Choosing a base in Hakone is easier when you know what each area is good at. Here is how the main options compare for first-timers, couples, families and budget travelers.
Hakone sits in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, roughly 90 minutes from Tokyo, and is known for hot springs, scenic railways, lake cruises and mountain views. It works as a day trip or as a relaxing overnight at a ryokan.
Short Answer: Best Area for Most Visitors
For most first visits, stay in Gora, which suits art, onsen and families best. For easy access and budget, look at Hakone-Yumoto instead. For lake views and Fuji, consider Moto-Hakone and Lake Ashi.
Gora
Best for: art, onsen and families. Gora sits on the mountain railway and has several onsen inns, the Open-Air Museum and Gora Park. It is a good midpoint for exploring.
Hakone-Yumoto
Best for: easy access and budget. The gateway town near the rail terminus has the most convenient transport links and a good range of inns.
Moto-Hakone and Lake Ashi
Best for: lake views and Fuji. Staying by the lake puts you near Hakone Shrine and the boats, with the best chance of Fuji views from your room.
Sengokuhara
Best for: quiet and nature. This highland area has hot springs, a pampas grass field and a quieter feel, but fewer restaurants.
How to Choose Your Base
Your choice also depends on how long you stay. Most visitors spend 2 days / 1 night in Hakone, and even 1 day trip from Tokyo works if you base yourself in Gora and keep your plans compact. Our trip-length guide shows how to split your time, and the things to do guide helps you see which sights are closest to each area.
Hakone Areas Compared
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Gora | art, onsen and families |
| Hakone-Yumoto | easy access and budget |
| Moto-Hakone and Lake Ashi | lake views and Fuji |
| Sengokuhara | quiet and nature |
Booking Tips
Hot-spring ryokan often include dinner and breakfast, which shapes the price, so compare what is included rather than just the room rate. Rates and availability shift with the season, so check our best time to visit guide before choosing dates, and book early for late November weekends, cherry blossom season and Golden Week.
Hakone Quick Facts
- Location: Kanagawa, Japan.
- Type of place: hot-spring mountain resort area near Mount Fuji.
- Best time to visit: The best months are November to early December for autumn color and clear Mount Fuji views, and April for spring blossoms. Hydrangeas in June and pampas grass in autumn are also highlights.
- Suggested time: 2 days / 1 night, or 1 day trip from Tokyo if you are short on time.
- Busiest: late November weekends, cherry blossom season and Golden Week. Quietest: weekdays in January and February, and June between rain showers.
Getting Around From Your Hotel
The Odakyu Romancecar runs from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes. Once there, the Hakone Free Pass covers the mountain railway, buses, ropeway, cable car and Lake Ashi cruise. Plan your loop in advance, since the route involves several different forms of transport.
Best Area by Traveler Type
- Art and onsen lovers: Gora. Close to museums, with many hot-spring inns.
- Easy access and budget: Hakone-Yumoto. The gateway town with plenty of hotels and shops.
- Lake views: Moto-Hakone and Lake Ashi. Scenic stays near the shrine and lake cruises.
Money-Saving Tips
The Hakone Free Pass is often cheaper than paying for each ride separately if you cover several stops. Midweek stays are cheaper than weekends, and some ryokan offer rates with breakfast only so you can eat out.
Top Sights Near Your Base
- Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway: The mountain railway climbs through forest with switchbacks between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora. In June, hydrangeas line the tracks and the train is especially popular.
- Take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani: The cable car crosses steaming volcanic vents to the valley of Owakudani, where sulphur clouds rise from the ground. Try the black eggs boiled in the hot springs, and check for closures when gas levels are high.
- Cruise on Lake Ashi: Sightseeing boats styled like pirate ships cross the lake in about 30 minutes, with views of the surrounding mountains and on clear days Mount Fuji.
When to Book
Book early for late November weekends, cherry blossom season and Golden Week. For lower prices and fewer crowds, aim for weekdays in January and February, and June between rain showers.
Tours You Can Book From Any Base
These are the best-reviewed options currently listed for Hakone, based on traveler ratings and review counts on Viator. Prices are starting prices and change with date and group size.
- Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train — rated 4.8 from 32,140 reviews, from $160.
- Private Tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone (Fully Licensed Operator) — rated 4.9 from 2,621 reviews, from $510.
- Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bus — rated 4.6 from 964 reviews, from $133.
- Tokyo: Mt. Fuji Cruise & Hakone Ropeway Day Trip by Bus — rated 4.9 from 342 reviews, from $84.
Plan Your Trip
More Hakone planning help: best tours and experiences in Hakone, best time to visit, things to do, where to stay and how many days you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay in Hakone for first-time visitors?
Gora. Gora sits on the mountain railway and has several onsen inns, the Open-Air Museum and Gora Park.
Where should budget travelers stay in Hakone?
Look at Sengokuhara. This highland area has hot springs, a pampas grass field and a quieter feel, but fewer restaurants..
How far ahead should I book accommodation in Hakone?
Book well ahead for late November weekends, cherry blossom season and Golden Week. Outside those windows a few weeks is usually enough.
How many nights should I stay in Hakone?
Most visitors choose 2 days / 1 night. 1 day trip from Tokyo covers the essentials.
Plan Your Tours in Hakone
Ready to book? See our full roundup of the best tours and experiences in Hakone for guided options, skip-the-line tickets, and day trips.
