The best hotels in Hakone
Hakone has 8,000+ places to stay, and picking the wrong one means missing the views entirely. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Hakone
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Hakone Guesthouse Tsuru
Yumoto, Hakone
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hakone Hotel Kowakien
Kowakidani, Hakone
Free cancellation & Pay later
Moto-Hakone Guest House
Moto-Hakone, Hakone
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
Sengokuhara, Hakone
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hakone Prince Hotel Annex
Hakone-machi, Hakone
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hakone Guesthouse Tsuru | Yumoto, Hakone | $55–85/night | 8.1/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Pension Sakaeya | Miyanoshita, Hakone | $75–110/night | 8.3/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 3 | Hakone Hotel Kowakien | Kowakidani, Hakone | $110–180/night | 8.5/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Moto-Hakone Guest House | Moto-Hakone, Hakone | $130–195/night | 8.7/10 | Best Location |
| 5 | Hakone Tent | Sengokuhara, Hakone | $145–210/night | 9.1/10 | Top Rated |
| 6 | Fujiya Hotel | Miyanoshita, Hakone | $160–250/night | 8.8/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa | Sengokuhara, Hakone | $185–300/night | 8.9/10 | Business Pick |
| 8 | Hakone Prince Hotel Annex | Hakone-machi, Hakone | $200–290/night | 8.6/10 | Best Value |
| 9 | Gora Kadan | Gora, Hakone | $480–900/night | 9.4/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Hakone Ginyu | Miyanoshita, Hakone | $520–1 100/night | 9.3/10 | Romantic Stay |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Hakone Guesthouse Tsuru
A simple, clean guesthouse in Yumoto, the entry point to Hakone near the train station. Rooms are compact but well-maintained, with shared baths that are always spotless. The staff speak enough English to help you navigate the Hakone Free Pass system. It is a no-frills base camp for exploring the area on a tight budget.
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Pension Sakaeya
This small family-run pension sits in Miyanoshita, a quiet historic village along the old Tokaido road. The owners are genuinely welcoming and serve a solid Western-style breakfast each morning. Rooms are modest and dated but extremely clean. The location puts you close to Miyanoshita Station for easy access to the ropeway and lake. A real bargain for the area.
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Hakone Hotel Kowakien
Located in Kowakidani, this large resort-style hotel is directly connected to the Yunessun spa complex, which is a major draw for families and groups. The onsen facilities on the property are extensive and well-maintained. Rooms are spacious by Japanese resort standards, with views toward the forested hills. Dining options inside the hotel are reliable but not exceptional. Book early on weekends.
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Moto-Hakone Guest House
This guesthouse sits right along the shore of Lake Ashi near the Moto-Hakone port, and on clear days Mount Fuji is visible from the lakefront just steps away. The rooms are simple and Japanese in style, with futons on tatami floors. The private onsen baths can be reserved by the hour, which keeps things peaceful. It is a genuinely scenic spot that most tourists just pass through by ferry.
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Hakone Tent
Hakone Tent is a modern boutique guesthouse in the Sengokuhara area, known for its exceptional hospitality and attention to detail. The owner goes out of the way to recommend local spots and arrange activities, which guests consistently praise in reviews. Rooms mix contemporary Japanese design with Western comfort, and the shared lounge is a good place to meet other travelers. The outdoor hot spring bath is small but perfectly maintained. One of the best-reviewed properties in the region.
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Fujiya Hotel
The Fujiya Hotel opened in 1878 and is one of Japan's oldest Western-style hotels, sitting prominently in Miyanoshita village. Famous guests over the years have included Charlie Chaplin and John Lennon, and the historic photos in the lobby tell the story well. The older main building rooms have real character, with high ceilings and antique furnishings. The garden and outdoor pools are beautifully kept. Prices are fair given the history and quality.
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Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
The Hyatt Regency sits in the quieter Sengokuhara plateau area, surrounded by forests and away from the more crowded lakeside spots. Rooms are large, modern, and consistently well-appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the hills. The spa facilities are among the best in Hakone, including indoor and outdoor hot spring pools. The international restaurant is polished but the Japanese dining option is the better choice. A solid choice for corporate retreats or a high-comfort leisure stay.
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Hakone Prince Hotel Annex
The Prince Hotel Annex occupies a prime position along the western shore of Lake Ashi in Hakone-machi, with unobstructed lake views from many rooms. The property is large and well-run, with multiple restaurants, outdoor pools open in summer, and direct access to the lakeside walking paths. Rooms in the main building are more spacious than those in older Prince properties elsewhere. Service is professional and the check-in process is smooth even during busy holiday periods.
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Gora Kadan
Gora Kadan is a former imperial family villa converted into one of Japan's most celebrated ryokan, set on a hillside in Gora above the cable car station. Every room is furnished in refined traditional Japanese style, and the multi-course kaiseki dinners served in your room are exceptional by any standard. The indoor and outdoor hot spring baths are fed by natural springs and are available around the clock. Staff anticipate your needs before you have to ask, which is the defining quality of the experience. This is the benchmark for high-end onsen stays in Hakone.
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Hakone Ginyu
Hakone Ginyu is a small luxury ryokan perched on a forested hillside above Miyanoshita, with only a handful of suites so privacy is guaranteed. Each suite has its own private outdoor hot spring bath on a terrace overlooking the cedar forest. The kaiseki meals emphasize local Hakone ingredients and are plated with real artistry. The property is deliberately quiet, with no large common areas, making it better suited to couples than families. The price is high but the seclusion and service justify it completely.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Hakone
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
First time in Hakone? Start here.
Hakone isn't a city. it's a loose collection of villages spread across a volcanic caldera. Yumoto is the entry point off the Odakyu Line, but it's not where you want to base yourself. Head up through Miyanoshita, Kowakidani, and into Gora or Sengokuhara, where the actual Hakone begins.
The Hakone Tozan Railway is your main artery. It climbs from Yumoto through a series of switchbacks, stopping at Miyanoshita (home to the century-old Fujiya Hotel) and Kowakidani before terminating at Gora. From Gora, the funicular connects to the ropeway. Do this loop in full on your first day and you'll understand the geography immediately.
The Mt. Fuji view problem nobody warns you about.
Most visitors assume Hakone equals Fuji views. It doesn't, automatically. The mountain is often hidden by clouds, especially in summer. Your best odds are early morning in autumn and winter, from spots like the northern shore of Lake Ashi near Moto-Hakone or the observation decks in Sengokuhara.
Staying in Sengokuhara specifically improves your chances because you're above the valley fog. Hotels near Owakudani itself are often shrouded in volcanic steam. Book a room with a west-facing window and set your alarm for 6am. That's not an exaggeration. by 9am the clouds are usually up.
Ryokan vs. western hotel: which is right for you?
A proper ryokan means tatami floors, futon bedding, a yukata robe, multi-course kaiseki dinner, and access to an onsen. Many also include breakfast. Gora Kadan and Hakone Ginyu in Miyanoshita do this at the highest level, with prices to match ($480-1,100/night). It's an experience, not just accommodation.
If you'd rather skip the formal dinner schedule and prefer a proper bed, western-style hotels like Hyatt Regency Hakone in Sengokuhara or Hakone Hotel Kowakien give you the onsen access without the full ryokan commitment. Both options are genuinely worth it in different ways. Don't let anyone tell you one is more 'authentic' than the other.
Getting between Hakone's neighborhoods without losing your mind.
The Hakone Tozan Railway handles Yumoto to Gora. For Sengokuhara, you need Bus Route H (the Hakone Tozan Bus, bound for Gotemba) which runs along Prefectural Route 75 through the pampas grass plateau. Frequency drops in the evening, so check the last bus before you wander too far from your hotel.
Lake Ashi is covered by boat from Togendai (north end) to Hakonemachi Port (south end) in about 30 minutes. Taxis exist but are expensive. expect ¥2,000-4,000 for short hops. The Free Pass covers buses and boats, so if you're moving around a lot, buy it before leaving Shinjuku.
When Hakone gets expensive (and when it doesn't).
Three windows crush hotel availability and prices: Golden Week (late April through early May), Silver Week (mid-September), and autumn foliage season (late October through November). During these periods, even mid-range hotels in Gora hit $200+/night and luxury ryokans are fully booked months out.
The real value window is January through February. It's cold (2-7°C in Sengokuhara), but Mt. Fuji views are at their sharpest and hotels drop 25-40% off peak rates. The onsens feel better in cold weather anyway. We'd take a January trip over a crowded Golden Week one every time.
What to eat and where to eat it.
Hakone's famous local snack is kuro-tamago, black eggs hard-boiled in the sulfur springs at Owakudani. They sell them in bags of 5 at the Owakudani station area for about ¥600. Beyond novelty value, they taste like regular hard-boiled eggs. but eating them next to active volcanic vents is its own experience.
For proper meals, Miyanoshita has the best concentration of restaurants relative to the tourist traffic. The area around the Fujiya Hotel on National Route 1 has a handful of solid lunch spots. Gora also has a few good options near Gora Station, including places that serve locally sourced tofu and mountain vegetables. Skip the overpriced kaiseki sets in Yumoto and save that budget for a proper ryokan dinner up the mountain.
Hakone's best neighborhoods
Prioritize Sengokuhara or Gora if Mt. Fuji views matter to you. Yumoto is cheaper but farther from everything worth seeing.
Sengokuhara 2 vetted hotels Best Mt. Fuji views, most breathing room.
Best Mt. Fuji views, most breathing room.
Sengokuhara sits at the northern end of the Hakone caldera, above most of the tourist traffic. The pampas grass plateau along Prefectural Route 75 is famous in autumn, and the Pola Museum of Art is about 10 minutes on foot from the main road. You genuinely feel like you're in a different Hakone up here.
This is where Hakone Tent sits. the highest-rated property in our entire list, at a 9.1. And the Hyatt Regency Hakone is here too, which is the best option if you need reliable Wi-Fi, a spa, and a pool alongside your onsen. Prices in Sengokuhara run $145-300/night, which is justified by the views and the calm.
The trade-off is convenience. You're 20-30 minutes from Gora by bus, and bus frequency drops after 8pm. If you want to hop between Kowakidani and Gora easily, this location costs you time. But if you're here to decompress and see Fuji at dawn, there's nowhere better.
Gora & Kowakidani 1 vetted hotel The cultural core of Hakone.
The cultural core of Hakone.
Gora is the end of the Hakone Tozan Railway line and the launch point for the funicular and ropeway to Owakudani. It has a compact, walkable center around Gora Station and Gora Park, which is worth 45 minutes of your time for the manicured gardens and teahouse. Kowakidani, one stop down, is home to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. one of Japan's best outdoor art spaces.
Gora Kadan sits in Gora and is the finest ryokan in our list at $480-900/night. It's a former imperial family villa converted to a high-end retreat. The kaiseki dinners here set the standard for the region. If you're going to splurge once in Japan, this is a worthy candidate.
Hakone Hotel Kowakien gives you the Kowakidani location at a much more accessible $110-180/night. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a 5-minute walk, and Kowakidani Station puts you on the Tozan Railway for easy access to both Gora and Miyanoshita.
Miyanoshita 3 vetted hotels History, hot springs, and the most character.
History, hot springs, and the most character.
Miyanoshita is where Hakone's hotel history lives. The Fujiya Hotel opened in 1878 and hosted everyone from Charlie Chaplin to John Lennon. It sits right on National Route 1 above Miyanoshita Station, and the Western-Japanese hybrid architecture is genuinely worth seeing even if you're not staying there.
Pension Sakaeya is the best-value property in this neighborhood at $75-110/night. It's a small, family-run place with actual character. not a polished corporate hotel. Hakone Ginyu, also in Miyanoshita, is the luxury ryokan alternative at $520-1,100/night, with private open-air baths and food that competes with Gora Kadan.
The neighborhood is quieter than Yumoto and more central than Sengokuhara. Miyanoshita Station puts you 15 minutes down to Yumoto and 15 minutes up to Gora. The older town streets behind the Fujiya Hotel have a handful of small shops and a good coffee spot on the main lane near the post office.
Moto-Hakone & Hakone-machi 2 vetted hotels Lake Ashi views and the best shrine access.
Lake Ashi views and the best shrine access.
These two villages sit at the southern end of Lake Ashi, connected by a 15-minute walk along the old Tokaido cedar avenue. Hakone Shrine is right here, with its famous torii gate rising from the lake. Hakonemachi Port runs the pirate ship ferry north to Togendai. The setting is flat-out stunning on a clear morning.
Moto-Hakone Guest House charges $130-195/night and earned the Best Location badge for good reason. You're walking distance to the shrine, the lake, and the cedar avenue along the old Tokaido road. The Hakone Prince Hotel Annex in Hakone-machi offers lake-facing rooms at $200-290/night with a private lakeshore and tennis courts.
Getting here from Gora or Sengokuhara requires the ropeway to Togendai and the ferry south, or a bus. It's not complicated, but budget 45 minutes from Gora. This area is better for your second or third night once you've done the ropeway loop. or as a base if the shrine and lake are your main priority.
Hakone-Yumoto 1 vetted hotel The easy entry point. but not the destination.
The easy entry point. but not the destination.
Yumoto is where the Odakyu Line terminates and where most day-trippers arrive. The Hayakawa River runs through it, and there are a handful of public bath houses along the riverbank streets. It's accessible and cheap. That's about the full list of genuine advantages.
Hakone Guesthouse Tsuru is the legitimate budget option here at $55-85/night. It's clean, social, and the staff actually know Hakone well. The surrounding area is fine for one night, but the souvenir shop density and the crowds from Odawara day-trippers make it feel more like a transit hub than a destination.
From Yumoto, the Tozan Railway to Gora takes 40 minutes and costs ¥780. If you're on a tight budget and willing to commute, staying here can save you $50-100/night versus mid-mountain hotels. Just don't expect to walk out your door into Hakone's best scenery.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Hakone.
Romantic Escape
Miyanoshita delivers this better than anywhere else in Hakone. Private outdoor onsen baths, kaiseki dinners, and the cedar-lined paths above the Tozan Railway line. it's genuinely hard to beat.
Culture & Art
Base yourself in Kowakidani, a 5-minute walk from the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and you're also 20 minutes from the Pola Museum in Sengokuhara. Hakone punches well above its size for serious art.
Family Trip
Kowakidani and Moto-Hakone together cover the two biggest family hits: the Open-Air Museum's children's pavilion and the 25-minute pirate ship ferry across Lake Ashi.
Budget Travel
Stick to Hakone-Yumoto and use the Hakone Free Pass aggressively. Hakone Guesthouse Tsuru at $55-85/night gives you a clean base and saves real money for better meals higher up the mountain.
Nature & Views
Sengokuhara is the best base for Mt. Fuji sightlines and the famous autumn pampas grass fields along Route 75. Get up before 7am and you'll likely have the views to yourself.
Foodie & Onsen
Gora concentrates the best kaiseki ryokans and the most serious onsen culture in Hakone. Gora Kadan's dining room is the apex, but even mid-range properties in this area take the food seriously.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Hakone
When to visit Hakone and what to pay.
Spring (March-May)
Cherry blossoms hit Moto-Hakone and the Sukumo River in late March through early April. Golden Week (late April through early May) maxes out hotels across Sengokuhara and Gora. some sell out 3 months early. Budget an extra 30-50% above regular prices for any Golden Week dates.
Summer (June-August)
Rainy season covers June, and Mt. Fuji views are essentially gone under summer cloud cover. Humidity is high and the Owakudani sulfur smell is more intense. Prices drop noticeably versus spring. mid-range hotels in Kowakidani sit at $110-180/night. The onsens are less appealing in heat, but the hiking trails through Sengokuhara are quiet.
Autumn (September-November)
This is Hakone's best season, full stop. The pampas grass at Sengokuhara peaks in mid-October, and autumn foliage across Gora Park and the Tozan Railway route peaks in November. Expect prices to spike 30-40% in late October. Book Gora or Sengokuhara hotels at least 6-8 weeks ahead for weekend stays.
Winter (December-February)
Cold and quiet. Mt. Fuji views are at their clearest from Sengokuhara and Lake Ashi. the mountain is snow-capped and the air is dry. Hotels drop 25-40% off autumn rates, and you can book Hakone Tent or Hakone Hotel Kowakien with less than 2 weeks' notice on weekdays. The onsens genuinely feel their best when it's 3°C outside.
Booking Tips for Hakone
Insider tips for booking hotels in Hakone.
Buy the Free Pass before Odawara, not after.
The Hakone Free Pass is sold at Shinjuku Station (Odakyu counter) and at Odawara Station. Buying it at Shinjuku includes the Romancecar or regular express fare to Hakone-Yumoto in the price. The 2-day pass from Shinjuku costs ¥6,100 and covers the Tozan Railway, funicular, ropeway, Lake Ashi ferry, and most buses. Don't buy single tickets piecemeal. you'll pay more.
Book weekends 6-8 weeks out minimum.
Hakone is a 90-minute train ride from Tokyo. That makes it the default weekend escape for millions of people. Gora, Sengokuhara, and Miyanoshita properties fill up fast for Saturday nights. Mid-week (Sunday through Thursday) is a different story. you can often find Hakone Tent or Hakone Hotel Kowakien 1-2 weeks ahead without panic.
Tattoos mean plan for private baths.
Public and hotel communal onsens in Hakone uniformly ban visible tattoos. If this applies to you, specifically filter for properties with kashikiri (private) onsen baths. Gora Kadan, Hakone Ginyu, and Fujiya Hotel all offer private bath options. Ask directly when booking. the room type matters, not just the property.
The ropeway closes for maintenance.
The Hakone Ropeway between Sounzan and Owakudani shuts down for scheduled maintenance periods, usually in January and June for 2-3 weeks. Check the Hakone Ropeway official schedule before you book travel around the ropeway loop. This affects your route from Gora to Lake Ashi significantly. the detour via bus adds 45 minutes each way.
Avoid the Yumoto station strip for dinner.
The restaurants immediately around Hakone-Yumoto Station are tourist-priced and mediocre. Walk 10 minutes north along the Hayakawa River toward the ryokan district and the options improve considerably. Alternatively, if you're staying in Miyanoshita or Gora, eat there. both neighborhoods have better-quality local spots for ¥1,200-2,500 per person.
Confirm check-in times before your ryokan arrival.
Traditional ryokans in Hakone often have fixed dinner service at 6pm or 7pm and breakfast at 8am. Check-in is typically 3pm-5pm and checkout by 10am. Arriving at a ryokan like Gora Kadan at 2pm expecting early check-in often doesn't work. Many properties will store your luggage, but plan your ropeway and sightseeing loop to finish before 4pm.
Hotels in Hakone — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Hakone.
Which area of Hakone is best to stay in?
Sengokuhara is the sweet spot. You get clear Mt. Fuji views, the Pola Museum of Art is a 10-minute walk, and you're away from the day-tripper crowds that clog Hakone-Yumoto every weekend. Gora is a close second. good ryokan density, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is 5 minutes by Kinugawa Tozan Railway, and prices run $110-300/night.
How far is Hakone from Tokyo?
About 85 km southwest of Tokyo. The Romancecar limited express from Shinjuku Station gets you to Hakone-Yumoto in roughly 85 minutes and costs around ¥2,470. The standard Odakyu Line is cheaper at ¥880 but takes 2+ hours with transfers at Odawara.
Is the Hakone Free Pass worth buying?
Yes, if you're staying 2+ nights. It covers the Hakone Tozan Railway, the ropeway to Owakudani, the Lake Ashi ferry, and several buses. The 2-day pass costs ¥6,100 from Shinjuku and pays for itself on day one if you're hitting Gora, Sounzan, and Lake Ashi.
What's the best time of year to visit Hakone?
Mid-October through November for autumn foliage around Sengokuhara pampas grass fields. Late March through April is excellent for cherry blossoms near Moto-Hakone and along the Sukumo River. Both windows are busy, so expect hotel prices to jump 30-50% above off-season rates.
Do I need to book a ryokan well in advance?
For weekends and Golden Week (late April through early May), yes. Places like Gora Kadan sell out 3-4 months ahead. Mid-week slots at properties like Hakone Tent or Pension Sakaeya in Miyanoshita are usually available 3-4 weeks out.
Can you see Mt. Fuji from Hakone?
From the right spots, yes. The clearest views are from Sengokuhara, the Lake Ashi shoreline near Moto-Hakone, and the Hakone Ropeway between Owakudani and Togendai. Morning hours before 10am give you the best shot before clouds roll in.
What's a fair price for a hotel in Hakone?
Budget guesthouses in Yumoto start around $55-85/night. Mid-range hotels in Kowakidani and Gora run $110-200/night. Proper luxury ryokans, especially in Gora and Miyanoshita, start at $480/night and go past $1,100.
Are there budget-friendly options in Hakone?
Yes, but they're concentrated in Hakone-Yumoto, which is the least scenic part of the area. Hakone Guesthouse Tsuru sits in Yumoto at $55-85/night and is genuinely good value. Just know you'll spend more time commuting to the views everyone comes here for.
Is Hakone good for families with kids?
Very much so. The Hakone Open-Air Museum in Kowakidani has a children's pavilion and outdoor sculpture grounds that kids actually enjoy. The Lake Ashi pirate ship ferry from Hakonemachi Port takes about 25 minutes and goes down well with anyone under 12.
What should I know about onsen etiquette before I go?
Most onsen require you to bathe without swimwear. You rinse thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath, and tattoos are banned at the vast majority of public and hotel onsens in Hakone. Private in-room onsens (kashikiri) at places like Gora Kadan get around the tattoo issue if that's a concern.
Which Hakone neighborhood should I avoid?
The strip immediately around Hakone-Yumoto Station is overpriced for what you get. There are souvenir shops, mediocre soba restaurants, and a lot of properties that trade on location convenience rather than quality. If you're paying more than $120/night in Yumoto, you're probably overpaying.
How do I get around Hakone without a car?
The Hakone Free Pass covers most of it. The Hakone Tozan Railway runs from Yumoto up to Gora (40 minutes, 15 stops). From Gora, the funicular and ropeway take you through Owakudani to Lake Ashi. Buses cover Sengokuhara, including the route past the pampas grass fields on Prefectural Route 75.