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Onsen are created when water seeps below the earth and collects in aquifers. These pools of water are heated by the close proximity to magma. This hotter and less dense water rises to the surface, rising through the cracks in the earth to come out and named hot springs.
Cruise on Lake Ashi. Lake Ashi. Lake Ashi, formed by a volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago, is one of Hakone’s most famous attractions. The lake is known for its picturesque views, especially of Mount Fuji when the weather is clear.
- Hakone Yumoto Onsen
- Tonosawa Onsen
- Ohiradai Onsen
- Miyanoshita Onsen
- Dogashima Onsen
- Kiga Onsen
- Sokokura Onsen
- Ninotaira Onsen
- Kowakudani Onsen
- Gora Onsen
Located at the foot of Mt. Yusakayama, Hakone Yumoto Onsen is the oldest hot spring in Hakone, in operation since 738. Considered the “Gateway into Hakone,” travelers arrive at the Hakone Yumoto Station from Shinjuku via the Odakyu Romance Car, Hakone Tozan Railway, or bus. Today, Hakone Yumoto remains popular with tourists with its many ryokan(Jap...
Along the Hayakawa River flows the water of the Tonosawa Onsen. Quieter than Hakone Yumoto, many Japanese authors have taken refuge in its tranquility, writing about the onsen in their works. Discovered during the Edo period, the area has since been developed into a beautiful, picturesque hot spring resort. Plenty of day baths are available to expe...
Once a prosperous woodworking village, Ohiradai is a relatively new onsen, in service since 1951. Today, Ohiradai onsen retains its homey atmosphere, although beautiful flowers decorate the town in Spring. Ohiradai’s claim to historical fame, however, lies in that important Japanese historical figure Toyotomi Hideyoshi once used the water here for ...
The name Miyanoshita comes from this onsen being underneath the Kumano Shrine. People discovered natural spring waters in this area during the Muromachi period. In the Edo period, wives of daimyo(feudal lords) and wealthy merchants visited the area often. When the port of Yokohama opened, foreigners often went to Miyanoshita onsen because foreigner...
During the Edo period, Dogashima onsen had five hot spring inns. Today, only one remains. Local folklore suggests that Muso Soseki, a Japanese Buddhist monk, established this hot spring inn. Muso Soseki was a renowned monk of his era and received the title of Kokushi, a national Zen teacher appointed by Emperor Go-Daigo. These onsen are situated at...
Kiga Onsen, Hakone’s second oldest hot spring, has a legendary history. Yoshinari Kiga, a samurai serving the Kamakura Shogunate, was injured in battle. He sought refuge at the onsen, where his wounds seemingly miraculously healed, allowing him to return to battle. Recognized as one of Hakone’s original seven onsens, the waters were believed to enh...
Another one of the original seven Hakone onsen, Sokokura, gained a reputation among Japanese people during the Meiji period when all the foreigners flocked to Miyanoshita. Sokokura Onsen is home to a legendary Taiko stone bath that Toyotomi Hideyoshi carved out when he attacked Odawara during the Warring States period.
Famous for its Hakone Open Air Museum, Ninotairo is located between the Kowakudani and Gora Onsen. It was initially a resting area for people working in those two areas. However, people discovered this hot spring in 1963. Steadily gaining popularity over the years, Ninotaira’s premier communal bath, “Kame no Yu” (turtle’s bath), is famous for its s...
Once called Kojigoku (Little Hell),the name was changed to Kowakudani Onsen when Emperor Meiji made an Imperial visit to the area. Home to the now-closed Hotel Hakone Kawakien, the first large-scale hotel in Hakone, and the famous onsen theme park, Yunessun, the area is abundant with spas, ryokan, and other natural attractions. Many local ryokan al...
Once used as a villa for politicians, businessmen, and academics in the Meiji era, Gora Onsen is home to five types of onsen, the most popular in the Hakone region. Today, people enjoy a stopover in Gora for a traditional onsen experience before continuing to their destination.
Apr 26, 2022 · Hakone is a famous onsen town, known for its hot spring water and fresh air, located only 80 minutes away from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo). If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture while staying within a few hours of the city, put a trip to Hakone on your itinerary when you visit Tokyo.
Aug 18, 2023 · The Japanese government legally defines onsen as natural hot springs containing one of 19 designated minerals and reaching at least 77°F. Hakone exceeds this criteria, with spring temperatures from 86°F to over 175°F. The relaxing warmth soothes sore muscles and stimulates circulation.
Admission: 1700 yen (weekdays), 2000 yen (weekends, holidays) Hakone Yuryo is a tasteful public bath opened in spring 2013 on the former site of the Hakone Begonia Garden. The facility features gender segregated indoor and outdoor baths with nice views into the forest.
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Onsen have always been naturally found throughout Japan and there is little doubt that these naturally warmed waters have been used for centuries. Here is a a short guide to the history of the hot spring in Japan.
