Where to stay · Local feel

Most local neighbourhoods in Hakone

Where to stay in Hakone to feel like a resident — the neighbourhoods with genuine local life, independent restaurants, and the fewest tourists.

AllBudgetLocal feelNightlifeFamiliesWalkabilityMost central

Top pick for local feel

Hakone-Yumoto

The gateway to Hakone — a traditional onsen town where the Romancecar arrives and the hot spring streets begin.

Hakone-Yumoto — Owakudani ropeway gondolas crossing above the volcanic valley near the gateway town

Hakone-Yumoto

Top pick

The gateway to Hakone — a traditional onsen town where the Romancecar arrives and the hot spring streets begin.

7/10

Walk

6/10

Price

6/10

Local

6/10

Central

Sengokuhara Hakone — Chureito Pagoda on a wooded hillside representing the quieter northern Hakone area

Sengokuhara & Gotemba

Good

The quieter north — pampas grass plateaus in autumn, outlet shopping at Gotemba, and secluded ryokan.

3/10

Walk

5/10

Price

7/10

Local

4/10

Central

Lake Ashi Hakone — red Shinto torii gate framing the calm lake with forested hills behind

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)

Trade-off

Hakone's centrepiece — Mt Fuji reflections, the red torii of Hakone Shrine, and the pirate ship cruises.

6/10

Walk

4/10

Price

5/10

Local

7/10

Central

Gora Hakone — traditional wooden boats moored on the lake near the upper Hakone plateau

Gora & Owakudani

Trade-off

The upper plateau — the Open Air Museum, Gora Park, and the ropeway over Japan's most active volcanic valley.

5/10

Walk

5/10

Price

4/10

Local

8/10

Central

Know where to stay — now find when to go.

Best time to visit Hakone →