Hakone Yumoto Complete Guide 2024: Hot Springs, Sightseeing, Gourmet, and Access Information Summary
Hakone Yumoto is a hot spring resort located in Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, known as the gateway to the Hakone area. With convenient access of approximately 90 minutes from Tokyo, abundant hot springs, historic streetscapes, and diverse gourmet offerings, it attracts many tourists throughout the year.
This article comprehensively presents the charm of Hakone Yumoto, covering information that both first-time visitors and repeat customers can enjoy.
What is Hakone Yumoto? Basic Information and History
Overview of Hakone Yumoto
Hakone Yumoto is the oldest hot spring resort among the Seventeen Hot Springs of Hakone, said to have been discovered during the Nara period. The hot spring town spreads along a gorge where the Hayakawa and Sukumagawa rivers merge, and has developed around Hakone Yumoto Station, the starting point of the Hakone Tozan Railway.
At an elevation of approximately 100 meters, it is the lowest point in the Hakone area and features a relatively warm climate year-round. As a base for Hakone tourism, numerous traditional inns, hotels, and day-use hot spring facilities line the streets.
History of Hakone Yumoto Hot Springs
The history of Hakone Yumoto Hot Springs is ancient, with a tradition that it was discovered by Priest Jōjōdōbō in 738 (Tenpei 10). During the Edo period, it prospered as a post town on the Tōkaidō road and welcomed many visitors seeking hot spring treatments as one of the Seven Hot Springs of Hakone (later the Seventeen Hot Springs of Hakone).
With the opening of the Hakone Tozan Railway in the Meiji era, transportation improved dramatically, establishing the resort’s position as a hot spring destination. Today, it has become a major hot spring tourist destination with diverse accommodations ranging from traditional Japanese-style inns to modern hotels.
How to Get to Hakone Yumoto
Access by Train
From Tokyo
- Approximately 85 minutes from Shinjuku Station by Odakyu Romancecar (direct)
- Approximately 70 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station by Odakyu Odawara Line, then approximately 15 minutes to Hakone Yumoto by Hakone Tozan Railway
From Yokohama
- Approximately 35 minutes from Yokohama Station to Odawara Station by JR Tōkaidō Line, then approximately 15 minutes to Hakone Yumoto by Hakone Tozan Railway
Hakone Yumoto Station is the starting point of the Hakone Tozan Railway with connections from Odakyu Electric Railway, making access from the Tokyo and Kanagawa areas extremely convenient. The Romancecar is particularly popular with tourists due to reserved seating and comfortable travel.
Access by Car
From Tokyo
- Approximately 30 minutes via the Atsugi IC on the Tōmei Expressway using the Odawara-Atsugi Road
- Approximately 40 minutes from Gotemba IC on the Tōmei Expressway via National Route 138
From Shizuoka
- Approximately 45 minutes from Numazu IC on the Tōmei Expressway via the Izu Longitudinal Expressway and Hakone Pass
Multiple parking lots surround Hakone Yumoto, but they tend to be crowded on weekends and holidays, so use of public transportation is recommended. Some accommodations have dedicated parking facilities.
Information on Discount Tickets and Passes
Hakone Free Pass
A discounted round-trip ticket for Odakyu Line combined with unlimited travel on eight attractions in the Hakone area. Available in 2-day and 3-day versions, convenient for touring all of Hakone starting from Hakone Yumoto.
Hakone Tabi-Tasuke
A pass offering unlimited travel on Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway, and more. Available for purchase at Hakone Yumoto Station.
The Charm of Hakone Yumoto Hot Springs
Spring Quality and Effects
Hakone Yumoto hot springs are primarily alkaline simple hot springs, characterized by colorless, odorless, soft water. Some springs also produce sodium-chloride springs.
Main therapeutic effects
- Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain
- Fatigue recovery, health promotion
- Cold sensitivity, cuts and abrasions
- Chronic gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhoids
The alkaline water is known for removing old dead skin cells, earning it a reputation as a “beauty hot spring.” The skin becomes smooth after bathing.
Five Recommended Day-Use Hot Spring Facilities
1. Hakone Yu-ryō
A day-use hot spring facility with a rustic atmosphere. Features 19 private open-air baths and a large bath, along with a hearth lounge. Dining areas serve dishes made with local ingredients.
2. Tenzan Yōji-kyō
A large day-use facility with multiple bathhouses on extensive grounds. Two facilities—”Higana Yōji Tenzan” and “Kayoi Yōji Ikkyū”—each offer different styles of hot springs. The open-air baths surrounded by nature are popular.
3. Yu no Sato Okada
A large day-use hot spring facility with five hot springs. Features spacious baths and diverse open-air baths, plus sauna facilities for all-day enjoyment. Overnight stays also available.
4. Hakone Parks Yoshino
A hot spring inn along the Hayakawa River that accepts day-use visitors. The open-air bath overlooking the stream has charming appeal and offers peaceful moments.
5. Yaji Kita no Yu
A day-use hot spring facility within walking distance of Hakone Yumoto Station. Convenient access makes it easy to drop by during sightseeing. Features indoor and open-air baths plus sauna.
How to Choose Accommodations
Hakone Yumoto offers diverse lodging options ranging from traditional inns to modern hotels and budget accommodations.
Luxury Inns and Hotels
- Yoshiike Ryokan: Historic inn with extensive Japanese gardens
- Hakone Hotel Koyūgien: Renovated hot spring resort
- Tensei-en: Features private hot spring with rooftop open-air bath
Mid-Range Inns and Hotels
- Hotel Okada: Five hot springs with extensive facilities
- Hakone Yumoto Hotel: Convenient station-adjacent location
- Bansuirō Fukuzumi: Historic inn designated as National Registered Tangible Cultural Property
Budget Accommodations
- Hakone Yumoto Onsen Tsuki no Yado Sara: Good value hot spring inn
- Hotel Kawashika-sō: Quiet lodging along the Hayakawa
When selecting an inn, consider budget, hot spring quality, meals, location, and room type comprehensively. Those prioritizing hot springs should choose inns with private hot springs or rooms with private baths.
Hakone Yumoto Sightseeing Spots
Around Hakone Yumoto Station
Hakone Yumoto Station
The gateway to Hakone tourism, used by many visitors annually. The station has excellent souvenir shops and dining options before you even leave the ticket gates.
Yumoto Shopping Street (Former Tōkaidō)
The shopping street connecting Hakone Yumoto Station to the hot spring area features souvenir shops, restaurants, and hot spring bun shops, perfect for shopping and street food eating while enjoying the resort atmosphere.
Temples and Shrines
Sōun-ji Temple
Founded in 1521 as the family temple of Hōjō Sōun, a warring states daimyo. Houses the graves of five Hōjō generations, a must-see for history enthusiasts. The serene grounds feature beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn.
Tamasudare Waterfall (Tamasudare Shrine)
Located in the inner reaches of Hakone Yumoto, this waterfall drops approximately 8 meters with a width of about 11 meters. Located on Tensei-en grounds but free to view. The adjacent shrine is known as a power spot, offering abundant negative ions for relaxation.
Shōgen-ji Temple
A Sōtō Zen temple on elevated ground in Hakone Yumoto. The peaceful environment offers views overlooking the town.
Nature and Scenic Areas
Hayakawa Riverside Walking Trail
The well-maintained trail along the Hayakawa is perfect for resort walks. Enjoy the sound of the stream and seasonal nature, particularly beautiful during fresh greenery and autumn foliage seasons.
Chitose Bridge
A red bridge spanning the Hayakawa and symbolic of Hakone Yumoto. The bridge offers gorge views and is popular for photography.
Ajisai Bridge
A bridge along the Hakone Tozan Railway tracks featuring hydrangeas blooming from June to July. Can be enjoyed with the “Hydrangea Train” (Ajisai Densha).
Experiences and Activities
Hakone Craft House
Offers various craft experiences including glass blowing, pottery, sandblasting, and dried flower arrangement. Create your own unique souvenir.
Hakone Meissen Antique Art Museum
Displays 18th and 19th-century Meissen porcelain. Appreciate valuable collections in an elegant atmosphere.
Hakone Yumoto Geisha Association
Experience traditional geisha culture, including parlor games and dance performances (reservation required).
Hakone Yumoto Gourmet Information
Signature Dishes and Local Specialties
Hot Spring Buns (Onsen Manju)
The representative specialty of Hakone Yumoto. Many shops line the shopping street, each competing with unique flavors. Enjoying freshly made warm buns while walking is a popular way to experience them.
Hakone Soba
Hand-made buckwheat noodles using Hakone’s clear spring water and quality flour. The resort has long-established soba shops offering specialty dishes.
Tofu Dishes
Tofu made with Hakone’s mineral water is exceptional. Restaurants serve yudōfu (hot pot tofu) and tofu kaiseki among other tofu-based dishes.
Yosegi-zaiku (Wood Marquetry)
Though not food, this traditional Hakone craft is famous. The technique of combining various woods to create beautiful patterns dates back to the Edo period.
Recommended Gourmet Spots
1. Hatsuhana Soba Main Store
An 80-year-old soba shop in Hakone Yumoto. The “yamaimo soba” (mountain yam noodles) is famous—excellent combination of sticky yam and fragrant soba. Expect lines at this popular establishment.
2. Tamura Ginkatsutei
Tofu cutlet stew is the specialty. Crispy breaded silken tofu simmered in special sauce is healthy yet hearty.
3. Hakone Akōan
A soba restaurant along the Hayakawa. Hand-made noodles and seasonal dishes, with the riverside setting making meals special.
4. Chimoto
A long-established yumochi (hot spring bun) shop. Soft, chewy texture makes these ideal souvenirs.
5. Nanohana
Tofu specialty restaurant. Enjoy kaiseki using house-made tofu, with reasonable lunch prices.
6. Suzuhiro Kamaboko no Sato
Experience facility of Odawara’s established kamaboko shop. Enjoy fresh kamaboko and satsuma-age, with hands-on kamaboko-making available. Located near Kazahashi Station, a short distance from Hakone Yumoto.
Cafés and Sweets
Hakone Café
Located in front of Hakone Yumoto Station. Enjoy sweets and drinks made with Hakone ingredients—perfect for a sightseeing break.
Hakone Gin Tōfu
Specialty shop for tofu sweets. Soy milk soft serve and tofu pudding are popular health-conscious options.
Hakone Wagashi Nanohana
Offers traditional to creative Japanese sweets with seasonal limited items.
Shopping in Hakone Yumoto
Recommended Souvenirs
Hot Spring Buns
Different shops offer varying flavors and textures, making taste comparisons fun. Long-keeping types are ideal souvenirs.
Yosegi-zaiku
Hakone’s representative traditional craft. Available as decorative boxes, coasters, chopsticks, and more.
Hakone Beer
Local craft beer “Hakone Beer” brewed with Hakone’s mineral water—ideal for beer lovers.
Kamaboko and Dried Fish
Regional specialties. Suzuhiro kamaboko is particularly famous with numerous varieties.
Hakone no Mori Kara (From Hakone Forest)
Shop featuring nature-themed Hakone merchandise and sweets. Stylish packaging popular as gifts for women.
Shopping Spots
Hakone Yumoto Station and Station-Front Shopping Street
“Hakone Noren-gai” in the station houses numerous souvenir shops. The station-front shopping street is equally extensive for shopping while heading to the resort.
Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street
Leading to the hot spring resort, this street features traditional souvenir shops and new establishments alike.
Yosegi-zaiku Specialty Shops
Multiple specialized shops along the shopping street and resort area allow viewing craftsmen at work.
From Hakone Yumoto to Other Hakone Areas
Hakone Tozan Railway
Hakone Yumoto Station is the starting point of Japan’s renowned mountain railway, running to Gōra Station.
Main Stations
- Tōnosawa Station: Quiet hot spring adjacent to Hakone Yumoto
- Ōhiraidai Station: Known as cherry blossom location
- Miyanoshita Station: Historic resort including Hakone Hotel Fujiya
- Koyūgiya Station: Abundant hot spring facilities including Ynessa
- Chōkoku no Mori Station: Nearest to Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Gōra Station: Transfer point to Hakone Tozan Cable Car
From June to July, hydrangeas bloom along the line, featuring the “Hydrangea Train” with nighttime illumination creating a magical atmosphere.
Hakone Tozan Bus
Multiple bus routes depart from Hakone Yumoto Station to various Hakone locations.
Main Routes
- Moto-Hakone/Hakone Town: To Lake Ashi shores
- Sengokuhara: Pampas grass and Pola Museum
- Lakeside/Townsend: To Hakone Ropeway station
- Old Hakone Highway: Historic Tōkaidō stone paving and more
Recommended Touring Routes
1-Day Course: Hakone Golden Route
Hakone Yumoto Station → Hakone Tozan Railway to Gōra Station → Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sōunyama Station → Hakone Ropeway to Townsend Station → Hakone Sightseeing Ship to Hakone Town Port → Hakone Tozan Bus to Hakone Yumoto Station
Half-Day Course: Museum Tour
Hakone Yumoto Station → Hakone Tozan Railway to Chōkoku no Mori Station (Hakone Open-Air Museum) → Hakone Tozan Railway to Gōra Station → Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Kōen-Kami Station (Hakone Art Museum) → Return to Hakone Yumoto Station from Gōra
Hakone Yumoto Through the Seasons and Events
Spring (March–May)
Cherry Blossom Season
Cherry blossoms bloom from late March through early April along the Hayakawa and throughout the resort. The area around Ōhiraidai Station is particularly noted for cherry blossoms.
Golden Week
One of the busiest tourist periods annually. Early reservations and flexible scheduling are recommended.
Summer (June–August)
Hydrangea Train (mid-June–mid-July)
Approximately 10,000 hydrangeas bloom along the Hakone Tozan Railway. Nighttime illumination creates a magical landscape.
Hakone Yumoto Hot Spring Summer Festival (late July)
Festival features bon dancing and food stalls centered on the shopping street.
Luminous Street · Hakone Yumoto (August)
Bamboo lantern illumination creates a fantastical nighttime resort walk.
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn Foliage (November)
With the lowest elevation in the Hakone area, foliage peaks from mid to late November. Beautiful colors line the riverside trail and resort streets.
Hakone Grand Procession (November 3)
Hakone-wide autumn event featuring a reenactment of Edo-period daimyo processions from Hakone Yumoto to Moto-Hakone.
Winter (December–February)
Winter Hot Springs
The cold season heightens appreciation for hot springs’ warmth. Snow-framed open-air baths are incomparable.
New Year Visits
Temples like Sōun-ji attract many worshippers from January 1st onward.
Practical Information for Hakone Yumoto Tourism
Tourist Information Offices
Hakone Yumoto Station Tourist Information Office
Located in Hakone Yumoto Station with Hakone-wide tourist information, accommodation guidance, and pamphlet distribution. English-speaking staff available.
Business hours: 9:00–17:30 (may vary seasonally)
Luggage Storage and Coin Lockers
Numerous coin lockers in Hakone Yumoto Station accommodate large suitcases. Some accommodations and day-use facilities offer luggage storage services.
WiFi and Communications
Free WiFi is increasingly available at Hakone Yumoto Station, major facilities, cafés, and restaurants. The “Hakone Free Wi-Fi” service provides access at multiple locations throughout Hakone.
Barrier-Free Information
Hakone Yumoto Station features elevators and ramps for wheelchair access. However, the resort area has slopes and stairs requiring caution. Increasingly, accommodations and day-use facilities offer barrier-free facilities—advance confirmation is recommended.
Estimated Sightseeing Time
Day Sightseeing
- Minimum 3–4 hours: Station area walk, day-use hot spring, meal
- 5–6 hours: Above plus nearby temples/shrines and attractions
Overnight Sightseeing
- 1 night/2 days: Hakone Yumoto as base to tour the area
- 2 nights/3 days: Leisurely stay in Hakone Yumoto plus surrounding areas
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Weekday Visits
Weekday visits, particularly Tuesday–Thursday, are relatively uncrowded.
Early Morning and Evening
Day-use facilities are less crowded right after opening or in late afternoon.
Avoiding Peak Seasons
Golden Week, Obon, year-end/New Year, and autumn foliage weekends are extremely crowded. If possible, avoid these periods or book well in advance.
Hidden Gems Near Hakone Yumoto
Tōnosawa Hot Spring
One station from Hakone Yumoto by Hakone Tozan Railway, Tōnosawa offers quieter, more tranquil hot spring atmosphere. Inns dot the Hayakawa riverside with gorge views. Day-use facilities available.
Hatosuka
A small village along the old Tōkaidō route, known as the birthplace of yosegi-zaiku craftsmanship. View craftsman workshops and try hands-on wood marquetry making. Few tourists offer peaceful visits.
Sukumagawa Riverside Walking Trail
Beyond Hakone Yumoto along Sukumagawa lies a quiet trail for unhurried nature appreciation with few visitors.
Cautions for Hakone Yumoto Tourism
Weather and Clothing
As a mountain area, Hakone Yumoto is cooler than lowland areas with changeable weather. Even summer mornings and evenings are cool, so bring layers. Rain gear is essential.
Slopes and Stairs
The resort area features many slopes and stairs, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Avoid high heels or sandals.
Hot Spring Etiquette
When using day-use or lodging hot springs, observe these courtesies:
- Wash body before bathing (rinse down first)
- Don’t put towels in the bath
- Those with long hair should tie it up
- Avoid loud talking
- Photography is prohibited
Reservations
Reserve accommodations, restaurants, and day-use facilities in advance for weekend, holiday, or peak-season visits. Popular establishments book quickly.
Conclusion: Fully Enjoy Hakone Yumoto’s Charm
Hakone Yumoto offers historic hot springs, beautiful nature, delicious gourmet experiences, and serves as Hakone’s primary tourist base—a destination combining multiple charms. With convenient 90-minute access from Tokyo, enjoy it as a day trip or overnight stay.
First-time visitors should explore the station-area shopping street and experience day-use hot springs for resort flavor, then consider extending to Gōra on the Hakone Tozan Railway if time permits. Repeat visitors might explore hidden gems like Tōnosawa or Hatosuka, or visit for seasonal events.
Seasonal beauty, soul-soothing hot springs, delicious local cuisine—Hakone Yumoto offers everything to escape daily life and refresh yourself. Use this guide to enjoy wonderful time in Hakone Yumoto.
