All Reviews of Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Hot Spring Village

I had long heard that Hakone is a well-known hot spring resort in Japan, but I never had the chance to visit in person. This time, during a trip to Mount Fuji, I specifically arranged to stop here for a few days on the way back, finally getting the chance to fully experience the charm of this mountain town.

As soon as I walked out of Hakone-Yumoto Station, I was greeted by a bustling shopping street lined with all kinds of souvenir shops and local snacks, making it quite fun to explore. As I continued walking, the streets gradually became quieter, with hot spring inns, small bridges, flowing streams, and lush green mountains along the way. Even the air seemed to have a more relaxed feel. Simply strolling around, I could sense a vacation atmosphere completely different from the city. I imagine that when the maple leaves turn red in the fall and the mountains are covered in vibrant colors, the streams and traditional Japanese buildings create another kind of captivating scenery.

Another thing that impressed me most on this trip was Hakone's international popularity! Travelers from many different countries could be seen everywhere, making it one of the places in Japan where I've encountered a particularly high proportion of international visitors. When I returned to the hostel to rest that evening, I happened to meet a couple who had traveled all the way from France to Japan. As we talked about what we had seen and experienced on our journeys, they also said they were deeply fascinated by Hakone's beautiful scenery. It turns out that the charm of this hot spring town truly crosses borders.

If you're planning a trip to Hakone, I highly recommend staying at a hotel near Hakone-Yumoto Station. It's an important starting point for the Hakone Tozan Railway and is very convenient for getting around. Whether you're visiting nearby attractions or transferring to other forms of transportation, it's easy and saves you the trouble of dragging large luggage around. Next time, I'd like to return during the fall foliage season and see just how beautiful Hakone is at a different time of year!

Hakone was so cold in winter that, while walking along the hot spring street, I barely wanted to take my hands out. I saw someone grilling fish cakes by the roadside, so I got a piping-hot one to eat as I walked. It warmed both my hands and my stomach. The grilled fish cake had a light charcoal aroma and was springy with a nice fish flavor. Simple, but very tasty.
Later, I also had grilled fish. The skin was fragrant and crispy, while the fish inside was still very tender. Eating freshly grilled hot food in the cold weather suddenly felt like one of those small, comforting pleasures of traveling.
I slowly wandered along the hot spring street without rushing to keep to a schedule, which made it easier to appreciate Hakone’s laid-back atmosphere.

Taking the mountain railway to Hakone-Yumoto Onsen is such a relaxing scenic journey. The train slowly winds through the mountains and forests, with lush greenery and mountain views filling the windows. You can occasionally see the valley too, making it hard to look away from the scenery outside.

After arriving at Hakone-Yumoto, the atmosphere of the hot spring town immediately puts you at ease. Strolling along the streets, you'll find lots of unique shops and food on both sides. Browsing and eating along the way lets you soak up the distinct charm of a Japanese hot spring town.

If you come to Hakone, you have to explore this atmospheric hot spring street! Stroll along the street and you'll find one hot spring inn, restaurant, and souvenir shop after another. You can eat, browse, and shop as you go, so there's never a dull moment. The hot springs are said to date back to the Nara period, and the area became even more prosperous during the Edo period thanks to the Tokaido Road. When I visited on a weekday, there were fewer tourists than I expected, which made it especially pleasant to explore. It's easy to get there by taking the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station. After exploring, soaking in a hot spring is such a treat!

Restaurants close pretty early, so there’s basically no nightlife here.

I stayed at Yoshikei Ryokan in Hakone-Yumoto. The huge Japanese garden is over 10,000 tsubo, and you can stroll around at your own pace. Super relaxing.

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car. You can see all the famous Hakone sights along the way.

It only takes about an hour by train from Tokyo, so it's super convenient for a day trip.