Hakone
Hakone-Yumoto
K Soma / Unsplash
The gateway to Hakone — a traditional onsen town where the Romancecar arrives and the hot spring streets begin.
Hakone-Yumoto is the first stop on the Hakone Tozan Railway and the most accessible part of Hakone from Tokyo: the Odakyu Romancecar pulls in directly from Shinjuku in 85 minutes. The town sits in a steep river valley with a concentrated strip of ryokan, onsen bathhouses (soto-yu), and souvenir shops lining the Hayakawa River. Day-trippers often stop here before heading higher, but staying overnight reveals a quieter, genuinely traditional side — narrow lanes with wooden machiya, foot baths on the street, and the Tonosawa valley above.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑Direct Romancecar service from Shinjuku: the most scenic and comfortable entry point into Hakone with no transfers
- ↑Highest concentration of public onsen bathhouses (soto-yu) in Hakone: multiple facilities accessible without staying at a ryokan
- ↑Tonosawa neighbourhood just above: a quieter strip of traditional inns where the tourist crowds thin considerably
What you sacrifice
- ↓Lake Ashi and Owakudani require the Tozan Railway or bus connections from here — not walkable
- ↓Day-tripper volume in the main shopping street can be overwhelming on weekends and holidays
- ↓Less atmospheric than the upper areas for Mt Fuji views; surrounded by steep valley walls rather than open lake scenery
Best for
Avoid if
Other Hakone neighbourhoods
The upper plateau — the Open Air Museum, Gora Park, and the ropeway over Japan's most active volcanic valley.
Hakone's centrepiece — Mt Fuji reflections, the red torii of Hakone Shrine, and the pirate ship cruises.
The quieter north — pampas grass plateaus in autumn, outlet shopping at Gotemba, and secluded ryokan.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
Best time to visit Hakone →