs without planned activities: Can lead to significant travel time and difficulty accessing attractions, especially without a car.
Insider tip: Purchase the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited use of most transport in the area (trains, buses, ropeway, cruise) and discounts on attractions; it often pays for itself within two days.
Where to Stay in Hakone
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Gora
A charming mountain resort town known for its art museums and hot springs.
Stay in Hakone-Yumoto
The bustling gateway to Hakone, offering a mix of souvenir shops, restaurants, and onsen.
Stay in Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
A picturesque caldera lake offering stunning views of Mount Fuji and iconic pirate ship cruises.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Hakone
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List Your PropertySafety in Hakone
SafeSolo Female Travel
Hakone is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night are sufficient.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially around hotels and main streets. Some mountain roads and paths can be dark and deserted.
Emergency
110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced souvenirs in tourist-heavy areas.
- 2Misleading information regarding transport options if not using the Hakone Free Pass.
Compare hotel deals in Hakone
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for Hakone
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in Japan
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for Japan and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Hakone
Transport, connectivity, and costs
โ๏ธ
Airport to City
From Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports, take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to Shinjuku Station (Tokyo), then transfer to the Odakyu Romancecar directly to Hakone-Yumoto (approx. 2-2.5 hours total, 4000-5000 JPY).
๐ซ
Day Pass
Hakone Free Pass (2-day) is approx. 6100 JPY for adults starting from Shinjuku.
Single: Single ride tickets are available but less economical than the pass; e.g., Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora is approx. 400 JPY.
๐ถ
Walkability
Car NeededUber
๐ถ
WiFi
Good30-60 Mbps (in cafes/hotels)
Public Transport
Hakone Tozan Railway (scenic mountain train), Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship). The Hakone Free Pass covers most of these.
Ride-share
Rideshare services like Uber are not readily available or practical in Hakone due to its mountainous terrain and dispersed attractions. Taxis are available but expensive.
Transport Tip
Utilize the Hakone Free Pass and plan your route using the various modes of transport to maximize efficiency and enjoyment.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many hotels, ryokans, and some cafes offer free Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi spots are limited.
Coworking
Coworking spaces are rare in Hakone. Consider using your hotel or a cafe if you need to work.
Rent a Car in Hakone
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jun, Jul, Sep
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Hotels & Accommodation in Hakone
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Who Is Hakone Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to Hakone
Offers the most convenient access and a wide range of services, making it an easy starting point.
Art and Culture Enthusiasts
Home to numerous art museums and galleries, providing ample cultural immersion.
Couples Seeking Relaxation
Offers romantic views, serene lake activities, and upscale accommodations.
Budget Travelers
Provides the most affordable accommodation and dining options, especially hostels.
Families with Young Children
Easy access, family-friendly hotels, and proximity to attractions like the pirate ship cruise.
About Hakone
Hakone (็ฎฑๆ น็บ, Hakone-machi) is a town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 October 2023, the town had a population of 10,965, and total area of 92.82 km2 (35.84 sq mi). Hakone is a notable spa town and a popular tourist destination due to its many hot springs being within view of nearby Mount Fuji, the most visited mountain in Japan.
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