Hakone has long been celebrated as one of Japan’s premier hot spring destinations. Hakone is conveniently located close to yet worlds away from the bustle of Tokyo. In winter, it becomes one of the most memorable times to visit because of the onsen. As temperatures drop the contrast between the cool air and the soothing heat of the onsen heightens every sensation. Steam rises dramatically from outdoor baths creating an almost dreamlike scene while the mineral waters ease tired muscles and promote circulation. A good onsen is perfect for travelers seeking relaxation after sightseeing.
Winter also brings a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. With fewer crowds and a calmer pace, visitors can enjoy Hakone’s hot springs at leisure while listening to the rustle of leaves or the gentle sound of water flowing over stone. Many believe that soaking in hot springs during the cold season is especially beneficial for the body, helping ward off chills and leaving the skin soft and refreshed.
There are many hot springs to choose from in Hakone. It is known as an “onsen theme park” for the different views, atmosphere, water quality, and experiences that can be had at each.
Winter Onsen in Japan: A Seasonal Hakone Experience
When winter settles over Japan it is one of the best times to enjoy one of Hakone’s most famous features, the hot spring. Hakone transforms into a serene retreat of crisp mountain air, misty forests, and steaming hot springs. The stars shine in the clear winter nights, snow may dust the surrounding peaks, trees sway quietly in the cold breeze, and the mineral-rich waters of Hakone’s onsen offer an irresistible invitation to slow down, warm the body from within, and savor one of Japan’s most cherished seasonal pleasures. Enjoying hot springs in Hakone during cool winter is not only about warmth—it is about the atmosphere, tradition, and a deeply restorative connection to nature.
Winter Onsen in Japan
Tradition Above the Clouds
The Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel offers beautiful vistas overlooking Sagami Bay, golf, exquisite meals, and an amazing outdoor hot spring. Located at a higher elevation (935m) near the peaks of the central Hakone mountains, the onsen here offer a special bathing experience. This historic hot spring is known for its milky white, sulfur-rich waters in a large open-air bath which is highly prized for their warming and skin-enhancing properties. The contrast of the white bathing waters and green surroundings is striking. The hot springs here offer a winter experience near the peaks of Hakone with the open sky or shining stars above that is unique in Japan.
The open-air baths of Yunohana Prince Hotel put you in the depth of nature surrounded by the richness of Hakone’s natural treasures. In winter, the contrast between the cold mountain air and the intensely warm water is invigorating, creating a memorable and deeply satisfying soak in the famed rich milky waters. Yunohana’s secluded location, stunning facilities, and the uniqueness of the hot spring welcomes travelers seeking an authentic and special onsen experience.
Yunohana Onsen
| Day-use Bathing Hours | Weekday: 1:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. (Last admission is at 4:00P.M.) |
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| Price | Adult: ¥2500~ |
| Official Website |
A Garden of Relaxation by the River
Situated along the Sukumo River and walkable from Hakone Yumoto Station is Tenseien. It is known for its beautifully landscaped Japanese garden, waterfalls, and large variety of rooftop baths for visitors to enjoy. In winter, the mountainside which the onsen looks over takes on a quiet elegance with frost-touched foliage and the sound of softly flowing water enhancing the sense of tranquility.
Tenseien’s expansive open-air baths allow guests to soak while gazing out over the mountainside. A special experience is gazing at the moon in the clear winter skies while you bathe.
A visit here is particularly soothing during the colder months. The facility also offers foot baths, relaxation spaces, and dining options, making it a versatile choice for both short visits and extended stays. Winter illumination and seasonal cuisine further enhance Tenseien’s appeal, turning a simple soak into a full sensory experience.
Tenseien
| Day-use Bathing Hours | 10:00 – 21:00 |
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| Price | Adults: ¥2730 |
| Official Website |
Comfort and Variety in Every Season
Perched on a hillside up the river from Hakone Yumoto Station, Yu no Sato Okada combines traditional onsen charm with modern comfort. The spacious hot spring facility boasts a wide range of baths, including outdoor pools, stone baths, and relaxing indoor options, all fed by Hakone’s renowned hot spring waters. 5 different hot springs are the source for the numerous bathing facilities at Yu no Sato.
In winter, the open-air baths are especially inviting, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains while guests relax in soothing warmth. Yu no Sato Okada is also known for its welcoming atmosphere and convenient amenities, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, and first-time onsen visitors. After bathing, guests can unwind in spacious lounges or enjoy hearty seasonal meals that perfectly complement a winter soak.
Yu no Sato Okada
| Day-use Bathing Hours | 15:00 – 23:00 |
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| Price | Adult: ¥1650 |
| Official Website |
A Winter Experience to Remember
Hakone’s hot springs in winter offer more than just warmth—they provide a moment of stillness, reflection, and renewal. Winter is the best season for onsen and the variety of experiences abound in the Hakone area. Whether soaking in the rustic forest baths of Tenzan, the highland milky waters of Yunohana, the mountainside of Tenseien, or the versatile comforts of Yu no Sato Okada, each onsen reveals a different facet of Hakone’s timeless appeal.
For travelers seeking relaxation, romance, or a deeper connection to Japanese culture, the winter mountains and onsen of Hakone invite you to slow down, immerse yourself in nature, and let the healing waters work their magic.