Ninety minutes from central Tokyo, Hakone is the best place to experience onsen, i.e., hot springs resorts in Japan. With proximity to the iconic volcano Mt. Fuji, Hakone – the mountainous town is geographically the best onsen area in Japan.

Blessed with all kinds of onsens – traditional onsens, onsens with a mountain view, private onsens, and onsens with the Lake Ashi view – you have endless hot spring options in Hakone, Japan.

That brings me to a fact – having too many options can lead to decision fatigue. During my day trip to Hakone, I experienced it first-hand. The diversity overwhelmed me. 

And I don’t want that to happen on your solo visit to Hakone, Japan. After all, onsens are for relaxation, aren’t they? 

So, I have covered all about the hot springs of Hakone, Japan. Now, take the trip to Hakone and enjoy the region’s healing water.

First, Where Can You Find the Hot Springs in Hakone, Japan?

As a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the town is filled with over 20 onsens. Some are in the hills, some in the valley, and some by the lakeside. 

Of all the areas, Yumoto, the gateway to Hakone, is the oldest and largest hot spring area in the region. There are public bathhouses as well as ryokans – traditional Japanese inns to soak in the goodness of the mineral-rich geothermal water.

My Top Picks: Best of All Onsens, a.k.a. Hot Springs, Hakone, Japan 

Tenzan Onsen – Best Day Use Onsen in Hakone, Japan

With open-air baths, a wide selection of pools, and a forest setting, Tenzan is one of the most scenic and traditional hot springs in Hakone, Japan. 

Not only that, Tenzan is amongst the few tattoo-friendly onsens in Hakone. If you like a dim ambience, visit the onsen post-evening. It’s insane. 

But what makes it incredible is its affordability and location along the bus route. From the Oku-Yumoto Iriguchi bus stop, the onsen is just a short walk. And it costs 1450 yen for entry (cash only).

Apart from that, there is also a steam room and on-site cafe to sit back and relax after your onsen session. 

My Tip: Bring your towel to save 200 yen easily. And if you plan to have lunch here, arrive before 2 PM. They don’t take orders after that.  

Open from 9 AM to 11 PM

Hakone Yuryo – Countryside Day-Use Hot Spring, Hakone, Japan 

A free 10 to 15-minute bus ride from Hakone Yumoto Station will take you to one of the best hot springs in Hakone, Japan – the Hakone Yuryo Onsen. 

Best part? You have access to gender-segregated public bath areas! Both indoors and outdoors. What more can you want as a solo female traveller, right? 

Use their online form to request an online reservation and make restaurant reservations beforehand. It costs around 1700 yen for weekdays and for weekends or holidays, it’s 2000 yen. 

Open from 10 AM to 8 PM

Yunosato Okada – Natural Hot Spring, Hakone, Japan

A mix of covered and uncovered outdoor and indoor pools – Yunosato Okada is a great option if you want to relax with the valley view.

Aside from the onsen, you get to enjoy the massage chairs, the game room, the relaxing area and comic books at no extra charge.

Regarding charges, entry to Yunosato Okada costs around 1450 yen. 

My Tip: To reach the onsen, rather than walking up the side road, walk into the lobby of Hotel Okada and ask for directions. They will guide you. 

Open from 11 AM to 11 PM

Kappa Tengoku – Affordable Hot Spring in Hakone, Japan

Two hundred meters from the Hakone Yumoto Station, and within a 5-minute walk, you’ll reach the small yet beautiful Kappa Tengoku Onsen.

With a convenient location, this traditional wooden open-air onsen is a steal deal. Only 900 yen for entrance. And the atmosphere is a cherry on top. 

Having said that, it’s a bit of a climb but it shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, the staff at the front desk knows English and are extremely helpful. They will also recommend the best places to eat in the Hakone region. 

Open from 10 AM to 8 PM

Gora Kadan – Onsen with a Luxury Ryokan Stay in Hakone, Japan

If you are staying a night or two at Hakone, this should be it. It is two minutes’ walking distance from Gora Station, a simple property with a forest view.

Gora Kadan offers a lovely onsen experience and an authentic Japanese ryokan stay.  

You can also book a stay with a private onsen but the outdoor onsen is exceptional. And do not forget to get a spa session. 

However, what truly makes your stay luxurious is the customer service. It is top-notch. 

Yunessun – Bizzare Hot Spring Theme Park in Hakone, Japan

Wine, chocolate, matcha, and whatnot! Yunessun is known for its flavoured onsens! Yes, you read that right. No matter how bizarre it sounds, Yunessun is a one-of-a-kind experience in the Gora area of Hakone. 

Besides, the Mori no Yu (swimsuit-free area where you can enter the water naked) also features a collection of Japanese open-air baths. In short, you get the best of both worlds. 

Both combined will cost you 3500 yen.

And if you want unlimited access to Yunessun, book a stay at the Hakone Kowakien Hotel. It even has its own Sakura garden – perfect if you are visiting during cherry blossom season. 

It doesn’t end there. With spacious rooms, you also have added access to a buffet, drinks and private onsen. 

Open from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 7 PM on weekends

Tips for First-Time Onsen Visitors

• Rinse off well before entering the onsen
• Maintain calm and avoid splashing
• Do not wear swimsuits; undress completely before stepping into a swimsuit-free onsen
• Check tattoo restrictions before making a reservation – tattoos are not allowed in many onsens in Japan.

Cost of Experiencing Hot Spring, Hakone, Japan

If you opt for a day-use onsen, it will cost you around 900 yen to 2000 yen. For private baths, the cost can shoot up to 3000 yen on an hourly basis. 

And, if you choose to stay the night in a ryokan and experience the onsen – it can easily cost you around 15,000 yen to 25,000 yen.

Lastly, Are the Hot Springs in Hakone Worth the Hype? 

100% worth the hype! All the hot springs in Hakone, Japan, are exclusive. No two onsen will be the same. Ever. Even the water content is different. Hakone has been famous for its hot springs since the Edo period for a reason.

If you are on a day trip to Hakone, opt for day-use onsen. It allows you to experience the hot spring culture of Japan without staying the night. 

Or, in case you’ve decided to spend a night or two in Hakone, any private onsen will be a great choice.

So, whether you are planning a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo or staying overnight, do not forget to add the hot springs of Hakone, Japan, to the list of must-do’s on your solo travel to the country.