Hakone’s onsen hot spring area is undeniably one of the Kanto region’s hottest tourist destinations and features a plethora of attractions. One that cannot be overlooked are the onsen – volcanic hot springs.
Tourists who want to experience a Japanese furo (bath) have so many options available, deciding where to start can be overwhelming.
Here we’ll introduce three types of hot springs to make a trip to Hakone a bit easier to plan. And even if you’re wary of nude public bathing, you’ll still be able to enjoy the experience of the legendary Hakone onsen glory while taking in spectacular views of Japan’s natural beauty!
Where You Should Stay in Hakone: Best Areas & 30 Top Ryokan and Hotels
1. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Hot Spring Amusement Park: A Wide Variety of Baths (and swimsuits are OK!)
For those who are self-conscious about being nude in public, Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a fitting alternative. In addition to twenty kinds of hot springs, spas and open-air baths, the site also features an area in which bathing suits are allowed.
Yunessun is the only hot spring in Hakone that allows swimsuits!
Popular among overseas visitors are the “Wine Bath,” “Coffee Bath,” “Doctor Fish Footbath,” “Rodeo Mountain,” and “Outdoor Hot Spring With Scenic View Bath.” As the names suggest, “Wine Bath” and “Real Coffee Bath” use real wine and coffee.
Wine baths relax your mind and body with the scent of rich wine and are good for the skin. For families traveling together, children are also allowed in the wine bath.
Pleasantly scented “Wine Bath”
In “Doctor Fish Footbath,” small fish gently nibble at your feet with a pleasant tickling sensation. Each session costs 300 yen, but the business hours vary so, be sure to check if it’s open in advance.
The mysterious feeling of “Doctor Fish Footbath”
Rodeo Mountain, which boasts tremendous popularity among guests of all ages, is a water slide featuring hot water rapids. If you’re over 110 cm tall, be sure to try all three winding slides and conquer Rodeo Mountain!
Powerful Rodeo Mountain
At 40 meters in length, the Outdoor Hot Spring
With Scenic View Bath offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Hakone’s rich natural beauty. It’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy an authentic hot spring, and the whole experience is great for washing away fatigue.
Taking in Hakone’s Beauty from the Outdoor Hot Spring With Scenic View Bath
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun has swimwear rentals and guests with tattoos can enter if their tattoos are covered, making it a foreigner-friendly facility.
Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa nino flat 1297
Hakone-Yumoto
0460-82-4126
2. Hakone Yuryo: Private Open-Air Onsen Baths
Next is Hakone Yuryo, and classically-styled onsen where you can enjoy the finest bathing Hakone has to offer. With 19 private outdoor baths surrounded by lush forests, Hakone Yuryo is the largest facility of its type in the area. Time will seem to stand still while you enjoy bathing with your family or friends, all witho…
