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3 Hakone Hot Springs Perfect For a Day Trip (Including Swimsuit-OK Baths!)

3 Hakone Hot Springs Perfect For a Day Trip (Including Swimsuit-OK Baths!)

Last updated: 30 September 2024

Hakone's hot spring area is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Tokyo, offering a variety of attractions. If you're planning to experience a Japanese furo (bath), there are many options to choose from, making it hard to decide where to begin.

This guide will introduce three hot spring areas to help you plan your Hakone trip more easily. Even if you're hesitant about nude public bathing, you can still enjoy Hakone's famous hot springs while admiring Japan's stunning natural scenery.

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Table of Contents
  1. 1. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Hot Spring Amusement Park: A wide variety of baths (and swimsuits are OK!)
  2. 2. Hakone Yuryo: Private open-air hot springs baths
  3. 3. Ryuguden: Hakone Onsen Bathing With a Breathtaking View of Mount Fuji
Recommended Stays in Hakone’s Famous Hot Springs Area

1. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Hot Spring Amusement Park: A wide variety of baths (and swimsuits are OK!)

For those who are self-conscious about being nude in public, Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a fitting alternative. In addition to twenty kinds of Hakone hot springs, spas and open-air baths, the site also features an area in which bathing suits are allowed.

Yunessun is the only hot spring in Hakone that allows swimsuits!
Yunessun is the only hot spring in Hakone that allows swimsuits!

Popular among overseas visitors are the “Wine Bath,” “Coffee Bath,” “Doctor Fish Footbath,” “Rodeo Mountain,” and “Outdoor Hot Spring With Scenic View Bath.” As the names suggest, "Wine Bath" and "Real Coffee Bath" use real wine and coffee.

Wine baths relax your mind and body with the scent of rich wine and are good for the skin. For families traveling together, children are also allowed in the wine bath.

Pleasantly scented “Wine Bath”
Pleasantly scented “Wine Bath”

In "Doctor Fish Footbath", small fish gently nibble at your feet for a pleasant tickling sensation. Sessions cost 300 yen but business hours vary, so check in advance.

The mysterious feeling of “Doctor Fish Footbath”
The mysterious feeling of “Doctor Fish Footbath”

Rodeo Mountain is a popular water slide with hot water rapids. Guests over 110cm can ride all three slides and conquer the mountain.

Powerful Rodeo Mountain
Powerful Rodeo Mountain

At 40 meters in length, the Outdoor Hot Spring With Scenic View Bath offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Hakone’s rich natural beauty. It’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy authentic Hakone hot springs, and the whole experience is great for washing away fatigue.

Taking in Hakone’s Beauty from the Outdoor Hot Spring With Scenic View Bath
Taking in Hakone’s Beauty from the Outdoor Hot Spring With Scenic View Bath

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun has swimwear rentals and guests with tattoos can enter if their tattoos are covered, making it a foreigner-friendly facility.

2. Hakone Yuryo: Private open-air hot springs baths

Hakone Yuryo is a stunning onsen that offers an authentic Japanese-style bathing experience. It's an ideal place to enjoy the finest bathing experience that Hakone has to offer. The facility boasts 19 private outdoor baths, which are surrounded by lush forests, making it the largest of its kind in the area. You can relax, unwind, and spend quality time with your family or friends without worrying about prying eyes.

You can reserve private single-room open-air baths up to a month in advance, but if there are open spots available on the day of your visit, you can book them then. Hakone Yuryo is a great place to rest your mind and body and give yourself a well-deserved break.

Private open-air baths
Private open-air baths

In addition to forming a beautiful memory of your travels in Japan, these relaxing Hakone onsen baths are also a great place to plan the next leg of your trip. Hakone Yuryo has three room sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits the size of your group.

All room types are peaceful and modern, and you won’t want to leave!

After the hot spring, take a break in the private room
After the hot spring, take a break in the private room

In addition to the private single-room open-air baths, there’s also a large public bath called Hondon Yurakun Oyu. Loyly is a traditional Finnish sauna bathing method in which steam is generated by pouring aromatic water over the sauna stones.

Loyly Master
Loyly Master

In a loyly sauna, guests are fanned with a large fan by a master. The hot steam causes sweating, which is believed to improve metabolism. This experience is popular among sauna enthusiasts and those seeking health and beauty benefits.

The steam is produced by water that includes a variety of aromas, such as grapefruit, mint, lime, chamomile, wine, peach, lavender, eucalyptus, and bergamot. The aromas change depending on the season and time, so you can enjoy different scents whenever you visit.

Loyly is also suitable for people who don't usually enjoy saunas. It's not too taxing on the body, as the temperature is only 80 degrees Celsius, and the humidity levels are lower.

A relaxing massage
A relaxing massage

After enjoying the Löyly, we recommend visiting the "Hogushian Yururuka" relaxation area for a thorough body maintenance session. They offer a variety of courses that combine unique techniques with reflexology, lymphatic treatments, and stretching, ensuring you'll find the perfect course to address your individual needs.

If you don't have time for a full relaxation session but still want a quick treatment, consider the special "Hogushidokoro Yururuka" relaxation area. They offer courses such as head massages, foot massages, aromatherapy treatments, and facials.

  • Hakone Yuryo
    箱根湯寮
    • Address 4, Tonosawa, Ashigarashimo Gun Hakone Machi, Kanagawa Ken, 250-0315, Japan
    • Nearest Station Directions:
      3 minutes from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone Yumoto Station via free shuttle bus
      10 minutes by car from Odawara-Atsugi Road Hakoneguchi IC
      45 minutes from Tomei Expressway Gotemba IC
      Free parking available (92 spaces)
    • Phone Number 0460-85-8411
    • ・Hours: Weekdays: 10 AM – 8 PM (last admission at 7 PM), Saturdays & Public Holidays: 10 AM – 9 PM (last admission at 8 PM); Restaurant: Opens at 11:30 AM; Relaxation Services: Open from 11 AM
      ・Closed: Open year-round (occasional maintenance closures)

      Fees (Main Bath): Adults (Junior high school students and older): 1,700 yen on weekdays, 2,000 yen on Saturdays and public holidays (tax included), Children (Elementary school students): 1,000 yen (tax included)

      Fees (Private Open-Air Bath with Reserved Room): Up to 2 people (18㎡): 9,400 yen on weekdays, 10,400 yen on Saturdays and public holidays (30-minute extension: 2,350 yen on weekdays, 2,600 yen on Saturdays and public holidays) (tax included), Up to 4 people (24㎡): 11,400 yen on weekdays, 12,400 yen on Saturdays and public holidays (30-minute extension: 2,850 yen on weekdays, 3,100 yen on Saturdays and public holidays) (tax included), Up to 4 people (32㎡): 13,400 yen on weekdays, 14,400 yen on Saturdays and public holidays (30-minute extension: 3,350 yen on weekdays, 3,600 yen on Saturdays and public holidays) (tax included)
      *All rates are for 120 minutes per room

3. Ryuguden: Hakone Onsen Bathing With a Breathtaking View of Mount Fuji

Lastly, you can enjoy a striking view of Mount Fuji from the shores of Lake Ashi while relaxing at the Ryuguden Main Building. Originally built nearly 80 years ago and renovated in 2017, this impressive hotel resembles the Byodo-in temple in Uji, Kyoto, and is also registered as a Japanese cultural property.

Ryuguden Main Building seen from Lake Ashi
Ryuguden Main Building seen from Lake Ashi

Ryuguden’s best feature is the view of the Hakone rim, Lake Ashi, and Mt. Fuji, visible from all the baths. The facility is popular with both local and overseas tourists.

Mt. Fuji seen from the men’s indoor bath
Mt. Fuji seen from the men’s indoor bath

The men’s indoor bath affords visitors a simultaneous view of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji. At the same time, a similar vista can be appreciated from the women’s outdoor bath, along with the refreshing breeze!

Mt. Fuji seen from the women’s outdoor bath
Mt. Fuji seen from the women’s outdoor bath

On days with clear weather, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji and the reflection of the sky and clouds in Lake Ashi. Even on days with less than perfect weather, when Mt. Fuji is not visible, you can still appreciate the splendor of the lake.

Lake Ashi seen from the women’s outdoor bath
Lake Ashi seen from the women’s outdoor bath

The hot spring contains calcium, sodium, sulfate, and chloride, which are said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain. It's perfect for soothing your tired body after exploring Hakone's popular spots.

When you visit Ryuguden Main Building, don't miss dining at the restaurant "Fuji." They offer meals like the Yudofu Gozen Set and the Tempura & Soba Set (4,900 yen on weekdays, 5,200 yen on weekends and public holidays).

The "Hakone Hime's Smooth Skin Tofu Gozen" set was previously offered as shown in the photo but is not available as of September 2024.
The "Hakone Hime's Smooth Skin Tofu Gozen" set was previously offered as shown in the photo but is not available as of September 2024.

The "Yudofu Gozen" set also comes with a convenient package that includes the bath fee. If you plan to have lunch, be sure to check at the front desk for this offer.

  • Ryuguden
    • Address Motohakone 139, Hakone, Kanagawa, 250-0522
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Sounzan Station (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Each of these hot springs offers unique features, so if you’re wondering where to go in Hakone, give one of them a try!

(Originally published in August 2019 and updated in October 2024. Plan details may change, so please check the facility websites for the latest information.)

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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