Hakone travel guide

Where to Stay in Hakone: Best Areas & Hotels

Stay in Gora for the best all-round base — on the ropeway loop near the Open-Air Museum, with ryokan at every price. Choose Hakone-Yumoto for the easiest access from Tokyo and cheaper inns, or Motohakone for Lake Ashi and Fuji views. Wherever you stay, book a ryokan with a private onsen bath.

Where to stay in Hakone — snow-capped Mount Fuji under a starry night sky, Japan
where to stay in Hakone — updated 27 September 2026 | original AmazingAsia artwork

Choosing your base in Hakone

The point of Hakone is sleeping in an onsen ryokan. Choose Yumoto for convenience near the station, Gora for the ropeway and museums, or Motohakone for lake views.

The best areas to stay in Hakone

  1. Hakone-Yumoto · $$

    Best for: Easy access and budget ryokan

    The vibe: The gateway town, packed with inns and souvenir shops

    Hotel pick: Hakone Pax Yoshino — Reliable mid-range ryokan with onsen, approx ¥15,000–30,000/night

  2. Gora · $$$

    Best for: Museums, ropeway and a quieter base

    The vibe: Leafy hilltop town at the loop’s midpoint

    Hotel pick: Gora Kadan — Former imperial villa, top-tier ryokan, approx ¥50,000–100,000/night

  3. Motohakone / Lake Ashi · $$$

    Best for: Lake and Fuji views

    The vibe: Lakeside inns steps from the floating torii

    Hotel pick: Hakone Hotel — Lakeside resort with Fuji views, approx ¥30,000–60,000/night

Also in kanto

where to stay in Hakone — FAQs

Where should I stay in Hakone?

Stay in Gora for the best all-round base — on the ropeway loop near the Open-Air Museum, with ryokan at every price. Choose Hakone-Yumoto for the easiest access from Tokyo and cheaper inns, or Motohakone for Lake Ashi and Fuji views. Wherever you stay, book a ryokan with a private onsen bath.

Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.