Just an hour south of Tokyo, Hakone is a hot spring haven surrounded by dramatic natural scenery. Tucked away in the quiet Gora area, Yutorelo-an offers sweeping views of the Hakone Mountains and vibrant red leaves right from your room. Getting there is part of the charm—the Hakone Tozan Railway and cable car to Naka-Gora Station take you through tunnels of autumn foliage before you even arrive.

Nearby, the Hakone Museum of Art adds another highlight to your trip. Alongside its displays of Japanese pottery spanning thousands of years, the museum’s gardens shine in fall. The moss garden, Shinsenkyo, bursts with color as 200 maple trees ignite in crimson, while the landscaped Sekirakuen Garden offers its own serene beauty.

One of Yutorelo-an’s most captivating features is its private open-air hot springs. With four different designs, these baths let you relax in your own secluded space while fiery autumn leaves frame the view. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary footbath terrace, where the mineral-rich waters and mountain air create a perfect pause in your day.

Yutorelo-an’s rooms are all non-smoking and thoughtfully designed, whether you prefer the simplicity of Japanese tatami or the comfort of a Western-style bed. Options range from cozy twin rooms to spacious suites with open-air baths, including king bedrooms and family-friendly Japanese rooms that can sleep up to six. Whichever you choose, the surrounding autumn scenery is always close at hand.

The ryokan’s hospitality goes beyond its views and baths. Guests can slip into a yukata that matches their style, unwind in free massage chairs, and sip freshly brewed original coffee. Meals showcase the artistry of Japanese cuisine, prepared with seasonal ingredients that delight both the eyes and the palate. With English-speaking staff and warm service, Yutorelo-an makes it easy to immerse yourself in the spirit of Japanese omotenashi.

Nestled between the Sagami Sea and Mt. Hakone, the quiet hot spring town of Yugawara has long been a peaceful getaway. Tucked deeper still in Oku-Yugawara, the refined ryokan Yui offers a secluded escape where fiery autumn leaves frame the landscape. Just under two hours from Tokyo—via Shinkansen to Odawara and a short bus ride—the inn feels worlds away from the city bustle.

Okuyugawara Yui offers a range of stays, each with its own distinct charm. Hidden detached houses limited to just two groups per day feature private open-air baths and gardens embraced by nature. Hanare Homura provides a serene, secluded atmosphere, while the four villa-style residences of Hanare Shiyo exude sophistication and timeless Japanese design, blending comfort with understated luxury.

The waters of Oku-Yugawara have been praised since the 8th century in the ancient Man’yoshu poetry anthology, known for their silky texture and healing properties. At Yui, you can enjoy them in open-air or indoor baths, with some villas offering sliding glass doors that transform indoor tubs into open-air soaking spaces.

Evenings bring a beautifully prepared kaiseki dinner, highlighting seasonal flavors, while mornings offer a choice between traditional Japanese breakfast or a Western set. Each dish is crafted with precision, making dining here as memorable as the scenery.

International guests are warmly welcomed, with English support available from reservation to checkout. Yui also provides an English website and is preparing its own original guide magazine for overseas visitors, ensuring a smooth and comfortable stay for all.

Information magazines are available in guest rooms and dining rooms, and can be taken home freely. There is also a mailing service available upon request.

High in Tochigi Prefecture, Oku-Nikko is a land of lakes, waterfalls, and wetlands that once flourished as an international summer resort during the Meiji era. Today, it is celebrated for its breathtaking fall scenery—brilliant red maples reflecting off Lake Yuno, Lake Chuzenji, and Lake Saino create views often featured in Japanese media.

Set along the shores of Lake Chuzenji, the highest lake in Japan, Oku-Nikko Hotel Shikisai offers a peaceful retreat where guests can take in the crisp mountain air and let nature restore both body and soul. Getting there is simple: a Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Utsunomiya, a transfer to the JR Nikko Line, and a complimentary hotel bus bring you to the lakeside in just under three hours.

Every guest room at Hotel Shikisai faces Lake Chuzenji, ensuring a front-row view of the autumn leaves. Some feature private open-air baths tucked among the trees, while others offer half-open baths framed by glass walls or in-room tubs overlooking the forest. Whichever style you choose, soaking in the warm waters while gazing at the brilliant colors of fall makes for a blissful escape.

The hotel’s large bathhouse draws directly from Oku-Nikko’s famous Yakushi-no-yu, a sulfur spring prized for centuries as a healing “hot-spring cure.” The silky waters are said to leave the skin smooth and refreshed, while the outdoor baths, surrounded by glowing red leaves, become especially enchanting when illuminated at night. It’s an experience that warms both body and spirit.

Dining at Shikisai highlights the bounty of the region, from delicate yuba, a specialty of Nikko to tender highland beef served as part of an elegant kaiseki course. Meals balance taste and presentation, celebrating Nikko’s rich natural surroundings.

Nearby, the shores of Lake Chuzenji still echo with history, once lined with foreign embassies and residences. Today, remnants remain as a park, making the area not only a feast for the senses but also a cultural landmark for visitors from around the world.

The ryokan introduced here are easily accessible from Tokyo and are recommended for enjoying the autumn leaves in Japan. Along with the autumn foliage, enjoy some of the finest the season has to offer, from hot springs to Japanese cuisine.

Written by: Yoko Okumura, Dali Corporation
Mom writer raising three children, one in elementary school and one in junior high school. She loves to talk and eat, and to have her intellectual curiosity tickled. She tries to write articles that make people want to see, know, and visit places.