Hakone is famous as one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan. Hakone is called an “onsen theme park” because of the different styles and types of hot springs you can experience and enjoy in the area. There are hundreds of bathes to discover in the area each with their own qualities, history, and appeal. You can find onsen with views of the mountains, enjoyable for families, private for couples, tattoo friendly locations, and much more.
The onsen, the Japanese hot spring, is an integral part of Japanese culture and tradition. Experiencing an onsen is a special part of any trip to Japan. Hakone`s unique geological location gives it s number of different and unique hot springs throughout the area. There are onsen in the upper highlands and mountains that are milky white and good for your skin. Other onsen at the base of the mountains have a high alkaline level that aid in skin recovery. Hakone`s onsen waters are naturally heated and pass through different geological areas, giving the water different properties and characteristics. In addition to the water quality is the different settings you can bathe in. The hotels and ryokan in Hakone have different onsen reflecting the surrounding area or style of the accommodations. You can enjoy onsen overlooking the deep valleys and steep mountains, enjoy lake views, bathe outdoors, or find large traditional indoor onsen to enjoy. Onsen bathing has a long traditional and history tied deeply to the Japanese identity. The bathing almost becomes ritual and is a time for you to immerse all your senses during your travels in Japan.
