Where to Stay in Hakone | The Best Areas & Hotels by Budget
Last Updated on March 6, 2026 by Charlotte
If you’re planning a trip to Hakone, choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. This mountainous region is a patchwork of villages connected by trains, cable cars, buses, and even pirate ships. Each area has its own vibe: Hakone-Yumoto is lively and convenient, Gora is perfect for hot springs and museums, Lake Ashi offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji, and more remote spots like Odawara make sense for budget-conscious travelers or late arrivals. In this guide, I’ll help you figure out which area is right for you, and I’ll share my favorite places to stay at every price point, from backpacker hostels to high-end ryokan with private onsens.
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Hakone-Yumoto Town: The Best Town for Easy Access
If you’re arriving by train and want the most convenient base, Hakone-Yumoto is hard to beat. There are stays for all kinds of travelers, from hostels to luxury properties and hot springs hotels. Just steps from the station, this small town welcomes you with the soothing scent of cedar, a lively shopping street, a riverside walk, and a concentration of ryokan, restaurants, and cafés. Everything you need is within walking distance, and there’s a low-effort charm in being able to soak your feet in an onsen just hours after leaving the city.
Hakone-Yumoto is ideal for: short stays, those arriving late, travelers with lots of luggage
Where to Stay in Hakone-Yumoto Town
K’s House Hakone Onsen Hostel – (Budget $)
A laid-back, social hostel with clean tatami rooms, K’s House offers free use of a private onsen and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s just a short walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station, making it a great pick for budget travelers who want convenience without sacrificing charm.
Tsuki no Yado Sara Hotel – (Mid-Range $$)
This stylish ryokan-hotel hybrid features minimalist rooms, optional in-room baths, and beautifully presented kaiseki meals that feel high-end without the luxury price tag. A great choice for travelers who want a design-forward stay that still feels traditional.
LUX HAKONE YUMOTO – (Luxury $$$)
An elegant, modern escape in the heart of town, LUX Hakone Yumoto offers spacious suites, private open-air baths, and polished service. It’s a favorite among couples and honeymooners who want an upscale stay within walking distance of the riverfront and shops.
Kinnotake Tonosawa – (Luxury Ryokan $$$)
Kinnotake Tonosawa is an intimate luxury ryokan featuring just 12 rooms, each with its own private outdoor onsen bath overlooking the Hayakawa River valley. The property’s secluded location in Tonosawa offers a peaceful retreat feeling, while the individual rotenburo lets you soak in complete privacy surrounded by nature. It’s consistently ranked among Hakone’s most exclusive onsen experiences.
Gora Town: Best for Ropeway Access and Onsen Culture
Perched higher in the mountains, Gora is a great choice if you want to soak in a traditional hot spring (onsen) and be close to sights like the Hakone Open Air Museum or the Hakone Ropeway. It’s quieter than Hakone-Yumoto and has more of that small-town, fresh-air feel, although the roads are steeper and some places are more spread out. Many Gora hotels offer complimentary pickup from Gora and Hakone-Yumoto Station, but you’ll often need to reserve it in advance. Most visitors staying in Gora arrive by train or bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Gora is ideal for: relaxing getaways, art lovers, and hot spring enthusiasts
Where to Stay in Gora Town
HAKONE Guesthouse Gaku – (Budget $)
Just minutes from Gora Station, Guesthouse Gaku offers cozy dorms and private rooms with a clean, modern design. The relaxed communal spaces and warm hospitality make it a great budget base for exploring the Hakone area without feeling like you’re sacrificing comfort.
Sundance Resort Hakone Gora – (Mid-Range $$)
This apartment-style stay offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes and an on-site hot spring, perfect for travelers who want a bit more independence and space. Sundance Resort Hakone Gora is a quiet, comfortable retreat just uphill from Gora’s main attractions.
Gen Hakone Gora – (Luxury $$$)
A minimalist ryokan with a modern edge, Gen Hakone features thoughtfully designed suites, each with its own private onsen and forest views. It’s ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking tranquility, design-forward aesthetics, and a more intimate luxury experience.
Gora Kadan – (Luxury Ryokan $$$)
Once an imperial family retreat, Gora Kadan is now a first-class ryokan inn in the middle of Hakone. Gora Kadan offers both communal and private onsen facilities set within meticulously maintained Japanese gardens. The outdoor baths provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains, while the indoor facilities feature beautiful traditional architecture. Their private bath suites can be reserved for the ultimate in onsen luxury.
Lake Ashi, Moto-Hakone, or Togendai: Best Towns for Scenic Views
If you’re dreaming of peaceful mornings, mist over the water, and the chance to see Mt. Fuji reflected in a crater lake, Lake Ashi might be your perfect base. Stays near Moto-Hakone or Togendai feel more remote and romantic than other areas, with easy access to the pirate ship cruise, lakeside trails, and Hakone Shrine. Just know that dining and transit options thin out at night, so it’s best suited for slow evenings and early risers. Some properties will offer pickup from local bus stops or Train Stations, so check in advance when booking.
Lake Ashi, Moto-Hakone, or Togendai are ideal for: Fuji chasers, romantic stays, second-time visitors
Where to Stay Near Lake Ashi
Lake Side Inn MIRAHAKONE – (Budget $)
A charming, no-frills inn with lakefront views, MIRAHAKONE is loved for its friendly owners and walkable location near the Moto-Hakone pier and Hakone Shrine. It’s a simple, peaceful base ideal for travelers who want scenery and access without the splurge.
The Prince Hakone Ashinoko – (Mid-Range $$)
This lakeside resort offers spacious Western-style rooms, a serene private onsen, and picture-perfect views of both Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji on clear days. The Prince Hakone combines nature and comfort, making it a solid choice for couples or families with a car.
Perched above the lake with sweeping water and mountain views, Ryuguden is a traditional Japanese ryokan that delivers classic elegance. Expect refined tatami rooms, beautifully plated kaiseki dinners, and a panoramic onsen that feels straight out of a dream.
Odawara: Best for Day-Trippers or Budget Stays
Technically just outside Hakone, Odawara is where many Shinkansen lines stop. If you’re arriving late from Osaka or Kyoto, or you want to save a bit on lodging before heading into the loop, it can be a practical choice. There’s not a ton to do here, but the castle and ramen spots are worth a quick stop.
- Ideal for: early arrivals, budget travelers, one-night stays
- Cons: not scenic, adds commuting time to get to the things you want to see!
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Hakone?
Once you’ve picked where to stay, it’s time to start planning the rest of your adventure! Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend, or longer, our guides will help you make the most of your time in Hakone:
- The Perfect 3-Day Hakone Itinerary | This itinerary shares the exact route and activities that we did on our trip to Hakone.
- Ultimate Hakone Travel Guide | Our travel guide covers everything you need to know, including how to get there, the Hakone Free Pass, and the best things to do.
