Where to stay in Hakone
Hakone is a mountainous region defined by its dispersed geography rather than a singular town center. Your experience depends entirely on the transit mode you prioritize, whether the Hakone Tozan Railway or the ropeway network. Choosing where to stay involves balancing access to the open-air museum and artisan galleries in the east against the sulfurous volcanic sulfur springs and lake views near the caldera in the west.
Gora
Gora feels like a quiet, steeply-tiered mountain village. You are steps from the Hakone Tozan Railway terminus, making it the perfect hub for reaching the Hakone Open-Air Museum. It is a dense, walkable climb featuring manicured rock gardens and boutique bathhouses. It offers a refined, meditative atmosphere while maintaining direct cable car connections to Sounzan and the ropeway.
Hakone-Yumoto
This is the bustling gateway to Hakone, centered around the Soun-dori shopping street. It feels like a vibrant, narrow valley town packed with mochi shops and tea houses. It is highly walkable, dense with public day-use hot springs, and serves as the primary terminal for the Odakyu Romancecar. It is the most convenient spot for short, two-day itineraries.
Moto-Hakone
Situated on the southern shore of Lake Ashi, this area feels expansive and serene. You are within walking distance of the Hakone Checkpoint ruins and the iconic red torii gate of Hakone Shrine rising from the water. The area is defined by cedar-lined paths and boat pier activities, perfect for those wanting to wake up to views of Mount Fuji.
Rent a car in Hakone
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Compare car rentals in HakoneOne thing to think about
Avoid staying near the main road arteries that connect the various towns if you are a light sleeper. The bus traffic is constant throughout the day and early evening, and many buildings are older with thin walls. Prioritize accommodation slightly tucked into the hillsides for silence.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Hakone are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Hakone
Common questions
Do I need a rental car to get around?
No, a rental car is usually a hindrance. The geography is narrow, parking is expensive and limited, and the Hakone Freepass covers the extensive network of mountain trains, cable cars, ropeways, and sightseeing boats. Relying on public transit is part of the intended experience here.
Are there many restaurants open late in the evening?
Dining options close very early. Most ryokan provide dinner and breakfast, which is standard practice because shops and local restaurants in areas like Gora or Moto-Hakone often shut down by 6:00 PM. Do not expect late-night dining outside of major hotel properties.
Is the Hakone Freepass worth the investment?
If you intend to complete the 'Hakone Round Course'—taking the train, cable car, ropeway, and boat—it is almost certainly cost-effective. It eliminates the hassle of purchasing individual tickets at every transfer point and provides significant discounts at several museums and major tourist attractions across the region.
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