Where to Stay in Hakone (2026)

Hakone Yumoto is the liveliest and most convenient area, with a busy shopping street, cafes, restaurants and the gateway to the rest of the region. Miyanoshita feels more old-fashioned, with historic architecture, quirky shops, galleries and cafes, while nearby Gora is the cultural and wellness hub, home to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Gora Park and the start of the cable car and Ropeway. Sengokuhara is quieter and greener, known for its pampas grass fields, museums and walking trails, ideal if you want to escape the crowds. Around Lake Ashi, Motohakone is the place for picture-postcard views, with Hakone Shrine’s famous torii gate, lakeside walks and sightseeing cruises. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses around Hakone Yumoto to traditional ryokans and luxury onsen hotels in Gora, Miyanoshita and the Lake Ashi area, so there’s plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets.

Hakone Yumoto

Hakone Yumoto is the best choice for first-time visitors, with Hakone’s main station making it a convenient base for exploring the wider area. The town itself is known for its hot springs, traditional ryokans and lively little shopping street, where you’ll find local sweets, souvenirs, cafes and restaurants. Wander along the Hayakawa River, browse the shops or soak in an onsen before catching a train, bus or the Hakone Tozan Railway into the mountains. It’s particularly good for couples, families and anyone visiting Hakone without a car, thanks to the excellent transport links. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, too, although it’s more about relaxed cafes and local specialities than nightlife.

Gora 

Image by Penny from Pixabay

Set in the mountains, Gora is home to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculptures are displayed among gardens and mountain scenery, as well as Gora Park with its rose gardens, fountains and traditional tea house. It’s also a convenient starting point for the Hakone Ropeway, which heads up towards Owakudani’s volcanic landscape and Lake Ashi. The area is known for its ryokans and onsen, so it’s a good place to slow down with a hot spring soak after a day of sightseeing.

Lake Ashi & Motohakone

Lake Ashi & Motohakone are ideal for lovers of stunning scenery, couples, and visitors who want Hakone’s picture-postcard views. The big draw is Lake Ashi itself, where you can take a sightseeing cruise or wander the shoreline with views towards Mount Fuji on a clear day. In Motohakone, Hakone Shrine sits among the forest, with its famous red torii standing in the water. You can also walk part of the old Tokaido road, visit the Hakone Sekisho checkpoint and stop at lakeside cafes and restaurants. It’s quieter and more scenic than Hakone Yumoto, with traditional ryokans and hotels geared towards relaxing stays rather than nightlife.  

Sengokuhara

Sengokuhara is best known for its sweeping pampas grass fields, particularly beautiful in autumn, as well as its collection of art museums. Wander through the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, explore the Pola Museum of Art or follow the trails around the surrounding hills. It’s greener and more spacious than Hakone Yumoto and Gora, with a handful of peaceful onsen resorts and ryokans. There are fewer shops and restaurants here, but that’s part of the appeal if you’re after a slower, more rural stay. 

Miyanoshita

Once a fashionable hot spring retreat, Miyanoshita still has a historic feel, with traditional buildings, independent shops, cafes and small galleries lining the streets. Pop into the quirky NARAYA Cafe, browse the antiques and crafts, or wander through the leafy grounds of Horai Garden. It’s also a handy base for exploring the wider Hakone area, with the Hakone Tozan Railway passing through. The atmosphere is quieter than Hakone Yumoto, but there’s still enough going on to keep you entertained, and it's a lovely choice for couples, culture lovers and anyone who likes a bit of old-world charm.